Think before you drink!
In South Africa we are blessed with being able to drink water straight from the tap. Other countries are not so fortunate...
If you are travelling anywhere overseas, always enquire as to the quality of their drinking water. This is especially vital if you are travelling in a developing nation.
The easiest solution to this problem is to buy bottled water, although sometimes this is not readily available. In this case, a box of water purification tablets should come in handy.
The key to any successful holiday is preparation. Get to know your destination well before you arrive so that nothing unexpected swings your way. Forewarned is forearmed!
Ask questions about the weather:
- What season will I be travelling in?
- Is it going to be hot or cold?
- Can I expect rain?
Research health risks your destination might pose:
- Do I need any inoculations?
- What medication must I take with me?
These are just a few of the questions that you might want to ask when embarking on an adventure.
Follow the links below for more travel advice.
GETAWAY.CO.ZA
Getaway.co.za is Getaway magazine's inspiring and entertaining travel website. Plan your trip with travel packages and exclusive specials, accommodation search tool and country information. Check out their photojournalists' blogs, and listen to adventurers tell their crazy stories. A must-visit for the traveller in need of inspiration.
TRAIL INFO - HIKERS' GUIDE
The website www.trailinfo.co.za was first established in 2000 with the intention of supplying hikers and outdoorsmen with more detailed information on the multiplicity of great hikes and trails available in South Africa.
The purpose of this guide is to provide hikers with the information they need to make an informed decision about which trails they would like to experience.
The website offers information detailing the environment, accomodation and trail facilities, and maps (where available) of each route. It is a great starting point if you are planning a day or weekend hike, and we thoroughly recommend checking it out.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. Since its launch in 1968, the ISIC has helped over 40 million students to get the most out of their travel experience.
With access to a global network of affordable and specialised student services, the ISIC is your passport to more than 32,000 discounts and benefits in 106 countries worldwide.
Visit their website for more information on the benefits of an International Student Card.
TRAVEL TIPS
If you are busy planning your next expedition, and need a little inspiration, then visit the Lonely Planet website for a rich collection of travel anecdotes and advice.
By the time you leave you should have a list of at least 5 destinations you never knew existed.
SA NATIONAL PARKS
This detailed website is a portal to the diverse range of South African National Parks that occupy our country. Tourists will find this site especially useful in organising their adventures.
Check it out!
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Changing money when you travel can become extremely confusing. If you are ever in doubt, check out this nift little currency converter. It is extremely reliable and very easy to use.
ROAD ASSISTANCE
The AA has provided 24-hour roadside assistance since the 1930's, and is a worthwhile ally on any trip.
Check out their website for comprehensive roadmaps, information on how to join, and great advice on travelling South Africa's roads.
BEAT THE WEATHER
Whenever someone asks after your holiday, the first question out of their lips is usually, "How was the weather?" Any sensible traveller checks the skies before leaving.
The weather will also determine the contents of your backpack. Heed the weather report, but if you are going hiking or skiing, it is ALWAYS a wise idea to pack for the worst.
Check out Weather SA for the latest forecasts around the country.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
If you plan on travelling abroad, especially to a developing nation, it pays to investigate the health risks. Some countries even require proof that you have received immunisation against certain diseases, before they let you over the border.
Check out the potential health risks of your destination by visiting the "Center for Disease Control" website.