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Travel Tips

 

At Belskye Travel we believe a trip requires careful planning no matter where in the world you go.

We have compiled a list of what we think you should keep in mind,  before and during your

trip.

 

 

BEFORE YOUR TRIP  :

 

1.      Do you have all your required and valid travel documents?

 

  • Air tickets and/or hotel/car vouchers

  • Valid passport (valid for 6 months after return of travel)

  • Visa(s) if required

  • Foreign exchange

  • Vaccinations

  • Adequate travel insurance

  • Copies of all your travel documents for yourself and a family member

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2.      Be aware of any travel alerts or warnings for your destination.

 

3.      Be prepared for any emergencies by making sure you have the local contact information of your home country's consulate.

 

4.      If you are planning on driving abroad, please ensure that you have the required international driving permit for that country.

 

5.      If travelling with medication:

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  • Make sure you pack enough to last your entire trip - including extra in case you are unexpectedly delayed. 

  • Carry your medication in their original labelled containers and pack them into your carry-on luggage. 

  • Get a letter from your doctor in case you are questioned with regards to your carry-on medication. 

 

NOTE : Some countries have strict restrictions on any prescription/non-prescription medication that is brought into the country without the proper documentation.

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6.      Be money smart

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  • Check the exchange rate before your travel.

  • Notify your bank that you are travelling abroad.

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7.      Be pack smart, pack light according to the weather conditions of your destination.  Remember your sunscreen and first aid kit.

 

8.      Please ensure that all liquids in your carry-on luggage:

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  • Do not exceed more than 1 litter in total

  • Each bottle must not be more than 100ml

  • Must be packed in a clear zip-lock bag and ready to present at customs.

 

9.      Advise your home security company of your impending trip.

 

 

DURING YOUR TRIP  :

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1.       Avoid carrying cash

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  • Consider using credit cards or cash cards that are either provided by your bank or foreign exchange company instead - make sure they are accepted at your destination before departing on your trip.

 

2.       Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill.

 

3. Never accept to transport/carry any other travellers’ baggage on their behalf.

 

4.       Avoid packing your travel documents in backpacks or where they will not be seen at all times.

 

5.       Carry a minimum number of valuables

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  • Carry all electronic devices in your carry-on luggage.

 

6.       Use covered luggage labels to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality.

 

7.       Be aware of theft and scams and avoid walking alone late at night in badly unlit areas.

 

8.       Keep your valuables/cash in the hotel safe.

 

AFTER YOUR TRIP :

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1.  Make sure your luggage is intact - if it has been damaged please report it to the airline upon arrival at the airport.

 

2.  Memories are meant to be shared so remember to download all your pics and keep them safe.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LUGGAGE FOR YOUR TRIP

Luggage is not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to consider your travel style and cater to those needs when making your next luggage purchase. With that in mind, check out the most important things to consider before making your next travel investment.

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HARD vs SOFT

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It is important to choose the right type of luggage for your needs. Are you the adventurer type, or do you generally travel for business? A photography buff, or a fashion enthusiast? A hard-sided carry-on is ideal for those travelling to areas with temperamental weather or toting cameras, as it offers ultimate protection.  Soft luggage is easy to stuff into overhead compartments and has expandability – perfect for “over packers” or people who want to bring home souvenirs from their travels. Soft-sided bags are also great for added organization!

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SIZE

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Do not buy a carry-on larger than what you can lift overhead! Get one that meets both international and domestic requirements. Some European airlines have smaller size restrictions for carry-ons, so limit yourself to approximately 21 x 13 x 9 and 15-20lb. in weight to clear nearly all international airline restrictions.

 

Consider getting two smaller suitcases versus one large, heavy one. You may have to pay to get the extra one checked, but stuffing everything into a larger one can incur oversize and overweight fees – ultimately costing you more money in the long run.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

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  • Pack your bags only 2/3 full. Since you’ll likely be bringing home items from your trip, you want to make sure you do not over-pack your bags to the point of breaking zippers. Roll your clothes (rather than folding) to create more space.

 

  • Consider a TSA-approved lock (this Samsonite comes with one) or cable ties on zippers for added security.

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  • Do not buy a black bag 

 

Buying a brightly-coloured or printed suitcase saves time and helps avoid theft or mix-ups, because, unfortunately, leaving the airport with someone else’s bag unknowingly happens all too often.

 

If you do end up buying a black bag, place a few large stickers, buy a colourful luggage tag, or tie a brightly-coloured ribbon or scarf around the handle.

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  • An under-seat bag doesn’t always mean “under the seat.” Due to its compact size, these bags are technically considered a personal item – essentially allowing you to bring an additional carry-on. However, if you are travelling coach on a small or budget airline, we wouldn’t suggest trying to fit it under tight seats and narrow aisles and use it as your carry-on instead.

 

  • If you know your seat will have a bit more room (e.g. business or first class) then an under-seat bag with wheels and a handle may just be your way of getting by with an additional small carry-on! Fashionable brands like Nicole Miller and Steve Madden offer such bags with a little style at an affordable cost.​

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TRAVEL APPS

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Taking the extra couple minutes to download helpful travel planning apps can help assure you’ll be cool, calm, and collected before and during your travels. Our top picks?

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The Gautrain app - is especially useful for those who don’t use the service often or are first time users. The app features information on the nearest Gautrain stations, bus stops, timetables, fares and bus tracking on maps.


Go! Travel South Africa - is ideal for back packers and those who love road trips. It has over 250 000 points of interest, including landmarks, nature reserves, restaurants, and accommodation options.


Tourism Radio City Guides - Would you like to go on a hike or a wine-tasting tour in the Cape Winelands? Or how does spending the day on a beach in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, sound? Or do you feel like discovering Port Elizabeth, also known as the Friendly City? A total of six South African areas feature on the Tourism Radio City Guides app – Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, the Cape Winelands, Port Elizabeth and the West Coast. The app includes a map with points of interests in each area, a description of each of these points, and contact info.

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