Travel Tips
It’s the little things that can make your trip easier and less stressful. Here’s our expert advice from over 35+ years in the travel industry.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Smart Travel Tips
Practical advice from our 35+ years of experience helping South African travellers explore the world.
Travel Insurance
Always take travel insurance. No matter where you are travelling. It is Important to remember that credit card top up and medical aid insurance is often not enough if something goes wrong.
Your Documents
Scan your main passport page and visas and keep them on your phone.
Backup to the Cloud
Email yourself a copy of your passport, visas and other travel documents.
Notify Your Bank
Always advise your bank when you travel internationally so they can recognise if there is fraudulent use of your credit card. It is also a good opportunity to confirm that your cards will work in the countries you are visiting.
Keep Your Boarding Passes
Keep your boarding passes so you can check your miles have been accrued on your frequent flyer membership account, once you return.
Carry Local Currency
Try and take some cash (in small denominations) of the country you are going to. This way you will be prepared if you need something for tipping or a taxi or similar.
Pack Essentials in Carry-On
Always pack extra underwear, a change of clothes and your toothbrush in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage goes missing.
Save Hotel Details
Save your hotel address on your phone so if you get lost it will be easier to get someone to help you find where you are staying.
Check the Weather
Check the weather forecast for your destination before packing. This can help you avoid taking unnecessary items and ensure you are prepared for local conditions.
Know Your Baggage Allowance
Each airline has different baggage allowances. It is important to check the details before packing. Overweight luggage can be very costly. Airlines have become very strict about enforcing baggage allowances, so weigh your bags before leaving for the airport.
Check Passport Validity
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and to have a certain number of blank pages available. Don't assume your passport is valid just because it hasn't expired yet.
Download Offline Maps
Download maps of your destination on Google Maps before you leave. This can be a lifesaver if you don't have data or Wi-Fi.
Take Prescription Medication in Your Hand Luggage
If you take regular medication, always pack it in your hand luggage, together with a copy of your prescription if necessary.
Carry a Portable Charger
Your phone is often your camera, map, boarding pass and communication device. A power bank can be invaluable during long travel days.
Important
Power banks must be carried in your hand luggage and not in checked luggage. During the flight, they should be stored either in the seat pocket or in a bag placed under the seat in front of you.
Check Visa Requirements Well in Advance
Visa rules can change, and some destinations require visas to be obtained before departure. Also check any transit visa requirements for connecting countries.
Register for Airline Apps
Most airlines now provide real-time notifications regarding gate changes, delays and cancellations through their apps.
Arrive Early at the Airport
For international flights, allow plenty of time for check-in, security and immigration procedures. I always recommend at least 3 – 4 hours for this.
Keep Valuables and Travel Documents with You
Never pack passports, medication, electronics, jewellery or other valuables in checked luggage.
Have a Backup Payment Method
Take at least two different payment methods (for example, two credit cards or a credit card and a debit card).
Check Roaming and Connectivity Options
Investigate international roaming charges before departure and consider an eSIM or local SIM card if appropriate for your destination.
Check Entry Requirements Before You Travel
Requirements can change at short notice. Make sure you have checked passport validity, visa requirements, transit requirements and any other documentation needed for your destination before departure.
Before You Go
Travel Checklist
Essential requirements and documents you need to know about before your trip
Passport
In most cases passports must have 6 months’ validity after your return to South Africa and must have at least 2 blank pages before leaving South Africa.
Travelling with Children
All children under 18 MUST have an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) in order to leave and enter South Africa. More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website : http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/birth-certificates
Children Travelling Alone
Children travelling alone will need a letter from both parents stating that they may leave the country and must attach a certified copy of both parents’ passport or ID.
Children Travelling With One Parent
Children travelling with one parent will need a letter from the non-travelling parent, stating that they may leave the country with the other parent and must attach a copy of that parents passport or ID.
Visas
Before booking your trip or paying for your ticket, please make sure that you have sufficient time to apply for any relevant visas. Many countries require at least 15 – 30 working days to process visas, so it is very important to make sure you have time to get yours before your intended travel date. Most countries require you to apply in person for your visa. There are specialist visa companies who can assist you where necessary.
Health
Some countries have special health requirements. It is important to check what these are before your trip. The regulations change from time to time, so it is advisable to get up to date information for the country you are travelling to.
Travel Insurance
NEVER travel without it. If you have bought your air ticket with your credit card it is most likely you will qualify for your banks travel insurance. This is very limited so it is advisable to take a “top up” option or purchase a full travel insurance policy. We highly recommend taking the best cover possible for all trips. We can assist with this.
Department of Home Affairs
See this link for the most updated information regarding passports, unabridged birth certificates etc. http://www.dha.gov.za/
Testimonials from Happy Clients
Thank you so very much for your assistance in this very long trip. My mother had a fabulous trip & I was exhausted from looking after her. Not having to remember any details of the flights because I could trust you to alert me if necessary, allowed me to just wait for your prompt and not have to do anything except get to the airport. I am truly grateful for your dedication to your clients. I am sure I am not the only one who feels your care!
MICHELLE
Mauritius
Once again a great holiday thanks to your efficient service! Thank you for the fabulous Cruise holiday you booked for us. It was great! I have never been on a cruise before and your advice was invaluable, from the “pre-paying” for our beverages to get the best discount … to which eating spots to try on board … and that effortless check in … what a pleasure. Your professionalism was outstanding and going the extra mile to assist us with our requests. I look forward to your assistance and advice on our next holiday booking…. I will most certainly recommend my friends and family to
contact you for their holiday bookings too.
TRISHA
Durban