GLM TEAM 
December is South Africa’s busiest travel time, when hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers pack their bags and head off, whether it’s to the coast, to see family in another province or even overseas for an exotic break. If you’re going away this holiday – whether locally or abroad – a bit of thoughtful planning can make your trip much smoother. So before you zip up that suitcase and hit the road, check these essentials off your holiday preparation list:
1. Make sure your home is secure
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Unfortunately, the festive season is a peak period for break-ins and household incidents as criminals take advantage of the fact that many houses are unoccupied. While your mind may be on your destination, don’t forget to ensure your home is secure while you’re away, so you can reduce the risk of a home-related emergency.
Before you leave, double check that all doors, windows and gates are locked and in good working order. Unplug major appliances to protect against power surges. Switch off your geyser if you’ll be gone for an extended period. Set your alarm, notify your security company of your travel dates, and if you’re not using a house sitter or pet sitter, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property. They can also move bins on pickup day and help create the impression that someone is home.
2. Pack with purpose
Packing with intention can save you time and make your whole holiday run more smoothly. Make a packing list, or use a smart packing app like PackPoint and Packr where you can create customised checklists based on your destination, trip duration, activities and even the weather. For packing, use packing cubes or small bags to keep your luggage organised and your essentials and toiletries easy to reach.
If you’re travelling with children, give them a small carry-on with their own snacks, games and special toys to make things easier. If you’re flying overseas, check your airline’s luggage restrictions and keep essentials in your hand luggage in case your hold luggage is delayed or misplaced.
3. Organise travel insurance
While you may think of travel insurance as a nice-to-have, it’s one of the most important safety nets you can have when travelling internationally. While there’s a good chance nothing will go wrong, accidents, sudden illnesses, lost luggage or flight disruptions can happen and cost you thousands of rands to fix. Having a travel insurance policy in place means you’ll be financially covered should any of these things happen. If you have a policy, make sure you review the details, understand the cover limits and that your travel dates and destinations are included.
If you’re a member of a medical aid, check your plan to see if your coverage includes international travel. Fedhealth, for example, gives its members access to an international travel insurance benefit through Azoza, which offers emergency medical cover when travelling abroad. This includes support such as medical emergency treatment for unforeseen accidents or illnesses, assistance services, and, in some cases, medical evacuation.
4. Make a health preparation pack
The festive season usually brings a change in routine, which can catch even the healthiest person off guard. Long hours of travel, irregular meals, late nights and exposure to unfamiliar environments can all contribute to fatigue or illness.
With this in mind, make sure to pack essentials such as paracetamol, anti-nausea tablets, and antihistamines, along with any other chronic medication you normally take. If you’re a parent, pack a first-aid kit that includes plasters, insect repellent, sunscreen and rehydration sachets.
If you’re travelling internationally, check the entry requirements for vaccinations or health declarations. Most importantly, pack your medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid complications if your checked bags are misplaced, and travel with a written copy of your prescriptions in case you need medical help while you’re away.
5. Prepare for festive season logistics
Travel during the festive season always takes a little more patience. Roads and airports are busier, which means delays are almost inevitable. If you’re flying, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for longer check-in counters and security queues. Keep all essential documents in one place and take digital copies as a backup. If you’re travelling by road, consider the busiest travel days and adjust your timing where possible.
If you’re staying local, bear in mind that South African accommodation and activity providers often operate at full capacity during December, so confirm your bookings in advance and keep electronic copies of your confirmations handy. Where possible, try to pre-book for places like national parks, restaurants or other popular holiday attractions.
Lastly, share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. This is a simple way to make sure you’re available if someone at home needs to reach you in case of an emergency.
Holiday travel should be relaxing and exciting, not filled with worry. With a bit of preparation, you can set yourself up for a smooth and happy festive season that leaves you feeling refreshed for the new year to come.
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