The pandemic has changed the travel landscape, either halting plans or completely canceling them. While many remain reluctant to travel far and wide for leisure, some South Africans are taking advantage of local staycations at hotels or Airbnb’s in lieu of full holiday getaways. What this means is that the local tourism and hospitality scene has been hit on its pressure points and is now making efforts to revamp their experiences. Afika Jadezweni recently tried out a Johannesburg hotel - with improved offerings - and concluded that along with f ashion, fine dining, and fangirling, local staycations are the perfect travel companion auditions.