Best City Centers

For a tranquil and refreshing retreat, East London is matchless. Visitors to South Africa’s only river port receive a warm welcome into a relaxed lifestyle. Nestled between the Nahoon and Buffalo Rivers and lapped at by the soothing waters of the Indian Ocean, East London’s charms makes it a subtropical paradise. Although the primary language is IsiXhosa, the gracious and easy-going people of East London are eager to practice their English to welcome new friends who come to share a taste of this treasure of the Eastern Cape Province.

Gonubi Beach

East London lies just 25 kilometres south of Gonubie Beach, and the N2 transit service provides easy travel to the beach from the city. Granted the prestigious international blue flag award, Gonubie Beach is ranked among those meeting strict environmental and safety standards. The beach facilities maintain safety equipment and trained staff on the premises at all times. Visitors stroll down to the beach from the main parking area along an extended wooden boardwalk that offers a scenic view of abundant native plants and engineered tidal pools.

Nahoon Beach

The most popular beach in East London is Nahoon Beach. The beach is named after a local Xhosa chief. It’s easy to see why it is a favourite, because of its many miles of clean and uncrowded sands. Because of its amazing waves, it is home to the Surf Life Saving Club and also is the location where many national surfing competitions are held. Everyone can enjoy Nahoon Beach – whether one is a fisherman or just a sunbather.

Orient Beach

Are you looking for a safe and lovely beach in London this summer? Then you want to head for the Quigney suburb and go down to the southern end of the Esplanade there to find Orient Beach. It’s a favourite of tourists and locals alike. The harbour has breakwaters that protect the cove and there are lifeguards there too, so you can take the whole family and swim in safety. Add to that the two circular swimming pools surrounded by green lawns and you have bathing and swimming room for thousands of people. In season, there are changing facilities, a refreshment kiosk and many restaurants close by. Add to that the hotels and shops on the Esplanade and there’s not much that’s lacking for you at Orient Beach.

The Aquarium

The Friends of East London Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in southern Africa that the public can visit, opened on December 2, 1931. One of the aquarium’s goals is to help marine animals that have been injured due to pollution or other unfortunate circumstances. Many animals are rehabilitated and returned to their homes in the ocean every year. Another of the aquarium’s goals is to educate the public about the ocean’s eco system so they can understand and respect it. In the aquarium there are big, beautiful, illuminated fish tanks that feature local fish.

East London is the perfect vacation spot for those who love the water. In addition to the usual city type fun that East London offers; it has a number of fantastic beaches which provides ample opportunity to partake in water sports and activities. It is also home to an observation platform, built to watch the Southern Right wales as they migrate southward to its arctic feeding grounds.

If you are going to travel, don’t forget to bring your credit cards. Bringing your credit cards with you is especially a must if you are traveling abroad. Before you leave, however, call your banks or credit card issuers and let them know you will be out of the country and using your cards.



Because of the widespread identity theft incidents today, credit card companies are quick to become suspicious of credit card usage and unusual spending patterns. It may be you using your cards but if your credit card issuers aren’t aware that you’re out of the country, they are likely to flag your foreign purchases as fraudulent and block your cards.



What if you decide to use your cards in Thailand and you live in California? Your credit card issuers will become suspicious of charges originating from Thailand. When you take the time to notify your credit card issuers of your impending travel and intent to use your cards overseas, you save yourself a lot of hassles.



In addition to your ATM or debit card, bring only two credit cards. You don’t want to take all of your credit cards with you and risk losing them. Make sure you bring two different types of credit card – one Visa and one MasterCard. This way, you have a backup card if one doesn’t work. Most places accept either a Visa or MasterCard or both. While American Express tells you you shouldn’t leave home without it, be aware that not a lot of establishments outside the United States take American Express. If you are traveling as a couple, carry different cards with you as doing so gives you more options.



If you are renting a car, be aware that most car rental companies will charge a large amount on your card as a deposit. This leaves you with a smaller credit line. This is another reason you will want to bring another card with you. Make sure that the car rental company charges the card that has the collision damage waiver coverage; you will save money this way.



Most credit card companies today charge international transaction fees. For several years, MasterCard and Visa charged only a 1% transaction fee, but nowadays banks and credit card issuers like Visa and MasterCard are charging up to 3% foreign transaction fees. Before you leave for your trip, call up your bank or credit card issuers find out how much each is charging for foreign transactions. Bring the cards that have the best terms. As of this writing, only Capital One Card charges the lowest fees (1% on foreign transactions) so make sure you take this card with you.



When you’re at your destination and using your cards, don’t allow the vendors there to charge you in dollars. Make sure they charge you in their currency; otherwise, you may end up paying more and still end up charged a foreign transaction fee.



While credit cards are used widely, be aware that some places still don’t accept them as a method of payment. Many of the small B&Bs and hotels, as well as small restaurants, still accept cash as the only method of payment. And if they do accept credit cards, they may add on 3% to 5% to your bill to make up for the fees the credit card companies charge merchants. So be sure you take some cash with you, or have your ATM or debit card handy.