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.