Transportation options in Zimbabwe

As a landlocked country, Zimbabwe is relatively limited when it comes to transportation options to and from its various cities, villages and towns. Intercity travel is mostly organized and maintained by governmental services, with private enterprise recently starting to pick up where gaps in the market have formed. Even though there are many rivers and lakes big enough to support water based travel, there are no waterways that are used for commercial transport, travel is accessible on Lake Kariba.

 

Most of the country’s border posts are open from 6am to 6pm daily, with the South African border at Beitbridge being open 24 hours a day, and the Zambian border at Lake Victoria being open from 6am to 10pm. Most of the road infrastructure in the country is relatively underdeveloped in comparison to its neighbors to the North and South, though recent upswing in private investment shows promise for its future.

 

Most international flights arrive and depart from Harare International Airport, since the other airports are smaller and are used mainly for inter-city travel. The Harare International Airport is the main gateway to and from the country from areas outside of Southern Africa, though flights are available from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa too.

 

Railways link Zimbabwe with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique, and the rail services are also run by the Zimbabwean governmental agencies. The most common form of transportation within Zimbabwe itself, especially in the larger cities, are busses and taxis, which play a large role in short and medium distance travel, while busses and trains are more commonly used to travel long distances.

5 Places to visit on your trip to Zimbabwe

When we think of tourism in Southern Africa, we tend to focus on South Africa and Mozambique since there is usually a lot of international attention on the potential of these destinations. However, just on the border of both of these countries lies a sometimes forgotten tourism gem. Zimbabwe, which sometimes garners attention for the wrong reasons, and is known worldwide for being a country that is not doing too well at the moment when it comes to the strength of its currency. Most of us don't realize just how much there is to the country in terms of its natural and cultural potential to draw in attention. Here are just five of the many great sites to visit if you’re ever thinking of exploring what Zimbabwe has to offer.

 

1.Victoria Falls

 

No trip to Zimbabwe would be complete without a trip to the iconic Victoria Falls, which is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world (in terms of combined height and width, but it is neither the highest or widest if those statistics are taken individually). At 108m high, the Falls border Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is a World Heritage Site recognized for both of its names, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which translates as ‘the Smoke that Thunders in the native language. 

 

2.Hwange National Park

 

Nestled between the city of Bulawayo and the great Victoria Falls is Hwange National Park, the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe, which is home to a large number of African Elephants, various species of herbivores and carnivores alike, and even hosts some of the biggest herds of Gemsbok and hyenas in the region (matched only by the Kruger National Park in South Africa). Hidden in the Park is the Bumbusi National Monument, which is a set of ruins dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Bumbusi Ruins closely resemble those found at Great Zimbabwe.

 

3.Great Zimbabwe

 

The ruins at Great Zimbabwe mark some of the most historically significant cultural markers in the Southern African region. The largest ruins of its kind in the area, Great Zimbabwe was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, coming into prominence in the 11th century and staying in power through to the 14th century at the height of the Iron Age. The ruins of the city, which is estimated to have once housed over 16 000 people, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and have given their name, for the cultural significance to the country, which was renamed after Independence and was formerly known as Rhodesia. Great Zimbabwe was home to the Royal Palace of the Zimbabwean monarch, whose descendants (the Shona people) are still prominent in Zimbabwe today. The name ‘Zimbabwe’ is said to come from the Shona language, and translates as ‘venerated house’, an homage to the power and royal stature of the King.

 

4.Mana Pools National Park

 

The Mana Pools National Park is an incredible wildlife reserve, bordered to the North by the Zambezi river. The name of the park originated from the Shona word for ‘four’ (Mana), referring to the four large water holes spread across the park. The vast amount of water draws all kinds of wildlife, making it a great way to view the animals housed in the park.

 

5.Chimanimani Mountains

 

Forming part of the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the Chimanimani mountains are one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations, and are popular for a number of reasons, including their vicinity to the Bride Veil Falls and the Chirinda Forest. The mountains, which are approximately 2440m high at the peak, were instrumental in the Zimbabwean Independence War, and as a result there is still danger to be found in the hidden lines laid in the mountain passes. The Chirinda forest is home to a unique 1000 year old, 70m tall red mahogany tree, aptly named ‘The Big Tree’.

24 Common Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It is common to make a few careless mistakes when traveling and exploring the unknown.   But sometimes these mistakes can turn your trip into a disappointing and money wasting experience.  Here are 24 of the most common travel mistakes.  Let’s hope these tips can help you avoid falling victim of these boo-boos.

1. Having an over ambitious itinerary

Instead… Be flexible; don’t be afraid to change your plans due to weather or money shortage.  Be aware of the time it takes to get from “A” to “B” (not by distance, but by travel method: car, bus, train, etc).  Factor additional time for possible delays as well as extra time to rest.  Remember, you don’t need to see the whole country in one visit; planning to do so will make you feel unaccomplished.

2. Over packing

Instead… Pack only what you need and know you’ll use, not what you think you’ll use.  Buy the rest at your destination (possibly at a fraction of the price).  Once fully packed, review everything you have and try to reduce the load a little bit more.  Check out 15 things you don’t need to pack to avoid carrying that extra weight.

3. Blindly trusting the first directions you get from a local

Instead… Cast a broad net of directions.  Ask more than one person for directions to the same place.  If the person hesitates or looks up like searching for an answer, kindly accept their help and look for additional help at the next street.  Go with the general consensus.

