If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, you should consider some time in late September through November. That’s when the stunningly beautiful jacaranda trees go into bloom in South Africa. With purple branches drooping over the streets, any drive or stroll through Pretoria (where, along with Johannesburg, the trees seem to grow in every corner) will promise to be a memorable one. Fun fact: The jacaranda is actually native to Brazil, with the first one having been planted in South Africa in the late 19th century.
Baniyas Road, Dubai
Baniyas Road runs parallel to Dubai Creek on the Deira side, passing the spice and gold souqs, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and plenty of dhows and abras. Look across the creek from Baniyas Road to see Al Seef, the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood and the Grand Bur Dubai Masjid.