Türkiye has rapidly become one of the most sought-after destinations for South African travellers. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it consistently captures the hearts of those who visit. One of the biggest draws is the ease of travel for South Africans, with a free e-Visa which allows multiple entries and is valid for 180 days from the date of issue.
With over 60,000 South Africans visiting each year, more are eager to explore Türkiye’s iconic landmarks, immerse themselves in its unique traditions, and indulge in the delicious cuisine. Once a well-kept secret, Türkiye is now a hotspot for those looking for a mix of history, adventure, and luxury.
Cheslin Kolbe and his wife, Layla Kolbe, have embarked on their first getaway without their kids, choosing Türkiye – and more specifically, Istanbul – as their destination of choice. During this special trip, they have shared their top travel tips, offering a glimpse into how they balance relaxation, adventure, and exploration. Here are some of Cheslin and Layla Kolbe’s top travel tips for making the most of your Turkish getaway.
Nomad Africa: As a world-class athlete, how do you maintain your fitness and training routine while traveling, especially during vacations?
Cheslin Kolbe: I don’t have a set routine with my training when going on holidays, because good rest is also part of being mentally fresh. I will still do my training, but depends on how I feel either early mornings (as I prefer), or late at night, but I always try and fit in training sessions wherever I go.
Nomad Africa: Rugby has taken you around the world. How do you think travelling to different countries has shaped your perspective as an athlete
Cheslin Kolbe: It’s given me the opportunity to learn new cultures and the way every country does things differently and you as an individual just have to adapt. It makes you appreciate home more. It has also given me perspective and understanding of other teams and their upbringing and how it plays a part in the way my opponents approach their way of life and ultimately shapes my own personal growth.
Nomad Africa: How do you balance recovery and relaxation with exploring a new destination, especially after such a demanding rugby season?
Cheslin Kolbe: Working out the amount of days I have visiting a country and making the most to see as many attractions. And to have a day or two to relax, swim or get a massage. As I always try and book a spa massage treatment wherever I go, (when on a break of course).
Nomad Africa: As someone who plays rugby at the highest level, do you find travel to be a form of mental relaxation and reset?
Cheslin Kolbe: Being on a flight gives you the opportunity to rest before you reach your destination if you’re going to play a match and especially in Business Class. For holidays, of course, you can completely switch off and have the best of both looking forward to a break & mental switch.
Nomad Africa: How do you balance your individual interests when exploring new destinations with Layla?
Cheslin Kolbe: We each make a list of a few places we’d like to visit and then create a bucket list. Trying to align our individual interests that are similar and tick off. We try and do as much as we can in the time we have.
Nomad Africa: What aspects of Turkish culture or history are you most excited to explore during your trip?
Cheslin Kolbe: The cuisine, sightseeing and the actual ice-cream truck experience.
Nomad Africa: What’s your favourite airline & why –
Cheslin Kolbe: Turkish Airlines, apart from their top class Business Class offering but also because of their incredible free TourIstanbul for South Africans. TourIstanbul is a free layover service, anyone who flies through Istanbul and has a 6-24 hours layover time can join a free tour of Istanbul, which includes historical attractions and some of the best restaurants.
Nomad Africa: Do you and Cheslin have a favourite travel routine or ritual that you follow when visiting new destinations?
Layla Kolbe: This is actually our first trip abroad together without the kids.
But when we do travel, we love experiencing and indulging in the culture and traditions of the town and its people, the cuisines and observing the local way of life. We also collect snow globes of all the places we travel to.
Nomad Africa: What are your must-have travel essentials as a couple to make your trips smoother and more enjoyable?
Layla Kolbe: Hand sanitizer, phone chargers, comfortable sneakers, chocolate & droëwors.
Nomad Africa: Do you enjoy planning the trip itinerary, or do you prefer to go with the flow and explore spontaneously?
Layla Kolbe: A bit of both, we like to create a bucket list of must-see interests so we make sure we at least get to cover those and just enjoy our trip as it happens in the moment.
Nomad Africa: What memories or experiences are you hoping to take away from this trip to Türkiye
Layla Kolbe: Just an overall fun time as a couple, getting to travel together alone for the first time and experience the culture and cuisines.
Nomad Africa: What’s the best travel advice you’ve ever received, and how has it helped you on your adventures?
Layla Kolbe: Actually we are the travellers in the family. Our family didn’t get the privilege and opportunity to afford travel. So if we can give our own advice, it would be to check in with family wherever you are and say yes to as many new experiences as you can. Live in the moment and take a piece of something home as a souvenir. Ours are snow globes.
