According to publisher Vanessa Sand, the guide is the most widely used source of touring information about the region, both in the travel industry and by consumers. “It not only provides reliable information about places to stay, but also about recommended routes, attractions and towns. It is filled with useful touring information. It answers every question about travelling in the region, gives travel tips, lists emergency numbers and so much more.”
Icons indicate available information on geography, history, arts and culture, nature, entertainment or sport. In a special feature, 11 major routes across South Africa are illustrated, with the towns on each route and the distances between them. The cumulative distance from the start of the route is also shown, as well as a special table with the current toll fees payable on South Africa's major highways.
Establishments appear alphabetically according to area, with a brief description of each property and full colour photographs.
A series of internationally accepted symbols indicates the facilities and services on offer, as well as the approximate price category that guests may expect.
Sand says some 250 disabled friendly establishments are contained in the guide, with specific information on the facilities available, such as roll-in showers with level access, wheelchair accessible routes around the property and parking bays that are at least 3.5m wide.
The guide also indicates which establishments have been finalists or winners in the annual AA Travel Guides American Express Accommodation Awards programme.
An online version of the guide is available at www.aatravel.co.za, where real-time bookings can also be made.
The AA guide on Hotels, Lodges, Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfasts is available at AA Auto Shops, AA Travel Experience Stores, CNA branches and selected bookstores at a retail price of R99.00.