4. Relying totally on Guide Books

Instead… Guidebooks are made to inform your travels, not to define them.  Put the guidebook down and interact with other travelers and people at the destination.  Allow yourself to explore and use on your own initiative; there is a lot more to a place than what is in any guidebook.

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Advantages of traveling in summer

Cheaper flights

 

During the summer, airlines understand that because more people are going to be flying, they don’t have to push their prices up as high as they would during the rest of the year. Offering reduced rates during certain periods means they are more likely to get an influx of customers, and they still make their profit margins due to they higher number of tickets sold. Its a win either way, but you may have to be ready to pick up a cheap flight at the drop of a hat, because there’s no telling when the special prices will end!

 

It’s a busy, busy time of the year

 

Because the conditions are generally more bearable than in the winter, many festivals, shows and special events take place during the summer to take advantage of this. Everyone is more likely to take a day off during the summer to go to a music festival, or to for a stroll through carnival, so if you do decide to travel during the summer, you can expect a whole lot of activities to be waiting for you wherever you go.

 

Clothing optional

 

When traveling in the summer, you’re generally not going to need many jackets, umbrellas, hats or gloves because its either too hot to wear all of that, or you've chosen a destination where the climate is perfect all year round, so even the chance of rain is minimal (and if it does occur, the locals may be willing to help you out anyway). Traveling in the summer means that you really only have to leave your hotel with the clothes on your back, which if you’re lucky enough, will be a pair of swimming trunks, a towel and a surfboard because you’ll be spending all day on the beach.

 

Get your hands on those special packages

 

Summer is also the time when you’re more likely to be offered a complete travel package. Whether its to Thailand, a safari tour in Africa, or a two week stay on some exotic island, Summer will bring you deals that cater directly to what you need, and because these deals are offered together, they are easier to navigate, cheaper because of their status as ‘special offers’, and easy to take advantage of if you’re ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Where to travel in August

1.Namaqualand, South Africa

 

Starting close to home on this one, the Northern Cape of South Africa is home to some of the most spectacular scenery you will see in the entire country. On the Namaqualand plains, the sights of the first Namaqua daisies blooming is a sure sign that spring is here. Starting in August, the carpets of flowers, coloured deep pink, purple, orange and yellow will begin to grow over the seemingly arid and bland landscape, often lasting for hundreds of kilometers. August is also a good month to visit because it is still relatively free of the hives of tourists who will be visiting in the spring and summer months - but keep in mind that you will still be facing some icy temperatures.

 

2.Edinburgh, Scotland

 

August is the month that hosts one of the biggest cultural events in the world, the Edinburgh Festival. With internationally prized musicians, comedians, actors and artists flocking to the country to participate in the festival alongside some of the best up and coming talent, the entire city turns into a festival ground, and everywhere you look, there will be new faces and new experiences to be enjoyed.

 

3.Maine, USA

 

Another famous festival that you may want to visit in August is one for all the foodies out there. Every year,  thousands of people will flock to the New England coast on the Eastern side of the USA to enjoy the world famous Maine Lobster as part of the annual Main Lobster Festival. The festival celebrates everything about the lobsters, and there is no doubt that you will find a lobster dish that you have never seen before, cooked by some of the best lobster chefs the region has to offer.

 

4.Florence, Italy

 

Most Europeans typicaly take August and September to be their holiday months, and because of this, many of the more famous areas of the continent will be packed full. So why not take advantage of this and settle into the quiet cities that will be left for tourists to enjoy. August in Europe is a pleasant affair, with relatively mild temperatures and cool nights, but most importantly, a wide range of options on how to see the country. You could hike through the Italian countryside, or take a bike ride through the city and surrounding villages, or choose to stay within the city limits, sitting at coffee shops all day sharing stories with all of your friends and fellow tourists. Florence is also Northern enough to escape the incredibly harsh summer heat that is commonly associated with the Southern region in the summer months. Enjoy the incredible medieval heritage of the city and get lost in the Renaissance era artifacts and architecture that defined the area in the18th century.

Do’s and Don’t’s for traveling with your pets

DO’S:

 

• Check beforehand what the hotel’s policy is on pets, and follow it strictly.

• Keep your pet tied up or in a cage as much as possible while on the trip. This is not necessarily to keep them from running away or going missing, but being in a strange place may make them defensive, and they could cause a problem with a guest if they are left free. 

• Clean up after your pet if he/she makes a mess during the night for whatever reason, and let the hotel staff know so that they can make the necessary arrangements to get it cleaned up properly.

• Be considerate of others when you take your pet onto the elevator. Some people are very afraid of animals, even if you think your dog is too small to cause any harm.

• Remember: Your next-door hotel room neighbor doesn't like your pet after midnight. Make sure your pet is trained before trying to take them anywhere. You don’t want them barking or causing a ruckus all night or tearing up the room, making the situation difficult for everyone.

 

DON’TS:

 

• Don’t bring more than one pet. If you do, expect to be charged a double cleaning fee.

• Don’t leave your pet in the room when you leave unless he/she is caged. If someone opens the door, the animal can escape or even hurt someone when they become frightened and defensive.

• Don’t ask another hotel guest to watch your pet, and then blame the hotel if the pet runs away.

