S. Africa/World Cup 2010 Q's
Sep 26, 2009, 8:44 am
#61
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Sep 26, 2009, 11:17 am
#62
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Yes. Remember the Beijing Olympics?
Ahead of the games, prices were sky high. Just before the start, there was a glut and loads of rooms were offloaded at more reasonable prices, almost dumping. Part of this was a huge oversupply of new hotels (unlikely in SA) but it also had to do with the market not being willing to pay exorbitant prices.
I can't help thinking that if anybody is prepared to take the risk, it might be an idea to book some expensive cancellable rooms now and then if more reasonable prices turn up, cancel and rebook.
Ahead of the games, prices were sky high. Just before the start, there was a glut and loads of rooms were offloaded at more reasonable prices, almost dumping. Part of this was a huge oversupply of new hotels (unlikely in SA) but it also had to do with the market not being willing to pay exorbitant prices.
I can't help thinking that if anybody is prepared to take the risk, it might be an idea to book some expensive cancellable rooms now and then if more reasonable prices turn up, cancel and rebook.
If I had booked my flight & matches tickets already I would definitely sort out my accomodation well before the event.
I agree with Sagy. The Olympics & WC are amazing events to experience for any serious sports fan. I have never encountered a city in a better light than Sydney in 2000. The same apprehension that I saw (I was living there at the time) in the leadup to those games is clearly visible amongst my friends in Joburg. Can you actually imagine visiting Joburg when there is a proper level of security? I cant wait.
Sep 26, 2009, 11:40 am
#63
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Sep 26, 2009, 11:59 am
#64
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No but the organizers will still control the hotel availability. As I mentioned in my original offering this WC is completely different to previous tournaments as there will be far more fans with 5/6/7 match series tickets.
I think the sensible strategy is to rent a house/apt for the duration of one's stay within the Joburg/Pretoria area and then travel to the games in Durban,PE,CT etc. Given the no of matches in the Joburg/Pretoria area I am not sure there will be too many last minute bargains in Gauteng.
Sep 26, 2009, 7:58 pm
#65
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Motorhome advice
While we are on the topic of homebase ... we have secured a motorhome for a couple of weeks. We did this in Germany for 06 with great results (we spent a good amount of time parked in the middle of Munich - great experience).
However, as I look at all the motorhome parks in SA, it looks like they are often pretty far outside of town. Ideally, we would like to situate in town (Pretoria, Durban, etc.) for a few days. We really only use the motorhome parks to refill on water, drain out the bad, etc.
What do people think about the prospect of finding secure parking or paying someone to stay on their property so that we have a safe place to park, but are still in the city? Alternatively, would it be better to drive into town everyday and find a secure car park?
We're a bit concerned about security, but I really can't get a good feel for security around staying in a motorhome in a city (excluding Joburg of course).
However, as I look at all the motorhome parks in SA, it looks like they are often pretty far outside of town. Ideally, we would like to situate in town (Pretoria, Durban, etc.) for a few days. We really only use the motorhome parks to refill on water, drain out the bad, etc.
What do people think about the prospect of finding secure parking or paying someone to stay on their property so that we have a safe place to park, but are still in the city? Alternatively, would it be better to drive into town everyday and find a secure car park?
We're a bit concerned about security, but I really can't get a good feel for security around staying in a motorhome in a city (excluding Joburg of course).
Sep 27, 2009, 3:33 am
#66
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All those events had easy access to luxury and non luxury accommodations with the exception of the Nagano Winter Olympics. And in that case I just took the bullet train back to Tokyo at the end of each day. I will hold off judgment for now as I think SA will rise to the occasion, but it ain't gonna be easy for a lot of people to attend this cup.
That said, watching football in Africa is a hoot and I fully expect one and maybe two African teams to make it out of group stage. Going to those final matches will be a blast even if you have to sleep in a bag next to a fire. But if I did go, I would significantly lower my experiences when it comes to accommodations, in country travel, organization, etc.
Nov 29, 2009, 7:38 pm
#67
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I secured lodging very close to Cape Town stadium at reasonable rates, but booked it 4 months ago and had to pay 50% non-refundable 8 months in advance. My concern right now is domestic flights, as my reward flight only takes me to JNB and I have to get to CPT, and right now domestic returns are $600, even on the discount airlines. ROBBERY
Nov 29, 2009, 9:40 pm
#68
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I secured lodging very close to Cape Town stadium at reasonable rates, but booked it 4 months ago and had to pay 50% non-refundable 8 months in advance. My concern right now is domestic flights, as my reward flight only takes me to JNB and I have to get to CPT, and right now domestic returns are $600, even on the discount airlines. ROBBERY
Dec 1, 2009, 4:10 am
#69
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FIFA accommodation bookings now open
This post on the BA forum is about booking accommodation via fifa.com - bookings transferable and cancellable for $25.
Dec 1, 2009, 3:48 pm
#70
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I secured lodging very close to Cape Town stadium at reasonable rates, but booked it 4 months ago and had to pay 50% non-refundable 8 months in advance. My concern right now is domestic flights, as my reward flight only takes me to JNB and I have to get to CPT, and right now domestic returns are $600, even on the discount airlines. ROBBERY
Flight back to JNB proves to be a nightmare at this point. Will figure it out at some point.
Dec 1, 2009, 8:18 pm
#71
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I will also fly into JNB but I arrived a week before the start of the World Cup. I am planning to do the safari at Kruger before flying into DUR prior to the start. I secured one way ticket DUR to PLZ and PLZ to CPT for $90 and $115 respectively on SA as we are planning to stay a few days in each city. This was done in early September though.
Flight back to JNB proves to be a nightmare at this point. Will figure it out at some point.
Flight back to JNB proves to be a nightmare at this point. Will figure it out at some point.
Dec 2, 2009, 12:35 am
#72
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Dec 2, 2009, 1:55 am
#73
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Ouch. That may hurt. I can imagine there may be limited availability for individual travellers.
Dec 4, 2009, 9:19 pm
#74
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I may have to start looking hard for the safari.