Ivona Siniarska - Take Off Go

13/12/2024

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07/12/2024

Why I Keep Returning to Africa: A Journey of People, Place, and Peace

This trip has been perfect, and I am even more in love with this beautiful continent than ever before. People often ask me why I keep coming back. As I conclude my 38th trip, let me share my “why.”

It comes down to three key reasons:

People

For a part of the world so often associated with how little its inhabitants have, there is an abundance of humanity unparalleled anywhere else on the planet. There is constant laughter, love, music, dance, and a contagious sense of community that, each time you’re here, embeds itself deeper into your heart.

The philosophy of Ubuntu, which focuses on the connection of humanity and the importance of community, is ever-present. Everyone is here for one another, and this authenticity is so beautiful that it makes your heart sing.

You listen to the songs, watch the dances, and feel this overwhelming sense of what life is truly about. When you are met, welcomed, or wished a good morning, there is often this simple yet profound gesture—someone placing their hand over their heart—so you know that every “good morning,” “thank you,” or “good day” truly comes from the heart.

Place

Mother Nature at her finest. To witness landscapes where mountains meet oceans and ancient seas turn into deserts is nothing short of poetic. There is no other place on Earth where you can see life begin, endure, and thrive quite like the African bush.

Being on safari, close to some of the largest, most majestic, fiercest, and most dangerous animals on the planet, is the essence of being alive.

Hearing a lion roar, seeing a leopard hunt, watching an elephant protect her calf, or witnessing hyenas and wild dogs clash over a meal—these are experiences that words can never fully capture.

In the bush, you witness the most beautiful and sometimes most heartbreaking aspects of nature existing in harmony, reminding you of your own place in the world. It’s humbling to realise how insignificant we are in comparison to life in the wild.

Peace

While I speak of being alive, I also speak of peace. Not peace in politics, but peace in the people, in the way of life. This peace seeps into your soul.

Each time I land on this beautiful continent, I am struck by an overwhelming sense of belonging—this is where life began, where humanity evolved. Being in the bush, watching the sunrise, and smelling the plains coming to life after a night of stillness brings a peace unlike anything else.

In these moments, there is nothing but you: no distractions, no worries, no burdens of everyday life. You are stripped down to the purest, truest version of yourself. And in that purity, any sorrows you carry seem to find solace.

Every trip here allows me to reset, refocus, and rediscover a love for life.

My Africa

I love this place—every part of it. There is no other continent on Earth as diverse, as vibrant, or as deeply connected to humanity’s shared story.

If you’ve been, then you know. You know there’s no such thing as “a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa.” Everyone returns, because as soon as you step onto that plane to leave, you feel an overwhelming pull to come back—to come home to where we all belong.

If you haven’t been yet, thank you for sharing my journey. I hope your own journey here comes soon.

I may not have been born in Africa, but it is here that I find myself, awaken my soul, define my purpose, and expand my heart every single time.

Until next time, my beautiful Africa—thank you.

xx

Ivona

06/12/2024

Just checked into one of my favourite hotels in the world!

Full transparency I love it so much I pay full rates as I’ve stayed here so many times they won’t give me an agent rate to “discover” it. I know it!

The beautiful in Sandton Johannesburg is formerly a private residence of billionaire Douw Steyn who has hosted world leaders (my man Obama) celebrities (Oprah) and is most known for being the residence that the great Madiba, Nelson Mandela, relocated to after there was too much media around his home in Soweto post his prison release.

This place has so much history and it inspires me each time 🖤

All of the guests I’ve sent here throughout the years still list it as their favourite hotel in the world - it’s THAT good.

Grateful to be back 🖤

📍

27/11/2024

Absolutely brilliant couple of days in Kruger National Park

Thank you for having me - what a special stay!