Tips for traveling solo

If you’ve always wanted to see a specific country, or you just feel like getting away from your busy life, yet you can't find anyone who is willing or able to go with you, you can always choose to go it alone. Traveling solo isn’t the worst thing in the world, in fact, in most situations it will actually force you to be more outgoing and more willing to try new things - no more relying on your travel mate to make the decisions for you!

 

1. Be wary, but don’t be a recluse

 

One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It's okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you'll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

 

2. Take it slow

 

Since you’re in a new city alone, and all o four free time can be used up in any way you want to, you may find yourself wanting to do as much as possible in as short a time as you can. However, you should remember that all of those historical sites and majestic mountains will still be there tomorrow. Plan your days so that you get to visit all the places you wanted to, but leave some time to relax, meet the locals and maybe go down to the local bar to share stories with some people who are probably willing to engage with someone from a different country.

 

3. Be smart and self-reliant when possible

 

Be self-reliant and well prepared, so that you don't need to depend on someone unless you really feel safe — carry cash, a map, a guidebook, and a phrase book. Walk purposefully with your head up, look like you know where you're going. If you get lost in an unfriendly neighborhood, be savvy about whom you ask for help; go into a store or restaurant to ask for directions or to study your map. When you use cash machines, withdraw cash during the day on a busy street, not at night when it's dark with too few people around, or you might get caught out by someone looking to take advantage of a tourist - a common occurrence in many tourist destinations.

 

4. Get to know your concierge or doorman

 

More often than not, the doorman to your hotel will know more about the local area than anyone else. After all, he deals with requests for information every day. Ask him or anyone at the hotel which areas to stay away from, any popular spots they think you should visit, and get them to teach you how to navigate the neighborhood.

 

5. Prepare for inconvenience

 

Bring copies of your passport or ID card, credit cards and any other important documents. Also send yourself electronic copies of these documents because even if your bags are lost, your life line is only an internet cafe away. Be sure to also have a list of phone numbers, such as those of your emergency contacts at home, your bank and your credit card company, should an emergency arise or in case your credit card needs to be canceled or replaced.

How to be a smart travel planner

Planning a trip is sometimes one of the most stressful things we do, and because of this, we tend to leave it to the last second and cram everything into the last few days, grabbing any accommodation, flights and packages that are still available. However, if you choose to be smart about it, you can easily make planning your trip one of the most fun and exciting events next to the traveling itself. 

 

1.Sometimes you won’t find your favorite or most convenient airlines on consolidation websites that promise to give you the best rates by comparing every available option. Some airlines and hotels don’t list their prices with these vendors, so if you’re in doubt, visit the airline’s website directly. That way you will be able to see what they have available, how much you’re paying compared to what you found on the vendor site, and you might also get a great package deal or discount for booking directly with the airline itself.

 

2.Don't book a cruise on any of these consolidation websites either. A travel agent specializing in cruises is always a better option because they will have formed a relationship with the cruise line, and could potentially get you a much better rate. They can also score you deals on the cruise ship itself as well as shore excursions. Since there are also a lot of aspects that go into getting to the port, such as flights and transfers to and from the ship itself, a travel agent will be able to help you manage all of this, and if something goes wrong, they will be able to help you fix it.

 

3.Beware of hotels or airlines that are labeled as ‘top picks’ in the search results if you do choose to use a consolidation site or vendor. These ‘top picks’ aren't necessarily the best quality or best value for money. They could be a business partner or sponsor of the vendor site, and therefore could be populated at the very top of the results because of an agreement as a partner.

 

4.Transfers at the airport can be tricky. if you've got to take a connected flight, it is important to know exactly where you need to go, how long you have to get there, and all the obstacles that might stop you from getting there in time. if your flight is delayed, it may cause you to miss your connected flight, so you’ll need to know who to deal with these situations. Try get a connected flight that is at least an hour or two after you’re supposed to land. It is much easier to wait for a while to catch your flight than have to scramble to get onto a different one.

 

5.When booking your holiday, or even planning a local trip, try to make a checklist of things that need to be done before you start. Start at the top of the list as early as you can and work your way down, then when you've crossed everything off the list, work your way back up to double check that you've done it properly. This way you can keep track of how much you still have left to do, what can be left out if necessary, and how much time you have to schedule your flights and accommodation bookings of you haven’t done so by the last week of your planning.

Things to remember when traveling with prescription medicine

Holidays are supposed to be about breaking away from our regular lives. Our work, social lives and personal situation are all meant to be left behind when we step off the plane or bus, but there are some things, like the prescription and chronic medication we take, that cannot be left behind.

 

1. Check the forms of medications you can take along with you. Remember, liquids in certain quantities may be prohibited on airplanes. Most pharmacies you go to will pour liquid medication into smaller bottles for travel if you request it.

 

2. Make a list of the generic drug names so that if you run out of a prescribed medication abroad, you may be able to get an emergency refill, but the brand names may be different and unfamiliar in the country you're traveling in. Physicians or pharmacists will more likely know the generic name.

 

3. Before you leave, find out what restrictions there are on these medications in the countries you will be visiting. Your doctor can give you resources, and you can also check the websites of embassies or other diplomatic agencies the country has in your home country. Before you leave, pack the medications in a clear plastic bag and always keep them with a prescription written by your doctor.

