August 2026 40 PENZAR
GOSS’, GAB AND GOOD STORIES...
ISSUE 16
PENPALS
o Know Getting t sthuizen o O l e n a h c S
e c a l a P n Pe tches a M & s e h c t a H
Globe Trotters
b u l C n a F
Ola’ Pentravel Mayor Schanel
Garden Route made history, with the inaugural Mayor being crowned at the glittering PenPalace in Sandton. Schanel is living proof that hard work, steely dedication, being wonderful Mom, a great Leader, a top Performer and all-round awesome Person exists. Our Mayor has a huge smile almost every time we see her. Her joy is infectious and her warmth as a person is open for all to see. We look forward to her Mayoral wish for the Year!
Pen Palace
Speaking of Pen Palace, what a glittering night it was with our crazy emcee Kevin Frazer bringing us so many laughs. Of course, the night was primarily to celebrate ALL Pentravel and ALL your successes. Please see all the jam-packed pics in Pen Pals to help you not to forget this memorable celebration in a hurry. Congrats to ALL of You!
All Stars Bahamas and Miami
Arriba-Arriba ALL STARS! So, the most eagerly anticipated trip of the Year did not disappoint. The biggest reward is to see all these truly wonderful magnificent Stars, the Top of the Charts Stars celebrate their extreme success with a Cruise. A Celebrity Cruise! “We could be in the … BA-HA-MAS!” was the most used phrase … followed by the single expressive word = Wild! We took to driving on the streets of Bimini, Bahamas with (racing) Golf Karts! Silent Disco with noisy Pen Peeps singing on Celebrity. Dinner on board the Cruise was a feast every night – thank you to Celebrity! A few days earlier we explored Marvellous Miami! + We learnt, that English is not the first language in Miami, so speak any language as long as it is Spanish. + “Hybrid” nightclubs is a thing in Miami. Errrr yes, this point is hard to explain. + Not all the Oceans are painted in the same blue – Stunningly blue was the Bahamian waters + Holding a drink in Brown Paper Packet is very chic and the new normal. + Midnight Miami “AI” inspired Tattoos are very real. Only the ALL STARS will be able to explain what all these mean 😊😊😊 😊😊😊d luck asking as they have been sworn to ALL STAR secrecy.
Bafana Proud
I had some doubts about our Team being stuck in awe in the biggest of all soccer stage – FIFA World Cup. At the time of writing this, Bafana Bafana soccer team is getting ready to play at their first ever knockout game against co-host, Canada. I am now beaming with pride for our Team – even qualifying for the World cup is a long and very challenging path to navigate. Bafana qualified and through the first round! Bafana Proud!
Fun Fascinating Facts about World Cup Soccer: 1.5 billion - the tournament is the most watched sporting event on Earth. The 2022 final between Argentina and France. Since there are 8 billion on planet earth makes it even more amazing. Stollen Trophy – back in 1966 the original trophy was stollen only to be found by a dog named, Pickles Brazil – is most successful and won the tournament 5 times Trophy hidden – during the World war, FIFA VP hid the trophy in a shoebox with a fear of the trophy being stollen. It worked! 1,200 – soccer players making up 48 teams this year compared to only 13 teams back in 1930 … first Soccer World Cup to take place
Pentravel True Grit
What is the definition for Grit? - Grit generally refers to firmness of character, indomitable spirit, and the courage to persist through difficulty. In psychology, it is defined as the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals In closing, it has been a particularly uneasy with global tensions. As Travel Professionals you rose up. Again. And Again! Helped and guided every client. The definition of Grit – should actually in Pentravel Professional. I would like to end off acknowledging All Pentravel for All Your True Grit!
Leading with Heart A conversation with our Mayor
1
How did your journey with Pentravel begin, and what inspired you to join the travel industry? My journey began in Feb 2010. I saw an advert in the local newspaper and I was immediately intrigued. I thought to myself that it would be a great career and if successful in it I might get opportunities to travel, something that I loved growing up even if it was just to neighbouring African countries
2
Looking back on your journey at Pentravel, what’s been your most memorable moment or achievement so far, and what does being named “Mayor of Pentravel” mean to you personally and professionally? One of my biggest achievements was becoming the manager of Garden Route and together with my team leading the shop into its first profit ever in 2015. Then when Garden Route was awarded top shop for the first time in 2023. My word in my wildest dreams I would never have thought little George will be up there. That was the biggest moment in my career and something I am very proud of. Being named Mayor of Pentravel is the biggest honour I and privilege. To me personally and professionally it’s the highlight of this incredible journey I have been on for the last 16 years. Working for the best travel company in the industry that recognize our achievements and success.