27/11/2024

✈️ Travelling to the United Kingdom?
Big changes are coming! From 8 January 2025, Australian passport holders will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit or transit through the UK. 🏰🇬🇧

🌟 Key Details:

🔹 Required for visits up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family, short-term study, or transit.
🔹 Cost: GBP 10 💷
🔹 Processing time: Up to 3 business days (may take longer).
🔹 Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
🔹 Multiple entries allowed during validity.

📌 Don’t forget: Without a valid ETA (or visa), Australian passport holders will not be able to enter the UK. Applications are open now, so get ready! 🛂

Learn more and apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

18/11/2024

Just a quick food appreciation post from our few days at Cap Karoso!

Absolutely delicious - every single meal, bite, pastry 😋

Sumba was just a slice of heaven… and now my jeans don’t fit.

05/11/2024

🌊 Discover the Mediterranean’s serene side this fall! Iconic stops await, from Pompeii’s ancient streets to Tuscany’s vineyards and Provence’s charming villages.

✨ Sail onboard Oceania’s luxurious, small ship Sirena and return each day to personalized service and all the comforts of home.

🛏 Balcony cabins start from A$9,282/PP

What’s included:
🏨 2 nights at a 5* hotel in Rome with breakfast
🚗 Private transfer from hotel to port
🛳 10-night luxury cruise, Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona
🍽 All meals & entertainment onboard
🚢 Port charges, fees & gratuities
🚕 Private transfer port to hotel
🏨 2 nights at a 5* hotel in Barcelona with breakfast

BONUS VALUE:
💸 Save up to $1,000 per couple!
🌍 Always Included Amenities: Specialty dining, WiFi, shipboard gratuities & more!

✈️ Plus, enjoy an AIR VALUE of $1,500 per person!

📩 DM us to book your Mediterranean escape today!

30/10/2024

🎃👻🎃

Happy Halloween

🎃👻🎃

24/10/2024

🚨 Qantas Double Status Credits Promotion – Now Live! 🚨

Here’s what you need to know:

🔸 Promotion ends: 11:59pm (AEDT), 31 October 2024
🔸 Eligible travel: 1 November 2024 – 19 October 2025
🔸 How to qualify: Register via the Qantas website or app before booking
🔸 Eligible flights: Regional (QantasLink), domestic, and international Qantas flights, including Qantas/Finnair A330 services on Sydney-Singapore and Sydney-Bangkok routes
🔸 Exclusions: Jetstar, Emirates, Oneworld, or other codeshare flights

Register and then get in touch to book!
✈️

[email protected]

16/10/2024

This is hilarious
✈️
… and now I want pizza
🍕

Some airport security staff think the new Qantas bag tag is something altogether different…

15/10/2024

I can’t wait for this museum to open another reason to return to Egypt 🇪🇬

14/10/2024

We know I love a safari - here are some of my packing tips!

Embarking on a safari is one of the most thrilling and transformative travel experiences you can have. Whether you’re venturing into the savannahs of Kenya, the vast plains of Botswana, or the hidden corners of Namibia, proper packing is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

03/10/2024

We’ve secured group rates to ring in 2026 in Antarctica aboard the Seabourn Venture, with cabins starting at AUD $15,998 per person—and we’d love for you to join us! Are you ready to plan the most extraordinary New Year’s Eve of your life? 🎉❄️

Kick off 2026 in the most unforgettable way on an epic adventure to the White Continent. With limited availability, now’s the time to reserve your spot!

Register your interest and get in touch at [email protected]

02/10/2024

A fleeting moment through Copenhagen.

Beautiful city, food, and quite possibly the cutest, most artsy, hip hotel I’ve come across has been a brilliant surprise and stay!

[email protected]

28/09/2024

Petition to rename it to BudaBEST

What a fantastic whirlwind trip to Hungary’s capital Budapest!

The city was a brilliant way to enjoy Eastern European hospitality, food, architecture, history and take in a few sites along the Danube!

[email protected]



Thank you for a fantastic stay 🙏

22/09/2024

Highlights of Tuscany, Italy