 

4. Look for keywords and phrases that describe your condition and your medications in the local languages, so that if something should happen to you, you will be able to at least basically communicate what it is that you will need. While keeping your prescription with you will help if you are able to get to a hospital, you may get into a situation where you have non-english speaking natives assisting you while you wait for attention from doctors or paramedics.

 

5. Always keep your medication in its original container and make sure it is correctly labelled, along with your name and prescribing doctor. This not only helps you keep track of what you’re doing with it, but it will allow customs officials inspecting your luggage to sort through it faster, as they will be able to discern what is safe to take along much easier, without having to hold you up.

Tips for traveling solo

If you’ve always wanted to see a specific country, or you just feel like getting away from your busy life, yet you can't find anyone who is willing or able to go with you, you can always choose to go it alone. Traveling solo isn’t the worst thing in the world, in fact, in most situations it will actually force you to be more outgoing and more willing to try new things - no more relying on your travel mate to make the decisions for you!

 

1. Be wary, but don’t be a recluse

 

One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It's okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you'll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

 

2. Take it slow

 

Since you’re in a new city alone, and all o four free time can be used up in any way you want to, you may find yourself wanting to do as much as possible in as short a time as you can. However, you should remember that all of those historical sites and majestic mountains will still be there tomorrow. Plan your days so that you get to visit all the places you wanted to, but leave some time to relax, meet the locals and maybe go down to the local bar to share stories with some people who are probably willing to engage with someone from a different country.

 

3. Be smart and self-reliant when possible

 

Be self-reliant and well prepared, so that you don't need to depend on someone unless you really feel safe — carry cash, a map, a guidebook, and a phrase book. Walk purposefully with your head up, look like you know where you're going. If you get lost in an unfriendly neighborhood, be savvy about whom you ask for help; go into a store or restaurant to ask for directions or to study your map. When you use cash machines, withdraw cash during the day on a busy street, not at night when it's dark with too few people around, or you might get caught out by someone looking to take advantage of a tourist - a common occurrence in many tourist destinations.

 

4. Get to know your concierge or doorman

 

More often than not, the doorman to your hotel will know more about the local area than anyone else. After all, he deals with requests for information every day. Ask him or anyone at the hotel which areas to stay away from, any popular spots they think you should visit, and get them to teach you how to navigate the neighborhood.

 

5. Prepare for inconvenience

 

Bring copies of your passport or ID card, credit cards and any other important documents. Also send yourself electronic copies of these documents because even if your bags are lost, your life line is only an internet cafe away. Be sure to also have a list of phone numbers, such as those of your emergency contacts at home, your bank and your credit card company, should an emergency arise or in case your credit card needs to be canceled or replaced.

How to prevent heat stroke while traveling

 

When we go on holiday, we tend to seek out the sunniest spots, spending all day on the beach or soaking in the sunlight anyway we can. While this is a perfectly good way to spend a week or two relaxing and forgetting about our busy lives, it doesn't mean that we should stop taking precautions against the dangers that the sun might pose. Normally we think about sunburn as a major reason to protect ourselves against the sun, but its power goes beyond that, and can affect us even if we are in the shade, or even indoors.

 

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to keep hydrated. Increasing your fluid intake, regardless of activity level, will allow your body to steadily replenish your electrolytes. During periods of heavy activity in the heat, drink 2-4 glasses of water each hour. Drink cool, but not very cold, nonalcoholic beverages that do not contain large amounts of sugar.

 

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, as these will cause your metabolism to increase, using up electrolytes, causing you to perspire. Heavy meals also make digestion use up much of your needed stored energy, so less energy will be used to regulate your body temperature. Take the same precautions as you would for sunburn.  Wear clothing that is labeled as sun-protective. Such clothing carries a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor rating. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck. Be aware of your activity level at all times, and pace yourself. If you are not used to working or exercising in the heat, start slowly and build up the pace gradually. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening. If there is shade, rest in it until your body temperature returns to normal.

 

If possible, seek air conditioned venues like shopping malls, public libraries, museums or movie theaters.  If you’re in a location with only fans, remember that once temperatures get higher than average, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness.

 

Take a cool shower or bath to help lower your body temperature if you feel yourself start to get sluggish and lose energy, or if you feel like your body temperature is becoming erratic. Never leave children in cars; even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise incredibly quickly within minutes. Also, dress children in cool, loose clothing, and shade their faces with hats or an umbrella.

 

If you have any doubts about what you should do when you’re planning on spending all day in the sun, or if you’re concerned that your time in the sun is starting to affect your health, making you feel tired and sluggish for long periods of time, consult a doctor for advice on how to effectively stave off any symptoms.

Preparing for medical problems on your trip

The best way to ensure that we will be protected against any kind of injury or sickness during a trip away from home is to get coverage from your insurance company. Before going on your trip (or even when signing up for medical aid or insurance), find out from your provider if they cover you for treatments by doctors or hospitals out of your network. Find out if you will be covered for the full amount or if you would have to co-ay for certain procedures, and also find out if you are covered for a medical evacuation, since those costs tend to be higher than usual, especially if you’re out of your covered network area.