3
Which destination has stolen your heart, and why? Scotland without a doubt. There is something magical about it. All the Myths and Legends. The history and mid evil era intrigues me so much. Scotland is such a beautiful country with warm welcoming people.
4 5
Are you a “plan everything in advance” traveller or more of a spontaneous explorer? I am a more spontaneous explorer. I know beforehand what the highlights is that I want to do but from there I don’t plan much I take it as it comes What’s the best travel advice you’ve ever received or would give to others? When visiting a new city, the best way is to start with a hop on hop off bus to see all the major sights. It’s also a cost-effective way of transport because you can get off where you want, walk around and hop on to the next stop.
6
What has working in the travel industry taught you about people and life? It has taught me to be patient, to listen and not always talk. It has taught me that there is really no short cut to success, you have to start from the bottom of the ladder and make your way up. It has taught me to stay humble and be grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.
7
Share a surprising or fun fact about yourself that people wouldn’t expect! I was born in Secunda and lived there till I was 9
Pen Palace 14 March 2025 / Johannesburg
Party Stats no. of guests
no. of drinks served
171
1912
11.18
111 80
ave. no of drinks per person
115
bottles of wine and champagne
289 soft drinks
lost property Zero lost property!!!
Sales awards
461
386
ciders and beers
bottles of water
123 Jagermeister shots
broken glasses More than a few broken glasses
Supplier awards
67 gins and spirits
126 Tequila shots
2.30am
Last last coach – 2.45am........ with a few UBER’s after that....... And an Emcee that partied until 2am with us
Where our team explored and m
m members went, made memories!
Champagne, Sunshine & Smooth Sailing
An All Star Adventure to Remember by Deirdre de Swardt This All Star trip was honestly one for the books! It started off with champagne in the lounge at OR Tambo to get us all excited and then we boarded the BA A380 on the upper deck, which was such a treat. We landed in Miami and instantly felt the Miami Heat! Miami is such a vibrant and exciting city, it is definitely at the top of my favourite city list! Next up was our cruise, I have been on Royal and NCL before, so I was very intrigued to see what Celebrity had to offer. The service and food was second to none (#frenchonionsoup), I think it is the perfect blend of relaxation and party-vibe. Our first stop was Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is a private island shared between Royal and Celebrity. It was so much fun! Firstly a few of us paid to do the Swimming Pigs and Stingray excursion, which was definitely a highlight for me! Once back on the island we paid to go into the adults only pool area which had a swim up bar and DJ – definitely worth it! Our next stop on the cruise was Bimini, Bahamas. This tiny little island didn’t have too much to offer, but we decided to trek around on our hired golf carts and do a bit of sightseeing. We found the most amazing beach bar with a view that is even more breathtaking in person than any photo could ever show. Then before we knew it, our cruise adventure had come to an end and it was time to say goodbye. A huge thanks to Pentravel and Cruises International for this amazing opportunity, I had such a great time and I have so many special memories that I will treasure forever
From the Vibrant Streets of Miami to the Crystal Waters of the Bahamas A Journey to Remember by Cleo Geldenhuys
Some trips leave you with photographs, while others leave you with memories that last a lifetime. My recent adventure took me from the vibrant streets of Miami, across the turquoise waters of the Bahamas aboard Celebrity Cruises, on to the bright lights of New York City, before ending with a Quick stop in London. Every destination had something unique to offer, but one city captured my heart more than any other—Miami. Our journey began in Miami, and from the moment we arrived, the city's energy was infectious. To get our bearings, we hopped aboard the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which proved to be one of the best ways to explore the city's famous neighbourhoods and landmarks. From South Beach to Little Havana, every stop revealed a different side of Miami. Without a doubt, Española Way was the highlight of the city. The charming pedestrian street, lined with colourful Mediterranean-style buildings, fairy lights, and lively restaurants, was simply magical. What made Miami so special for me was its strong Cuban influence. From authentic Cuban food and music to the vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality, the city has a culture that is impossible not to fall in love with. A must do is renting bicycles and cycling along Miami Beach. Riding beside the ocean, feeling the warm sea breeze, and taking in the palm-lined promenades was the perfect way to experience the city's relaxed coastal lifestyle. It allowed us to slow down, take in the scenery, and appreciate Miami from a completely different perspective. After exploring Miami, we boarded Celebrity Cruises for an unforgettable voyage to the Bahamas. The ship itself became