Summer is here and it seems like everyone is as excited as we are to hit the road, take to the skies and explore some more. Summertime is a great time to travel - the weather is wonderful, you can pack far lighter, and there are plenty of things to see and do when you’re not confined to indoor experiences.
Locally, sun-seeking travellers are flocking to the Blyde River Canyon, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Durban and Addo Elephant Park, to name but a few. Globally, destinations like Barcelona, Cancun, Bangkok, Valle De Guadalupe, Sri Lanka and India are also hitting all the high notes.
Whether you are planning to discover South Africa over the summer holidays, or have your passport ready to fly the coop to an exciting international destination as soon as you clock off, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to travelling safely. Yes, we know it’s a bit of a downer, but it pays to be prepared.
Here are the 5 top travel safety tips our TravelManor business travel agents always share with friends and family, whether you/ they are trailing for work, pleasure or both:
Make physical copies of your passport, driver's license and any other identification you may require, and then create a cloud-based drive where you can store it for easy digital access. It's also a good idea to store a copy of your itinerary here, and send it to a close friend or family member or two so there are trusted folks who know where you're headed, and when.
Every country and territory has its own laws and regulations. It also has certain 'common sense' social stipulations that might not be all that obvious. Take some time to read up on your destination to learn what's okay and what's not okay. For instance, giving gifts in China could get you in trouble, and you should never touch anyone's head in Malaysia.
Once you know where you're going, make a point of checking travel advisories and warnings for that location. If a warning comes up before your departure, get some advice from professionals and take the time to weigh your decision before going. Rather be safe than sorry.
Travel insurance, unfortunately, is not a nice to have - it is 100% a must-have. It covers you for all sorts of unforeseen eventualities, such as having to put your trip on ice due to illness or covering missed flights and medical emergencies on your journey. Also, be sure to read the fine print, so you know exactly what is covered and what is not before you go.
This sounds very obvious, but when we are on holiday, we often tend to relax to the point where we drop our guard. When you're visiting a new destination, especially a foreign one, make a point of being cautious. Don't put too much trust in strangers, even if they are super friendly, and also be careful with food and water. Avoid tap water unless you know for sure that it's safe to drink, and check that food is cooked thoroughly. The last thing you want is to be sick on vacation.
There you have it - five top travel safety tips from the TravelManor team to pave the way for a more risk-free summer holiday. Keep an eye on the blog in the coming weeks and months for more insider insights. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with our team of travel planners to learn more about the services we offer.