 

If any of these aspects are not covered by your own plan, you may want to look at paying for extra travel insurance, which, even though it is a little on the expensive side, will cover your for anything that may happen to you during your trip. Many travel insurance plans will cover you after the fact, giving you a refund on any expenses you may accrue once you return home and claim for it, but there are certain plans that will give the funds directly to the hospital or doctor that you plan on visiting, meaning that you won’t have to dig into your own emergency funds for any reason.

 

In times of crisis, communication with medical personnel and family back home is crucial.  In a destination where English is not commonly spoken, communication becomes a major issue.  The 24/7 hotline included with comprehensive travel insurance policies, assistance services and travel medical policies provides translation/interpretation services, assists in consulting with treating physicians, and updates family, employers, and insurance companies.

 

If you’re traveling to a country where you think high quality healthcare services might not exist, or may be scarce, make sure you know the number to the helpline set up by your insurance company. This call centre will be able to direct you to the nearest hospital or clinic that will be able to help you at a high enough standard to be counted on by your insurance provider. Because of their access to international networks of hospitals and local physicians, you will always be able to find adequate care, and if something happens and no services are available that are up to standard, your help line’s medical assistance team will be able to organize and coordinate medical evacuation.

 

Always know your options when traveling, even if you feel you will never need it. Making sure you're covered at all times will allow you to enjoy your trip and keep your mind off the stressful things that you could have prevented with enough preparation.

Experience luxury bus travel with Cilitiner

When going on long journeys, we would love to be as comfortable as possible, having everything that we’re used to having in our homes at our disposal, all the way to our destination. In a car, however, this is not possible, and most of the time, we barely even have enough leg room. 

 

While many people think that bus travel is more tedious, because the journey tends to be longer, and there are people around you that you don’t know, this is simply not true, and for the most part, bus travel can be much more exciting and entertaining than taking your journey in a car. Bus travel has evolved over the last few years, and has taken on a life of its own, bringing luxury travel you’d expect from a first class flight, straight to the road.

 

Citiliner, one of the most widely recognized and popular luxury bus liner services in the country, offers world-class service all over South Africa on some of the most advanced luxury liners on the market. When traveling with Citiliner, you will be able to take advantage of services such as: DVD viewing, reclining seats, and even specific seat bookings (allowing you to choose between the aisle or window seat).

 

When it comes to quality service you can count on Citiliner sets the bar as high as possible, and meets those standards wherever it goes. Whether you’re making a short trip from Johannesburg to Pretoria, or going the distance from Pretoria to Cape Town, you can rest assured knowing that you will arrive in style, rested and entertained all the way.

Avoiding hypothermia when traveling in extreme cold

Some of the most incredible landscapes and environments in the world are in areas where the climate is at its roughest. From the Arctic circle to the tundras of Northern Russia, the Alps and Mount Everest. In order to survive in these areas, however, where the temperature can sometimes plummet by 30-40 degrees in one day, you will need to be prepared. Even winter in some cities in the US and Canada will leave you at risk of developing hypothermia, so it is essential that you are prepared if you’re planning on visiting these areas.

 

Hypothermia is the lowering of your body’s core temperature, the overall temperature at which your body functions. Normal body temperature is around 38 degrees (Celsius) and reaching a temperature just four degrees below can be dangerous. In order to avoid developing symptoms of hypothermia, which include feeling extreme cold in the extremities, followed by a numbness, shivering, and even tiredness and a loss of concentration, here are some things you can do to safeguard yourself:

 

Clothing should include water resistant coats (with sleeves that are snug at the wrist), water resistant boots, mittens, and a scarf or mask to cover your face and mouth. Wear wool or polypropylene, as these materials will insulate you even if you are wet. Avoid wearing cotton as it acts like a negative insulator and takes heat away from your body when wet. 

 

Wear a hat or wrap your head in an article of clothing. Your brain requires a large amount of blood to function; thus, your body circulates and loses a large amount of heat through your head.  Wearing a hat will help to conserve your body heat.

 

Pack extra clothes, carry strike-anywhere matches and carry a cup with you that can be used to melt snow into drinking water to stay hydrated.  If you are outdoors, make sure you pack a shelter (even if you don’t plan on camping) that you can quickly set up in case of an emergency. 

 

Carry a mobile phone with you and make sure your friends and relatives know that you are traveling in extreme weather conditions. Let them know your scheduled route as well as expected departure and expected arrival times.  Should you become stranded, they know when to expect you and can also alert authorities to your potential locations.

6 Safety tips for first time travellers

Going on holiday should be one of the most exciting times of the year since, for most of us, it will be the only time we get to ourselves without having to worry about work, school, paying taxes and remembering to pick up milk before heading home. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't always remain vigilant and protect yourself from anything that might happen unexpectedly on your trip into an unknown location. The following is a quick list of some of the most fundamental safety tips that will help anyone travelling to a new place.

 

1. Know your surroundings

 

Travelling to a new country or city is great – allowing you to expand your horizons and meet new people. But along with that comes the fact that you will be out of your comfort zone. In order to avoid any one of a dozen things that might happen to you as a result of being in a new place, do a little bit of research on it before even arriving. Check where you’ll be staying; find out where the nearest police station is, where your country’s Embassy is, and what the easiest way will be to get around. Once you have that down, even if something were to happen, at least you have a way of getting help.

