From safaris to shark cages: Yogesh’s wild adventures & smart travel hacks 

Travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about immersing yourself in different cultures, cuisines, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

As the global head of Instarem, a cross-border payments company and creator of the amaze multicurrency travel card, Yogesh Sangle is no stranger to international adventures. In fact,  his latest travels took him from the wild landscapes of South Africa to unexpected discoveries in the heart of nature. 

In a conversation with Melanie Olivera on Destination Anywhere (CNA 93.8), Yogesh shared some of his most exciting travel stories—along with a few surprises along the way. 

South Africa – The Land of Safaris and unexpected encounters 

 A trip to Kruger National Park is nothing short of breathtaking. Covering nearly 2 million hectares and spanning across two South African provinces, this vast reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. 

As part of his adventure, Yogesh stayed in the Timbavati Reserve, a region within Greater Kruger National Park known for its high concentration of animals. Over five days, he embarked on multiple safaris, managing to spot four out of the Big Five—but the elusive leopard remained just that… elusive. 

But what he did see was even rarer. 

“One evening, while driving back, I saw an aardvark. Most people might only recognize it from a cartoon, but it’s an incredibly shy animal. Even the gamekeepers at our camp had never seen one before!” 

Capturing the moment, Yogesh took what he calls his best wildlife photos ever—the kind that almost made him feel like a National Geographic photographer. 

Beyond the thrill of spotting wildlife, the experience was humbling. Staying in a remote safari camp, with elephants wandering near a waterhole just across the river, was a reminder of how small we are in the vastness of nature. 

And if there’s one piece of advice he’d give to any future safari-goer? Listen to your guides. They’re not just there for information—they’re there to keep you safe. 

Diving into Gansbaai – Once the great white capital 

From the vast savannas of South Africa, the journey takes a thrilling turn into the deep blue waters of Cape Town—where sharks aren’t just a distant spectacle, but a close-up encounter. 

The dive took place in Gansbaai, a coastal town near Cape Town, once famous for having one of the highest concentrations of great white sharks in the world. But in recent years, nature threw in a plot twist—two orcas, nicknamed Port and Starboard (due to their uniquely curved dorsal fins), developed an appetite for shark liver. Their relentless hunting caused the great white population to plummet, shifting the marine landscape. 

So instead of great whites, copper sharks dominated the waters during Yogesh’s dive. 

“You’re in the cage, they’re circling around you—it’s an adrenaline rush, but you’re completely safe. And so are the sharks. They’re completely uninterested in humans. I actually had one brush past me in the cage—it was surreal.” 

But the real shock? The water temperature.

“Honestly, the cold was way more intimidating than the sharks! The chill cuts right through you. But once you’re in, the experience is worth every second.” 

Adding to the magic of the dive, they also spotted a giant stingray drifting past—an unexpected but mesmerizing sight. 

For adventure seekers, cage diving in Cape Town is a bucket-list experience. And yes, it’s even a great adventure for families looking to witness marine life up close and personal—in the safest way possible. 

Scotland – Where Harry Potter comes to life 

From the wild landscapes of South Africa to the chilly, magical charm of Scotland, this leg of the journey felt like stepping into a fantasy novel. 

One of the highlights? Taking the train from Fort William to Mallaig, home to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, better known as the Harry Potter Bridge. Fans of the films will instantly recognize the iconic railway scene where the Hogwarts Express crosses the towering arches. 

Beyond the cinematic magic, the Scottish Highlands are breathtaking. Yogesh recalls: 

“The scenery is just stunning. I also got to see Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain. While it’s a ski destination in the winter, I visited in the summer, so no skiing—just an incredible climb and a great ropeway ride.”

Loch Lomond – Cycling, Snow, and Birds of Prey 

Venturing further south, Loch Lomond offered a different kind of beauty. It’s a paradise for cyclists—if you can handle the cold. 

“It was freezing. I visited again in the winter while my daughter was studying in the UK, and let’s just say cycling wasn’t as fun in the snow! But the views? Absolutely worth it.” 

A personal favourite from the trip was the Bird of Prey Centre, where Yogesh spent time with majestic owls and raptors. 

“I’m a nature lover, so this was a real treat. Just sitting there, enjoying a coffee while soaking in the landscape—it’s an experience I’d highly recommend. Plus, it’s a short trip from Glasgow, making it an easy yet unforgettable getaway.” 

Germany – Oktoberfest and the battle for seats 

From serene landscapes to bustling beer halls, the next stop was Munich, home to the legendary Oktoberfest.

Melanie had her priorities straight: 
“The giant pretzels—bigger than my head! And those gingerbread cookies. Plus, of course, the massive beer steins. Totally worth the wait.” 

For Yogesh, Oktoberfest was all about the energy and camaraderie: 
“It’s an incredible experience—locals and visitors coming together, everyone just enjoying themselves. We managed to get seats (sometimes by sheer determination!), and the revelry was nonstop.” 

One crucial Oktoberfest tip: Bring cash! 

“One big lesson I learned. No electronic payments. You either bring cash or make sure you withdraw from an ATM inside the festival. If you’re going, take your amaze card to access cash easily—it’ll save you from scrambling at the last minute!” 

Smart spending tips for travellers 

Yogesh is the Global Head of Instarem, a fintech company that simplifies overseas money transfers and payments. Based in Singapore, he leads a 250-person team focused on expanding the business and making cross-border transactions seamless. 

And with all that expertise, he’s got some serious credit card hacks for savvy travellers. Here’s what he shared. 

Avoid hidden fees on foreign transactions

Using a regular credit card for overseas spending can rack up extra charges—between 3.5% to 4% in conversion fees alone. But that’s not the worst of it. 

Many travellers fall into the dynamic currency conversion (DCC) trap. Ever been asked at a hotel, “Would you like to pay in your home currency?” It sounds convenient, but choosing the wrong option could mean paying up to 7% more due to hidden fees. 

“It adds up fast and can completely throw off your post-holiday budget.” 

The amaze card helps travellers save fees by linking directly to your Mastercard. That means:

• No worrying about top-ups – your card is always connected.
• Keep earning rewards – especially if you’re using a points-heavy card like Citibank. 

Timing your currency exchange for maximum savings 

Savvy travellers plan ahead by exchanging currency when rates are favourable. 

• Example: Last year, when the Japanese yen was at a low, many amaze users stored JPY in their wallets for their December holidays. 

• What’s trending now? With summer vacations coming up, travellers are already stockpiling Euros and GBP for May and June trips. 

This strategy ensures better exchange rates and eliminates last-minute surprises. 

Big purchases, made easy 

Ever stumbled upon that dream designer bag while traveling? Or that once-in-a-lifetime luxury watch you’ve saved for? 

With amaze, big-ticket purchases are seamless—solong as you have the credit limit. No top-ups, no restrictions. 

Fun fact: The highest amaze purchase recorded? A $400,000 watch. 

“You can’t do that with a prepaid wallet or a top-up card.” 

amaze gives you flexibility, freedom, and financial ease—making your travel experiences smoother and stress-free. 

Before you go… 

With amaze card, by Instarem, you get to save while you travel with fantastic FX rates and rewards on all your overseas spending.      

Sign up via the Instarem app and start using amaze instantly! It’s totally free.   

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