part of the experience, offering exceptional service, fantastic dining, endless entertainment, and breathtaking ocean views. Our first stop was Perfect Day at CocoCay, a beach party day with cocktail, lounging around and of course, one of the highlights was meeting the famous beach pigs and stingrays, making for some unforgettable photos and plenty of laughs.Then onto Bimini, where crystal-clear turquoise waters and a relaxed island atmosphere. To truly experience the island, we rented golf carts and spent the day driving around, discovering its hidden corners and taking in the stunning coastal scenery at our own pace. It was the perfect way to explore and soak up the laid-back Bahamian lifestyle. Along the way, we stopped at a local beach bar for lunch, enjoying delicious island food with beautiful ocean views before continuing our adventure. After disembarking from the cruise, we parted ways, some off to Disney but we headed to New York City. Although our visit was brief, we made the most of every moment by exploring the city on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, allowing us to see many of New York's world-famous landmarks in a short space of time. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to grabbing a legendary slice from Joe's Pizza, and a Giant Sandwich at Katz. The city certainly lived up to its reputation.On our journey home, we enjoyed a long layover in London, giving us the opportunity to leave the airport and experience a little of the city. No visit to England would be complete without enjoying traditional fish and chips with a refreshing pint, making it the perfect way to end an incredible holiday before boarding our flight back home. Looking back, every destination offered unforgettable experiences, but Miami will always be the standout. Exploring the city by bicycle, discovering its neighbourhoods on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, wandering through the enchanting Española Way, and experiencing its rich Cuban culture made it a place I'll never forget. Travel isn't just about ticking destinations off a list—it's about the people you meet, the cultures you experience, the food you taste, and the memories you create. This journey was filled with laughter, adventure, and moments I'll treasure forever. It reminded me why I love travelling and left me already dreaming about my next adventure.
Island Island H Through Through Th Th F
or a first-time visit to Thailand, having every detail taken care of made all the difference. From hotels and ferry crossings to transfers between the islands, everything was seamlessly organised for us, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the experience. Our trip manager was incredibly kind and helpful, always happy to answer questions and guide us throughout the journey. Each destination had something special to offer, but Koh Phi Phi quickly became my favourite. With its breathtaking scenery and postcardperfect beaches, it was everything I’d imagined Thailand would be. Days were spent swimming in the ocean, treating ourselves to relaxing massages, and soaking up the island atmosphere. Evenings came alive with bar hopping, mesmerising fire shows, bustling night markets and, of course, my favourite ritual—ending the night with a soothing foot massage before heading back to the hotel. One of the standout experiences was kayaking through the caves in Krabi. Our local guide shared fascinating stories and facts about the area while we paddled through the stunning scenery, taking in the peaceful surroundings and snapping plenty of photos. Another favourite memory was waking up early on Phi Phi Island before the crowds arrived, sitting quietly on the beach, listening to the waves and boats, and watching the island slowly come to life. Travelling with Contiki also made the experience even more memorable thanks to the incredible
Nomz
group atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know my colleagues better as we explored local markets, experienced Thailand’s nightlife and even challenged ourselves to taste scorpions together! We also met fellow travellers from around the world, and those who had visited Thailand before shared some fantastic hidden gems for us to explore during our free time. Without a doubt, the Blanco Boat Tour was the excursion that truly defined the trip.
We spent the day cruising around the islands, stopping at iconic spots like Monkey Beach and Maya Bay, with some of us jumping straight off the boat for a refreshing swim. A live DJ kept the energy high throughout the day, creating the perfect soundtrack as we sailed through paradise. We ended it all dancing on deck while watching a spectacular sunset over the ocean— an unforgettable moment and easily one of the highlights of the entire adventure. What surprised me most was how different each island felt. Phuket buzzed with vibrant nightlife, lively markets and endless energy. Phi Phi Island delivered the carefree tropical paradise I’d always imagined, while Krabi offered a slower pace surrounded by incredible natural beauty, making it the perfect place to wind down before heading home. I was also pleasantly surprised by just how affordable the food and shopping were compared to South Africa, making it even easier to enjoy everything Thailand had to offer.