 

2. Keep your valuable documents on you at all times

 

One of the most important things to remember when travelling to a new country is that you are only a visitor, and as such, you will need to be able to prove that you have permission to be there at any given time. If something happens to your accommodation (whether it’s a hotel, a backpackers lodge, a train compartment, etc) and your valuables are lost, your travel insurance will most likely cover anything that is lost, except your passport and visa. Make sure to carry them safely on your person at all times, or find out whether it will be possible to use certified copies as valid identification, that way you won’t have to risk losing the real ones should something happen.

 

3. Get travel insurance!

 

As mentioned above, any valuables you happen to have with you (like laptops, cameras, cellphones, and even in some cases currency) will be covered by insurance if you are willing to pay for the coverage. This will allow you to get on with enjoying your holiday without having to worry about what will happen to your possessions – but this does not give you an excuse to treat your possessions as if you were at home, by leaving them lying around in public. Always keep your valuables safely with you or locked up in a place where you are the only one with access.

 

4. Take advice from experts, not locals

 

If you are travelling around and decide to try find out where the best spots are for sight-seeing, ask the concierge or clerk at your hotel, at an information kiosk, or at your embassy. Sure, asking locals will allow you to interact with them and perhaps make new friends, but you never know if the person you are approaching is interested in helping you or if they are willing to scam off an inexperienced tourist. Make sure you are aware of all kinds of scams that are known to be happening in the area, and even if a situation seems to be legitimate, be as careful as you can when dealing with locals. Make sure you don’t make yourself identifiable as an easy target by flashing your expensive camera, your money and wallet, or openly advertising that you are a tourist, because there is always at least one person who will know how to take advantage of that.

 

5. Get appropriate vaccinations, and be cautious with local cuisine

 

Most countries require proof of vaccination if there is a risk in their area (or yours, depending on where you’re travelling from) of any contagious disease. It is always a good idea to get vaccinated for the regular set of risky infections anyway, such as flu, TB, malaria, yellow fever, etc. Also, when travelling to a new country, everyone wants to experience the local culture as much as possible, and usually that means indulging in the local food. If you’re travelling to France, and your idea of experiencing the culture is sitting at a quaint bistro, you have nothing to worry about. However, travelling to China, India, South Africa, and many other Asian or African countries have traditional foods that aren’t always served from kitchens, and are sometimes prepared for you on an open fire in a busy market for suspiciously low prices. I’m not saying that this kind of food is necessarily bad – in fact, a lot of it is amazing, but you can never be too careful. Again, if you have done your research and know what to look out for, you will be able to navigate this aspect without any disruptions, but always try stay on the safe side if you don’t want to risk getting sick.

 

6. Keep multiple sources of currency

 

It is always a good idea to have multiple options when it comes to available money in a foreign country. Best-case scenario: you are able to spend it all happily without a hitch. Worst-case scenario: your wallet and/or money pouch gets stolen. If you decided to keep all your money in one place, thinking it will be safe since its so close to you, you might have a bad time. Keeping some of your money separate means you have a better chance of at least having the option to do something about it should something happen to your other source of currency.

6 Safety tips for first time travellers

Going on holiday should be one of the most exciting times of the year since, for most of us, it will be the only time we get to ourselves without having to worry about work, school, paying taxes and remembering to pick up milk before heading home. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't always remain vigilant and protect yourself from anything that might happen unexpectedly on your trip into an unknown location. The following is a quick list of some of the most fundamental safety tips that will help anyone travelling to a new place.

 

1.Know your surroundings

 

Travelling to a new country or city is great – allowing you to expand your horizons and meet new people. But along with that comes the fact that you will be out of your comfort zone. In order to avoid any one of a dozen things that might happen to you as a result of being in a new place, do a little bit of research on it before even arriving. Check where you’ll be staying; find out where the nearest police station is, where your country’s Embassy is, and what the easiest way will be to get around. Once you have that down, even if something were to happen, at least you have a way of getting help.

 

2.Keep your valuable documents on you at all times

 

One of the most important things to remember when travelling to a new country is that you are only a visitor, and as such, you will need to be able to prove that you have permission to be there at any given time. If something happens to your accommodation (whether it’s a hotel, a backpackers lodge, a train compartment, etc) and your valuables are lost, your travel insurance will most likely cover anything that is lost, except your passport and visa. Make sure to carry them safely on your person at all times, or find out whether it will be possible to use certified copies as valid identification, that way you won’t have to risk losing the real ones should something happen.

 

3.Get travel insurance!

 

As mentioned above, any valuables you happen to have with you (like laptops, cameras, cellphones, and even in some cases currency) will be covered by insurance if you are willing to pay for the coverage. This will allow you to get on with enjoying your holiday without having to worry about what will happen to your possessions – but this does not give you an excuse to treat your possessions as if you were at home, by leaving them lying around in public. Always keep your valuables safely with you or locked up in a place where you are the only one with access.

 

4.Take advice from experts, not locals

 

If you are travelling around and decide to try find out where the best spots are for sight-seeing, ask the concierge or clerk at your hotel, at an information kiosk, or at your embassy. Sure, asking locals will allow you to interact with them and perhaps make new friends, but you never know if the person you are approaching is interested in helping you or if they are willing to scam off an inexperienced tourist. Make sure you are aware of all kinds of scams that are known to be happening in the area, and even if a situation seems to be legitimate, be as careful as you can when dealing with locals. Make sure you don’t make yourself identifiable as an easy target by flashing your expensive camera, your money and wallet, or openly advertising that you are a tourist, because there is always at least one person who will know how to take advantage of that.

