Travel Tips
It’s the little things that can make your trip easier and less stressful. Here’s our expert advice from over 30 years in the travel industry.
Smart Travel Tips
Practical advice from our 30+ years of experience helping South African travellers explore the world.
Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Credit card top-up and medical aid insurance is often not enough if something goes wrong. It's a grudge purchase, but you'll be very happy to have it.
Photocopy Your Documents
Photocopy your main passport page and visas, and keep them separate from your original documents.
Backup to the Cloud
Email yourself your passport copy, visas, and other travel documents or keep them in cloud storage for easy access anywhere.
Notify Your Bank
Always advise your bank when leaving the country with dates and destinations so they can recognize fraudulent card use.
Keep Your Boarding Passes
Save them to check your miles have been accrued on your frequent flyer membership account.
Carry Local Currency
Take some cash in small denominations of the country you're visiting for tipping, taxis, or similar needs.
Pack Essentials in Carry-On
Always pack extra underwear and your toothbrush in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage goes missing.
Save Hotel Details
Put your room number and hotel address on your phone so if you get lost, it's easier to get help finding your way back.
Check the Weather
Check your destination's weather before packing so you don't take unnecessary items. Try yr.no for forecasts.
Know Your Baggage Allowance
Each airline has different baggage allowances. Check the details before packing to avoid surprises.
Weigh Your Bags
Overweight luggage is costly. Weigh your bags before leaving home. Pre-purchasing extra weight online is usually cheaper than paying at check-in.
Before You Go
Travel Checklist
Essential requirements and documents you need to know about before your trip
Passport
Passports need to have 6 months' validity after your return to South Africa and must have 2 blank pages before leaving.
Travelling with Children
All children under 18 MUST have an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing particulars of both parents) to leave and enter South Africa.
Visas
All children under 18 MUST have an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing particulars of both parents) to leave and enter South Africa.
Health Requirements
Some countries have special health requirements. Regulations change frequently, so always get up-to-date information for your destination.
Travel Insurance
NEVER travel without it. Credit card insurance is often limited. We recommend a full policy or "top-up" option. We can help you with this.
Department of Home Affairs
Visit dha.gov.za for updated information on passports, birth certificates and more. Call 0 800 60 11 90 for assistance.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Credit card top-up and medical aid insurance is often not enough if something goes wrong. It's a grudge purchase, but you'll be very happy to have it.
Testimonials from Happy Clients
I cannot thank Helen enough for the efficient and professional service she provides. Last year during Lockdown, Helen found a seat on a repatriation flight for my son who had to fly to the US four days later. Not to mention all the associated Covid-related paperwork required, which Helen handled with her usual warm and friendly efficiency. Since then we’ve used her agency to book a five-leg international flight, and again it was a pleasure dealing with her.
Alison Theron
Durban North
Helen arranged our trip to the Seychelles brilliantly. She quoted on everything I asked for promptly while we were making up our minds. The booking was done swiftly and tickets and vouchers issued with no fuss. Our holiday was wonderful in every way. Helen was constantly in touch the entire time and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to take care of your travel arrangements.
JUDY KEUNING
Shelly Beach
Helen has done several bookings for me over the last few years and I can highly recommend her. I have every confidence that she has her clients best interests at heart and goes the extra mile to ensure every detail is seen to. She makes you feel very special whether you are booking a single flight or a major overseas trip and that counts for a lot these days where you more often than not are communicating with a faceless computer!!
DENNYL COLE
Hibberdene