Hopping Hopping hailand hailand with with
Klaas
Beachcomber #BeachcomberExperience
CLASS OF 2025 I had the incredible opportunity to join the fabulous Minions of 2025 on their trip to Mauritius, and what an experience it was! Having travelled to so many different destinations over the years, I can honestly say that Mauritius is truly something special. There’s something about it that feels familiar, like a home away from home. Hearing people speaking your language in the streets and around the resorts gives you a real sense of belonging, which made the experience even more memorable. One thing that surprised me was how different each side of the island feels. Even though it’s one island, every “side” offers its own unique atmosphere and experiences, making it feel like you’re discovering somewhere new every day. Now, I have to admit something. Having started my career at Pentravel, I
Chanté
never fully understood the hype around Beachcomber, but oh boy do I get it now! Each resort has its own personality, and seeing them firsthand made me realize just how important it is to match the right resort with the right client. The food was sensational,
“There’s something about it that feels familiar, like a home away from home.” and I loved how they incorporate some of our South African favourites into the menus. It’s a small touch, but it makes you feel right at home. What stood out most for me personally was the attention to detail. From the wooden card on your bed that lets housekeeping know whether you’d like your linen changed or not,
to returning from dinner to a beautifully prepared room with the lights set just right and your bed ready for a great night’s sleep, it’s the little things that make a big difference. It’s easy to see why they’re known as the specialists of Mauritius. And then there was the unforgettable moment when a sea cucumber decided to spill its guts on my foot at beautiful Paradis. A memory I’ll cherish forever... although “cherish” might be a strong word. It was absolutely gross. Mauritius and Beachcomber, truly go together like pizza and wine. Beachcomber really went above and beyond for the Minions that worked so hard to be there. Thank you, Beachcomber and Pentravel, for an experience I’ll never forget and a trip that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Fan Club
Mamma Mia-ritius ~ Super C Style What a night filled with courage, laughter, questionable dance moves, unexpected talent, and memories that still have us smiling. From ABBA classics to crowd favourites, our Mamma Mia-ritius evening reminded us that some of the best moments happen when we step out of our comfort zones, grab the mic and simply have fun… Some voices were pitch perfect, others were passionately enthusiastic, but every performance brought energy, entertainment, and plenty of laughs. Beyond the music, the evening was a wonderful reminder that it's not just about the ‘destination’... It's about the journey, the people you share it with, and the magic you create along the way. Thank you to everyone who embraced the spirit of the evening, sang their hearts out, cheered one another on, and made the night one to remember. You certainly brought the style, proving that when this team comes together, there's no shortage of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories. Until the next encore... 'Thank You For The Music' Siobhan KZN's Super Trouper Showdown Wow, what a Super Trouper of an evening! Beachcomber and Pentravel truly pulled off a fantastic event, but the real magic came from the teams. The fun, laughter, camaraderie, and enthusiastic attempts at singing (let's call it that!) made the night so special. There were some very interesting dance moves on display and more than a few aspiring Dancing Queens! A special shoutout to Chants from Beachcomber, the star of the show! KZN's very own Honey Honey, rockstar, glitz-and-glam queen, and full-on Mamma Mia diva! Our teams brought the sparkle (literally), the energy, the singing, the dancing, and the incredible vibe that made the whole evening unforgettable. Thank you to every team for the effort, the outfits, and for bravely putting yourselves out there on stage. It was absolutely hilarious! So, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! a chance to say Thank You for the Music and a huge thank you to Pentravel, Beachcomber, and the amazing KZN teams! As a region, we've made a pledge to Beachcomber: I Do, I Do, I Do promise to support you with sales across KZN, make plenty of Money, Money, Money, and ensure there's never an SOS needed from our side. There will certainly be no sales Slipping Through Our Fingers. Our goal is simple: for KZN to be The Winner Takes It All! Beth Mamma Mia… What a Night GP! Some evenings remind us that the best memories are made when great people come together, and this was definitely one of them! A huge shout out to the Beachcomber team for hosting an unforgettable. Mamma Mia-themed karaoke evening. From the iconic music and incredible atmosphere to the laughter that filled the room, it was a night to remember from start to finish. Our singing talents may not be replacing our day jobs anytime soon (thankfully! �), but that certainly didn’t stop us from giving it our all on the mic. There was plenty of dancing, cheering, and a few performances worthy of an encore! An equally big thank you to all our Gauteng peeps for bringing the gees! Your enthusiasm, team spirit, and willingness to embrace the fun made the evening truly special. It was fantastic to see everyone letting their hair down, supporting one another, and creating moments we’ll be smiling about for months to come. Here’s to more evenings that bring us together, strengthen our partnerships, and remind us that the best teams know how to celebrate as well as they work. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme… another night like that! Nadine
& Hatches Our family has grown again! Meet Dayaan Malik, our second little bundle of joy, already keeping us on our toes (especially at night!). -Soheil
A stormy day, but a beautiful setting, and a perfect beginning… Congratulations to Lindsay and Corne on your wedding day (21/03/26)
Congratulations to Tegan on her engagement! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful adventures together!
Matches Cheers to Lara & Marcel Aggenbacht, who said "I do" on 21 March '26 at the beautiful Loch Lynne Wine Estate. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter and unforgettable adventures together!
“A surprise, a proposal, and a moment we'll treasure forever. He asked the question that changed our lives forever, and it was the easiest YES I have ever said” -Gigi
Samba dancers , drummers and deal-makers
AUCTION 2026 Save the date.. KwaZulu-Natal: 12 November Gauteng: 17 November Cape Region: 19 Novemeber