The end of the year brings with it a lot of excitement; you either have your holiday booked for the Festive Season or you are dreaming of what's to come in the new year.
For those who are fortunate to be able to travel beyond South Africa's borders, that same excitement is ramped up a few levels, as the adventure into the great unknown is likely something you have been waiting a long time to experience.
But what can you expect when it comes to overseas travel? What do you need to know before you head off on the adventure of a lifetime?
Well, you've come to the right place, as we have a mini-checklist for you to go through in order to make your next overseas holiday the best one yet.
Now, before you start daydreaming about departure lounges, it’s worth checking that your travel basics are in order.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, as most countries won’t let you in otherwise. Also, you need at least two blank pages for entry stamps. And triple-check visa requirements early, since processing times can vary, especially during peak travel periods.
Once that’s sorted, it’s time to start researching your destination. Have you booked your activities in advance? Are you sorted for how you will spend your money?
Let's investigate these topics and more...
Research, research, research
Visiting a new destination can be daunting, especially if that destination does not speak your mother tongue. Therefore, it is so important that you do your research beforehand to ensure you understand what is expected of you from a cultural perspective and how everything operates. Research on transport and peak traffic times will also save you a lot of time when navigating your destination.
This research is also important from a health and safety perspective, as you need to ensure you know the places you should avoid and what's required if you need medical assistance. Being prepared in this regard is vital, so having travel insurance is a must. Free travel insurance up to R5-million is available when you purchase your flights using your Capitec Credit Card - so that's something to think about.
Book your activities in advance
If you are heading to a city that has loads of tourist attractions, get ahead by booking your tickets in advance using your Capitec Credit Card. Some attractions even offer queue-jumping tickets, which are a lifesaver when you don't have loads of time to wait around. I mean, who wants to queue for hours when on holiday?
The act of booking in advance also helps in drawing up a holiday schedule, as you will know when and where you need to be on the respective days. Yes, spontaneity is fun, but if it is going to take a day to do one activity because you failed to plan ahead, you will be left frustrated rather than relaxed. A holiday is supposed to be relaxing, remember.
Will your cellphone work?
Have you seen what roaming costs these days? Your best bet is to look at e-sim options ahead of time. There are loads of e-sim providers out there, so do your research as to which one fits your budget best.
It's also a good idea to research the emergency numbers of your destination. Save them to your phone before you leave so that they are accessible should anything go wrong. A handy tip is to save them as contacts using the name of the destination, for example: 'New York Police'. If you have access to email on your phone, be sure to save all the important documents you receive pertaining to the trip in one folder, including any and all medical and insurance documents.
Think about your luggage
Picture this: You land at your destination after a long flight and now you have to drag luggage around with you. Nightmare! Bags which need to be carried are far from ideal, so it would make sense to invest in luggage which is easy to wheel around. Don't pull a muscle trying to be a hero with an extra few hundred bucks in your bank account.
Packing smart also removes the need for loads of bags. There is nothing worse than getting off the Tube in London and having three or more bags to carry when it's rush hour. Pack what you need only and treat yourself to something nice should you need to buy a bit more clothing. Reality is you probably won't end up wearing everything if you overpack, so think smart and go lighter.
Take the best credit card to travel with
With the Rand not always working in our favour, it is pricey travelling abroad. So, wouldn't it be nice if you could save on currency conversion fees to make those exchanges go further? Well, with Capitec's Credit Card, there are no currency conversion fees when you spend abroad, meaning your bucks will last longer and you will be able to enjoy yourself even more.
In addition, every tap, swipe, and online payment using your Capitec Credit Card earns you 1% cash back. Talk about a benefit! So, when you're thinking of heading overseas for that deserved break, look into the options available at Capitec - it really is "The best card to travel with”.
Now that you are armed with the tips above, go and have fun. You deserve this opportunity to relax, explore, and spoil yourself. It's been a long year and now it's time for you to live a little.
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