24/12/2024
And so another year comes to an end!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who supported us throughout 2024! You have been amazing in helping this little business grow and we are so grateful to have been of service to you!
Here are some tips for travel in 2025:
1. Online check-ins are very important (if the airline allows this for your flight - some flights, especially to the US, will require you to do a check-in only at the airport). By doing your online check-in a day before, you secure your spot on the flight just in case the flight is overbooked. We automatically do this for you if you book with us.
2. Make copies of all your travel documents, especially your visas and passport. This helps tremendously should you misplace anything.
3. For long-haul flights, be sure to get your hands on some compression stockings (available on Takelot for a mere R149.00). This stimulates your blood flow. Sitting for long periods, like on an overnight flight, can take a toll on circulation.
4. Download all your favourite series/music so you have access to it even when there's no Wi-Fi around.
5. Triple check your visa once you receive it from the embassy/consulate. People make mistakes and you do not want to get caught at passport control with incorrect information on your visa. You will be deported to your home country.
6. Travel insurance! This is a MUST! Never ever travel without comprehensive travel insurance!
7. Ensure that your passport validity is at least 6 months from the day you return home.
8. Obey the laws and cultural differences of the country you're visiting. Respect cultural differences for things such as clothing or alcohol consumption - even taking photographs.
9. Make a list of emergency contacts that you can keep separately in case you lose your phone.
10. The early bird catches the worm. Book early to avoid escalating airfares and taxes. Remember, on most leisure package options, you are able to pay a deposit to secure your booking.
11. Don't overpack. You will be shopping wherever you're going. You don't need your best outfit on your travels. Keep it simple.
12. Get an eSIM for the country you're visiting. It's cost-effective and works brilliantly. Staying connected while traveling abroad is essential for navigating, booking transportation and accommodation, or communicating with locals. An eSIM allows you to instantly connect to local networks without the hassle of finding public WiFi, which can be slow or unsafe.
13. Talk to your bank: Your bank will flag your account if you start spending money in a foreign country with no warning, and trust me, you don’t want to find yourself in a foreign country with no access to your bank account. You also need to talk to your bank and credit card companies about foreign transaction fees.
14. Consider traveling during off-season. You'll save a ton of money!
15. For a stress-free trip, you should never cut the essentials, and a first-aid kit is essential. Bring various kinds of medicine, especially if you are traveling to a country where you’re unfamiliar with the language, as well as bandages, antibiotic ointment and antibiotics, etc. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any daily medications you may take as well.
16. Some items that are random, but useful: ear plugs, water filter, cable ties!
17. Make sure you familiarise yourself with plugs points used in the country you're traveling to. International adapters are available at most retail stores in South Africa.
18. Talk to the locals! Drink local beer, eat local food en enjoy the local culture. Travel is - after all - a step outside of your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in the local culture, and I promise you... you will have the best stories to tell about your trip!
19. Research and remember which places locally have free WiFi (think McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.) Download city maps onto your phone when you first reach a new city. Then you can use them, even if you aren’t connected to WiFi.
Please remember that we receive amazing deals throughout the year. If you are stuck on where to go, give us a call and we can guide you!
Wishing everyone a blessed Festive Season! See you all on the other side!
All of our wanderlust love,
Paper Plane Travel & Tours
