Your Essential Holiday Travel Checklist: Preparing for a Worry-Free Break

Across the country South Africans are looking forward to holiday escapes after another demanding year. Whether you’re heading to exotic international destinations or exploring our country’s beautiful attractions, ensuring a truly relaxing break requires thoughtful preparation. 

Let’s explore the essential steps to secure your home and protect yourself while travelling.

Securing Your Home

Before packing the sunscreen, take time to properly secure your home. Start by reviewing your home and contents insurance policies – some have specific requirements or exclusions for extended absences. Document valuable items with photographs and store important documents in a secure location. This is also the perfect time to update your insurance coverage if needed.

Your home’s security system needs special attention. Test all components, secure all access points, and consider upgrading to smart home monitoring if you haven’t already. Modern technology offers excellent peace of mind through affordable CCTV systems that can be monitored via smartphone apps. Installing timer switches for lights creates the impression of occupancy, deterring potential intruders.

Essential Home Security Measures:

• Activate and test all security systems
• Lock away valuable items in a safe
• Install timer switches for lights
• Set up CCTV monitoring via smartphone
• Secure all windows and doors

Don’t overlook basic home maintenance before departure. Unplug non-essential appliances to protect against power surges and save energy. If you’re travelling during storm season, clear your gutters and secure outdoor furniture. Set your water heater to vacation mode and clear perishables from the refrigerator. For longer trips, consider having someone check on your property periodically.

Neighborhood Support and Communication

Building a support network in your neighbourhood is crucial. Provide trusted neighbours with your emergency contact information and consider hiring a house-sitter for extended absences. Don’t forget to cancel regular deliveries and inform your security company of your travel dates.

Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for a worry-free holiday. Whether travelling domestically or internationally, your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. 

For international travellers, medical coverage is particularly crucial as most South African medical aids offer limited coverage abroad. Look for policies that include medical evacuation – while we hope never to need it, this coverage can be lifesaving in remote areas or foreign countries.

International Travel Preparations

When travelling abroad, healthcare considerations should top your list. Research vaccination requirements and healthcare facilities at your destination. Carry adequate supplies of prescription medications along with your medical aid details. It’s wise to note local emergency numbers and register with your embassy for added security.

Financial preparation is equally important. Notify your bank of your travel plans and arrange necessary foreign currency. Check the validity of your credit cards and set up travel notifications to prevent any payment disruptions. 

For added security, enable two-factor authentication on your digital accounts and back up important data before departure.

Essential Documentation and Contacts:

• Valid passport and necessary visas
• Insurance policies and contact numbers
• Embassy registration details
• Emergency contact information
• Accommodation confirmations

Digital Security and Convenience

Today’s traveller relies heavily on technology. Before departure, ensure all your devices are secure and backed up. Download necessary travel apps, including airline apps and offline maps of your destination. Set up international roaming if needed, and store digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage.

Final Preparations

In the days before departure, take care of any remaining practical matters. Set up automatic bill payments to avoid returning to overdue notices. Share your itinerary with trusted family members or friends, especially if travelling to remote areas. Double-check that all insurance policies are current and emergency contact numbers are saved in your phone.

Need to review your insurance coverage before your holiday? Our team is ready to help ensure you have the right protection in place.