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Africa and the Indian Ocean hold the promise of unforgettable adventures. From heart-pounding safaris to immaculate beaches, the region is home to diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. But before you embark on your dream vacation, here are 10 travel tips to ensure your vacation is one to remember.
1. Venture Beyond the Usual Suspects
Research the range of African and Indian Ocean destinations on offer well in advance of your planned departure dates to make sure you choose a safari or beach vacation that suits your travel style. Africa and the Indian Ocean boast many hidden gems. Explore lesser-travelled and less tourism dense destinations like Mozambique, Namibia or Uganda before more people discover their allure.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Season
When you travel to your chosen destination out of their peak season, or during their shoulder season, you can benefit from reduced rates at some of our favorite properties. It may mean you can enjoy a luxury 5-star experience, previously considered to be out-of-reach. For example, the tropical paradise of Mauritius offers year-round sunshine and fantastic value outside of peak months, especially in May and June.
3. Check If You Need Any Vaccinations
Did you know that you may have to show proof of particular vaccinations before entering certain countries? This precaution is for your own health and others, and our team of Experts will guide you on any vaccinations or medications you may need ahead of your trip. There are also a host of our destinations who don’t require any precautionary vaccines or medications to visit, including a number of malaria-free safari destinations.
4. Make Sure You Have Financial Protection
For financial peace-of-mind, make sure you only book with a travel company who are properly licensed to ensure you are 100% protected. Mahlatini trips are fully bonded and regulated by industry bodies, such as ATOL. We offer flexible booking terms and guaranteed financial protection through our travel trusts, Travel Trust Association and Trust My Travel. Also, make sure you have travel insurance in place once you book your vacation as you are generally entitled to a full refund if an unforeseen event prevents you from travelling.
5. Leverage Frequent Flyer and Loyalty Programs
Make better use of frequent flyer points and airline award programs that you may have built up over years but never redeemed. You could enjoy flights for a fraction of their original cost or upgrade your seat for a more comfortable long-haul flight.
6. Pre-arrange Airport Transfers
Did you know most Mahlatini journeys include your airport transfers for a stress-free arrival. This eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar surroundings upon landing, especially if you’re arriving in the late hours of the night and English is not a widely spoken language in the country you’re travelling to.
7. Take Personal Safety Precautions
We believe cultural differences and the unknown are some of the best things about travelling, however it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with suggested safety precautions to employ while travelling to and within a country. When travelling with Mahlatini, our team of experts will ensure you are up to date with any safety or cultural considerations to take while travelling within your chosen destination.
8. Be Respectful of Local Cultures
It is always good to research if there is any clothing etiquette for the locations or activities that you are planning to do during your vacation. For example, there are recommendations of what to wear on safari such as neutral-colored clothes that are lightweight, breathable and comfortable.
In some countries you might be required to dress modestly when visiting certain religious and cultural sites. For example, when deciding what to pack for a Sri Lanka vacation, it is recommended to pack a sarong or pashmina to cover your chest, shoulders, or knees as well as an extra pair of socks to wear when visiting temples or other sites of cultural significance. A little effort goes a long way in fostering a positive cultural exchange.
9. Research the Tipping Etiquette
Knowing the local tipping customs will help you avoid possible awkward situations. Some cultures don't expect tipping and it can actually be seen as disrespectful to tip, while others have established norms on how much to tip. Our Experts share a detailed tipping guide for individual destinations ahead of each Mahlatini trip. Knowing beforehand helps you ensure you are prepared and have included this additional cost in your budget.
10. Let The Experts Craft Your Dream Vacation
Perhaps our most important travel tip, we highly advise that you entrust your planning to a reliable expert tour operator. They will have in-depth knowledge of your chosen destination and are equipped to give you first hand advice. Let our travel experts design a personalized itinerary that caters to your unique interests and desired budget. We'll plan everything with the utmost care, from choosing the best properties to all the logistics, so you can focus on creating lasting memories. Contact Mahlatini today and let's start planning your unforgettable vacation!
