Tax Back, Bags Packed

From spreadsheets to sunsets – these are the escapes topping our list 

• For The Chill Seekers: Hammocks in the Maldives, lagoon kayaking in Seychelles, sunset cruises in Mauritius 
• For The FOMO Fighters: Helicopter flips in Vic Falls, street festivals in Lisbon, wine bars and moody museum days in Cape Town 
• For The Romantics: Stargazing in Franschhoek, couples spa treatments on a cruise, rooftop dinners in Porto  
• For The Soloists: Food tours in Vietnam, yoga retreats in Thailand and Sri Lanka, creative escapes in Bali 
• For The “Refund Said Yes” Crew: Ski school in the Alps, island hopping in Greece, hot air ballooning in the Winelands, game drives in the Kruger  

👉 Travel solo, in a pair or with the group chat. Our agents can match the energy and the budget. 

Forget the basic “don’t forget your charger” advice. These are the tips that separate the tourists from the travellers. 

• Maldives: Pack reef-safe sunscreen and leave the heels – most resorts are sandy paths and barefoot chic. 
• Mauritius: Driving’s on the left and street signs are... minimal. If you’re exploring, hire a local driver and enjoy the scenery stress-free. 
• Portugal: Bring walking shoes with grip – Lisbon’s beautiful cobblestone streets + hills = accidental leg day. 
• Lisbon: The city runs on coffee and pasteis. Fuel up at a café before sightseeing – locals eat light but often. 
• Garden Route: Book adventure activities like Tsitsikamma ziplining and whale-watching cruises in advance – especially in school holidays. 
• Cruises: First to book = best cabin, best location, best chance of pretending you're VIP. 
• Seychelles: Bring a reusable water bottle – hydration stations are common, and it's a small win for the planet.  

👉 Travel smart. Book smarter. Our Pentravel travel experts can help you sort all the little things that make the big things better. 

You’ve got the green light from a tax refund and itchy feet – but also a few question marks. No stress. From timing your leave days right to planning bougie breaks on a budget, here’s what people ask us all the time (and what you should be asking too).  

Q: Is this a good time to travel?                                                                                      
A: For sure – many destinations are in their “shoulder season”, meaning lower rates and fewer tourists. 

Q: I want something quick and easy. Ideas?                                                                                 
A: A 3-night cruise from Durban. A long weekend in Vic Falls. A week in Mauritius. We’ll match your leave days with the perfect getaway. 

Q: I want a luxe escape… without bankruptcy vibes.                                                                          
A: We got you. We know where to find value-for-money boutique hotels, off-season deals, and sneaky upgrades. 

Q: Can I book activities with you too?                                                                                
A: Yes! From safaris to scuba diving – tell us your wish list, we’ll make it part of your package. 

Q: Do I need travel insurance?                                                                                                    
A: Always. We’ll help you choose the right one!  

👉 Don’t guess – ask. Our Pentravel travel experts are here to help you book smarter, not harder. 

Don't just go places – taste them. Your refund’s not just buying memories, it’s buying flavours. And a few treats to take home.  

Mauritius 

• Dholl puri (a lentil flatbread filled with curry and chutney) 
• Gâteau piment (spicy fried chilli snacks) 
• Fish vindaye (vinegary, turmeric-spiced fish) 
• Boulettes (steamed dumplings from Chinatown in Port Louis) 
• Drink: Phoenix beer or local rum cocktails 

Souvenir ideas: Locally made rum, dodo fridge magnets, handwoven beach bags                                                                                   

Maldives                                                                                                                               

• Garudhiya (a fragrant fish broth with lime and rice) 
• Mas huni (tuna, coconut and onion breakfast mash) 
• Rihaakuru (thick fish paste used in local sauces) 
• Bis keemiya (samosa-meets-spring-roll goodness) 
• Drink: Kurumba (young coconut) – bonus points if sipped on the beach 

Souvenir ideas: Coconut oil skincare products, hand-carved lacquer boxes, beach sarongs from local markets 

Portugal                                                                                                                                   

• Pastel de nata (you already know – but eat at least 3) 
• Bacalhau à brás (salted cod, potato and egg scramble) 
• Francesinha (a sandwich that eats like a fever dream) 
• Piri-piri chicken from an actual taverna 
• Drink: Ginjinha – a sweet cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup 

Souvenir ideas: Tiles (azulejos), tinned sardines in cool packaging, a bottle of olive oil from a local market. 

👉 Let’s turn your tax return into flavours, finds, and flex-worthy souvenirs. Chat with a Pentravel travel expert who knows where to eat, what to bring home, and how to stretch that refund into a full-on experience.