This year we were going to go to Europe in December. We were going to visit my grandfather in Portugal for Christmas, and then pop over to London to see friends for New Year. Some discussion also centred around a weekend in Paris, since we were over there anyway, but that was still up for debate.
Then, my grandfather let us know that he had some other people visiting him, and we thought that since he wouldn`t be alone at Christmas, it would be much nicer to visit Europe in the summer, when the flights aren`t so expensive and the weather is better.
This left us with our December holiday all freed up, so we decided that if we couldn`t do Portugal, we`d do a colony instead. I know that December isn`t the best time of year to visit Mozambique, what with too much rain and too much sun, but the legendary endless beaches and plentiful prawns proved too compelling for much resistance.
It`s not that I mind the cost as much as the lack of choice.
Georgina Guedes, editor, ITWeb Brainstorm
Every other adventure that I have embarked on has only served to affirm my conviction that the Internet is a wonderful enabler. I have found the cheapest and nicest accommodation in Europe and America online. The booking has been easy and all the people involved have been helpful. Everything has gone off without a hitch.
Not so with Mozambique. Although I`m sure the place must be peppered with backpackers` and cheap hotels - it`s a burgeoning tourist destination - I have as yet found very little evidence of them online.
So far my choices for the few nights we want to spend in Maputo - only the capital city - are an awful tacky establishment in the centre of town or a tented camp just outside the city. Both cost the not so bargain rate of $30 a night for the three of us crammed into one room or tent.
It`s not that I mind the cost as much as the lack of choice. I`m used to being able to print out all my options and comparing which quirky amenity is worth that little bit more. But this time, whichever accommodation site I book through, the same two meagre options pop up. It`s very discouraging.
Thank heavens that I have a house belonging to friends to stay in further up the coast, and I only have to put up with this dearth of choice for my few days in the capital. And I`m left feeling like a bit of a spoilt brat - how did people plan their holidays before the Internet?
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