 

5.Get appropriate vaccinations, and be cautious with local cuisine

 

Most countries require proof of vaccination if there is a risk in their area (or yours, depending on where you’re travelling from) of any contagious disease. It is always a good idea to get vaccinated for the regular set of risky infections anyway, such as flu, TB, malaria, yellow fever, etc. Also, when travelling to a new country, everyone wants to experience the local culture as much as possible, and usually that means indulging in the local food. If you’re travelling to France, and your idea of experiencing the culture is sitting at a quaint bistro, you have nothing to worry about. However, travelling to China, India, South Africa, and many other Asian or African countries have traditional foods that aren’t always served from kitchens, and are sometimes prepared for you on an open fire in a busy market for suspiciously low prices. I’m not saying that this kind of food is necessarily bad – in fact, a lot of it is amazing, but you can never be too careful. Again, if you have done your research and know what to look out for, you will be able to navigate this aspect without any disruptions, but always try stay on the safe side if you don’t want to risk getting sick.

 

6.Keep multiple sources of currency

 

It is always a good idea to have multiple options when it comes to available money in a foreign country. Best-case scenario: you are able to spend it all happily without a hitch. Worst-case scenario: your wallet and/or money pouch gets stolen. If you decided to keep all your money in one place, thinking it will be safe since its so close to you, you might have a bad time. Keeping some of your money separate means you have a better chance of at least having the option to do something about it should something happen to your other source of currency.

Travelling to Zimbabwe

 

Travelling to Zimbabwe

 

One of Citiliner’s most prominent set of routes allows customers to travel to and from Zimbabwe on one of its many semi-luxury coaches at some of the best rates in the country. It is important to remember, however, that since Zimbabwe is an international destination, the restrictions and requirements for boarding and travelling in general may vary from trips to other cities within the country.

 

Firstly, travelers from South Africa to Zimbabwe are legally required to have a valid South African passport on hand in order to both book the trip and to cross the border. South African passport holders are not required to apply for or carry a visa in order to get into Zimbabwe.

 

If you have recently visited a Yellow Fever risk area, then you will need to vaccinated before your trip, and Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Malaria vaccinations are highly recommended, as Zimbabwe is a general risk area for those diseases.

 

Also, because Zimbabwe is generally considered a highly unstable country due to its volatile political state, it is highly recommended that you take as many safety precautions as possible. When possible, do not travel alone, refrain from carrying cash, make sure your passport is accessible at all times and know your surroundings as well as you can beforehand.

 

Citiliner offers semi-luxury bus trips all over South Africa in stylish coaches, at some of the most affordable rates on the market. To find out more about how to book a trip, or for route and timetable information to any of Citiliner’s destinations, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, Maputo and many more, visit the website or contact the 24 hour customer care line on 083 915 9000.

 

 

5 Travel tips for venturing out in the Winter.

 

1. Put some extra clothing and emergency items in your vehicle; these will come in handy if you break down in very cold weather. It doesn't take much -- assemble a basic kit including an extra pair of gloves, weather-resistant pants and/or coat, maybe an old pair of boots, a blanket, jumper cables and a flashlight with some extra batteries, and you should be in good shape if you somehow get stranded with just your car out on the open road. It may be a while before anyone is able to come along and help you out!

 

2. Before booking any accommodation on your winter holiday, check if that accommodation is prepared for the cold conditions. Heaters in your hotel room will be sorely missed if you arrive during a cold front. Think about keeping an extra blanket or electric blanket in your luggage when you travel.

 

3. If you’re going to be flying, cold weather, especially in areas where there tends to be heavy snowfall, may cause delays at the airport. be prepared to either wait for your delayed flight or make sure you have accommodation planned if all flights are cancelled. if you’re traveling to the Northern Hemisphere to experience the winter there, be prepared to be plagued by snow storms and long waiting periods.

 

4. If you’re driving in the cold, make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated, and eat enough food to keep your body from using all your stored energy for heat. Avoid sugary snacks, however, because these will give you quick bursts of energy, but will drain you quicker afterwards. If you do feel fatigued when driving in the cold, it is even more important to take a break to keep yourself awake and fully alert when driving, you reaction times need to be faster to compensate for slower movement and hazardous conditions.

 

5. Know how to recover from skids. When braking on a slippery road, it’s all too easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes a little too hard. If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes.

How to enjoy a long bus ride

For everyone who has experienced it, bus travel may be one of the most frustrating things in the world. Comparable only to air travel, the length of trips that you’ll have to endure on the bus can make it difficult to handle for anyone. However, there are quite a few things that you will be able to do to keep yourself busy and stop yourself from going crazy in the process!

 

Plan your time and know what you have in store

 

When you decide to take the bus for a long distance trip, find out from the coach driver or the booking agent how long they estimate the trip will take. Use that information to plan what you will do as well as you can, avoiding long stretched of time where you’re simply sitting around with nothing to do.

 

Take along stuff to pass the time

 

Take along a backpack with anything you think might help you pass the time, make sure that everything you take along is fully charged (if you’re planning on taking along any electronics). One of the easiest ways to make sure you have a (somewhat) constant companion is to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone, or if you prefer, bring along your handheld gaming console or e-book reader if you want variety (since you will only be able to fit around 2-4 hard copy books in your backpack, you’ll have a much easier time carrying around a thin electronic reader anyway).

