Cape Town is a great place to travel to, especially when your trip is well planned and includes visiting some of the country’s award winning vineyards, beaches and attractions - like #Chappies. South Africa is renowned for its wildlife and monumental game parks. It is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the perfect place for the whole family.
Before planning your trip, here are a few things you need to consider
Flexibility always helps
A lot of things change in the days leading up to your trip. You might have to change destinations, departure times, hotels and a whole bunch of logistics. Make sure to create space for change, in the event that it arises.
Plan your itinerary
Planning a list of places you need to explore, like Chapman’s Peak Drive, helps you navigate the rather murky waters of international and local travel. Itineraries help you avoid chaos and ensure that you do not miss out on any highlights. Make sure you allow enough travel time, and photo time.
Touch base with the local language
Whether you are touching down in the land of the Zulus , Tswanas, Xhosas, Vendas or Afrikaans, you will need to learn a few words in the local language. Simply muster greetings and basic words used in daily conversations. Nothing better to help you blend in with the locals.
Pack extra camera batteries
There are a number of great views to capture and wildlife to film. Make sure you pack spare batteries in case your camera battery runs flat. You’ll need your camera or phone for scenic shots and precious memories on Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Notify your bank about your travel plans
You will need to make some significant withdrawals from time to time, and any unusual account activities might raise red flags. In addition to that, banks will have rules, limits and fees imposed on the movement of money from or to specific locations. This is why your bank needs to stay informed of your moves.
Always have travel insurance
This kind of insurance will cover you for things such as medical costs, loss of personal items, cancellation of trips/hotel reservations and accidents.
Keep important information on your phone
Your phone is always on your person, so the chances of it getting lost are lower than the likelihood of your other luggage disappearing. It therefore makes sense to have your crucial travel information (contacts, places, scanned documents) on your phone.
Stay hydrated always
All you need to do here is keep a bottle of water around you all the time (preferably not a plastic one!). You can throw in a little soda, iced tea or coffee when you feel the need to, or stop at one of the many restaurants and food outlets for some refreshment. Hout Bay and Noordhoek are the towns on either side of Chapman’s Peak Drive and both have amongst the best restaurants and “watering-holes” in Cape Town.
Separate your personal items and money
You don’t want to lose all your stuff at the same time. Keep some sums of money in your checked luggage and have your personal items in a hand luggage. This way, in the worst case scenario, you lose one and not the other.
Pack a small first aid kit
A small first aid kit allows you to attend to yourself should any minor injuries or accidents happen in the course of your travel. It also puts you in a position to help others with a similar need.
South Africa is the traveler’s dream. Before you travel, have everything in order, including book your vehicle at car hire South Africa to avoid disappointment. Safe travels.
