Travel Safe
At Travel Counsellors, we are committed to providing you with the best possible travel experience. Before you embark on your trip, here is a travel safety guide to help you be informed, as you prepare for your trip, and to keep in mind during your trip.
As always, your personal Travel Counsellor is available for any questions you may have.
It is your responsibility to check the requirements for entry to your destination(s) applicable to your trip; this includes passport validity, travel authorisations and visas, health and insurance requirements.
It is advisable to check with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation at the time of booking and in good time prior to travel, as requirements are subject to change at any time.
For more detailed information, please review the sections below:
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation provide advice on travelling abroad and keeping safe and well in your destination. Visit https://dirco.gov.za/advice-for-south-african-citizens-travelling-abroad/
Travel Insurance: Ensure that your existing travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip interruptions and is adequate for your trip.
Should you require travel insurance at the time of confirming your travel arrangements, your Travel Counsellor can either provide a quote for a new travel insurance policy or refer you to our insurance partner.
Fit to travel: It is your responsibility to ensure you are medically fit to travel. You should discuss your fitness to travel with your GP and ensure that you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company.
Vaccinations: Check required and recommended vaccinations for your destination with your GP and allow sufficient time before you depart.
Medications: Travel with sufficient prescribed medications with prescription documentation, and always carry them in your hand luggage. Check that the medication is legally allowed at the destination.
Suncare: Sun lotions, hats, sunglasses, regular breaks from the sun and drinking plenty of water will help to avoid the effects of sunstroke.
Illness or Incident: Ensure that you contact your travel insurance provider for assistance as per their notification process should you require any medical assistance.
Passports, Visas & Authority to Visit: Ensure your passport is valid as per entry requirements and verify visa and/or authorisation requirements (subject to change at any time).
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, other forms of identification (e.g. driver’s licence), travel insurance and itinerary.
Ensure you have made enquiries regarding travelling with children with different family names and/or as a solo parent; further details can be found on https://www.gov.za/faq/travel-tourism/what-are-requirements-travelling-children
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all the requirements for entry to the destinations on your travel itinerary.
Driving Licence & Permits: If you are renting a vehicle, ensure you have your driving licence and/or an International Driving Permit as required in some destinations.
Credit Card: If you are renting a vehicle, a credit card in the name of the named driver is usually required for identification purposes.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and common tourist scams and be mindful of not displaying valuable items.
Currency & Cards: Carry a mix of cash and cards. Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any suspicious activity alerts from your bank.
Cybersecurity: Avoid accessing sensitive information on public open WI-FI networks; use a VPN if possible.
Local Laws and Customs: Respect and familiarise yourself with local traditions, customs and laws to avoid actions considered to be disrespectful or illegal.
Communication: Learn key phrases or use a translation app to navigate and ask for help.
Licenced Transport: Use official and licensed transport providers; be aware of a fake taxis.
Safety Equipment: Always use safety equipment such as seatbelts in vehicles. Laws around the use of child seats vary; think about taking your own child car seat.
Self-Drive: Be aware of local driving regulations, road infrastructure and vehicle maintenance differences. Ensure your travel insurance provides coverage for any vehicle rental hire.
Accommodation standards vary globally and the local authorities in each country set the standards for official star/quality ratings. Please be aware that these standards may be different from the ones we expect and are used to in South Africa.
Emergency Exits: Familiarise yourself with the building layout, the nearest emergency exit and safety instructions on how to raise the alarm or evacuate in case of fire or emergency.
Security: Ensure you secure your room at all times and use safety boxes (use of these may be a condition of your travel insurance policy).
Room Features: Children should be supervised if the room has a balcony, and ensure windows are lockable. Be aware of any full-length glass panes, as in bright sunlight, they may not be obviously open or closed.
If the accommodation has gas cooking facilities, ensure you know how to use the facility and report any concerns immediately. You should consider packing a carbon monoxide detector as an additional precaution.
Swimming Pools and Beach: Familiarise yourself with shallow and deep ends of the swimming pools if the depth markings are not clear; a lifeguard may not be present; a beach flag warning system may not be in place; familiarise yourself with any hotel or beach information notices and supervise children around water at all times.
Reception: Report any concerns or issues to reception as soon as possible during your stay to allow the accommodation management an opportunity to resolve your concerns.
Insurance: Ensure that your travel insurance provides coverage prior to taking part; some may be considered hazardous activities and require an additional payable premium.
Licence: Use licensed and reputable suppliers who will provide safety instructions and supervision.
Participation: Consider your physical health prior to taking part in activities.
Know how to contact the local emergency services and the consulate or embassy. Visit https://dirco.gov.za/south-african-representation-abroad/
Travel Counsellors are contactable to assist with any emergency situation on the 24/7 emergency helpline by calling 00 44 161 608 1052 or on email: tcdutyoffice@travelcounsellors.com
Your TC contact details are also detailed on the myTC app in the TC Contact area.