 

Ready yourself for the trip ahead

 

Once you’ve set off and you have all your time passers with you, try to remind yourself that you will be stuck on the bus for a very long time, and the sooner you come to terms with that, the sooner you will be able to relax, and you probably won’t end up blowing your gasket when you look at your watch every five minutes. Also, stop looking at your watch every five minutes; you’re not doing yourself any favors!

 

Be nice to those around you and make friends

 

Another thing you will need to remember is that you and the rest of the passengers on the bus are in it together. No one wants to make the ride more awkward and frustrating by causing trouble, so take care to be courteous and friendly towards your fellow travellers. This way, you may even find yourself enjoying their company, making the time go along quicker. Even if you’re not too social, don’t go around making it uncomfortable for everyone, a smile and a quick hello every now and then never hurt anyone, so turn to the person sitting next to you or on the other side of the aisle and introduce yourself.

Things to remember when travelling abroad.

Travelling abroad may be a daunting task if the correct procedures aren’t followed. Some destinations have varying laws and regulations that must be followed when entering into their ports, and it could get confusing as to which laws apply to which country.

Not only can the customs and security element of a trip be confusing and overwhelming, but travelling within a foreign land may also become quite frightening and even dangerous if one does not have the right information.

Here is a list of a few of the things one should remember when planning a trip to a foreign destination:

1. Familiarize yourself with the customs and import laws of your destination. Upon entering the country, your belongings may be checked and found to be illegal or may warrant a fine. Checking with airlines relevant to the specific country will get you a list of all items not allowed in, thus, saving you time and possibly trouble before your trip even begins.

2. Make sure all accommodation and any activities you may have booked have been confirmed before arriving. When staying at a hotel, make sure your room has been confirmed to avoid being left without accommodation. If you happen to get into this situation, finding an available and affordable alternative may be a difficult task if you are not familiar with the area.

3. Always keep your passport, alternative identification, flight ticket and bank cards on you and in a safe place. These are considered to be your way in and out of your destination, and should they go missing or get stolen, the process of finding them or making alternative arrangements at your country’s embassy could be a lengthy process.

4. Make sure to find out before hand which areas and situations to avoid. Different countries around the world are notorious for high crime rates and dangerous areas. Criminals often make a habit of targeting obvious tourists as they are vulnerable and may not be aware of common criminal activity while on their trips. Contact the authorities in the relevant country beforehand and also ask around at your place of accommodation for any information pertaining to crime in their areas.

5. It may be important when travelling abroad to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of a country if it is notably different to your own. While it may be easy to brush any offensive behaviour off because you are a tourist, it is still important to identify and respect the customs of the people whose land you are visiting. For instance, western travellers may need to remember various signs of respect when visiting Eastern countries to avoid unpleasant looks and confrontations. Remember that things will be different, and what may seem unusual and offensive to you may be considered acceptable wherever you go. Accept local customs and you will be unlikely to land in any trouble.

6. Do not wait until you arrive at your destination to try to exchange all of your cash for local currency. Either do this while still in your own country to make sure that the kiosk or bank that you make use of actually accepts your currency. Or alternatively, make use of your ATM card to hold all of your money, and when you arrive, either find information on which banks will give you the best rate, or simply use the ATM card as the source of all your money throughout the trip. This will also help keep your money secure behind your card and PIN number.

Why should we travel?

Many of us are quite comfortable where we are. We have daily routines that usually play out like clockwork, with one or two memorable events in between to stop us from going crazy. We sometimes ask ourselves and our friends “Why and ourselves travel? What is the point? I have everything I need right here!” Well, the answer is quite a bit simpler than you might think!

 

Firstly, travelling is easy; much easier, in fact, than we expect. Sure, it costs money, but there is always a way to get to where you want to go that will fit your budget, and the best part is that you probably won’t have to do much of the grunt work yourself anyway. Visit a travel agent and get advice on what you can expect, what kind of destinations might suit you, and if you feel you have the right fit, they will do virtually everything for you! If you are the kind of person who prefers doing things yourself, you might even find yourself having fun watching your planning unfold before your eyes.

 

Another amazing thing that travelling will give you, as clichéd as it sounds, is an all-round education. Not only will you learn about wildly different cultures to your own (along with tasting their cuisine, which might be a selling point for you all on its own), but you will gain perspective on how they view you, learn their languages and traditions and give you skills necessary for surviving in our increasingly global community. After all, it may come in handy one day to be able to order what you want in a restaurant in Venice or China, You never know when these skills will be needed, or who they might impress!

 

On a trip to a foreign land, you will almost certainly encounter people you never would have at home, and because you’re in a strange place, making friends will be a necessary step for your survival. Making friends in a little village in India, or being accepted into a local tribe in Venezuela will give you memories that you will never forget. Travelling to these places with someone from home will most likely also strengthen your friendship with that person, giving you shared experience that you will be able to bond over for years to come.

 

One of the most important reasons why travelling should always be an option is because, well, why not? Everyone needs an adventure every once in a while, and being able to take a break from your real life for a while might get you to appreciate what you have a little more, and when you get back, you may find yourself more excited than ever to get back to work and see all the people you normally see so that you can share your experiences with them.