travel tipslatest news & developments
Travel advisers are warning applicants to carefully check their travel documents, as Schengen visas are increasingly being issued with no extra validity days beyond the intended trip.
SCHENGEN VISA

Going to Europe? Why SA Schengen visas are getting tight

High approval rates don't tell the full story. From bank statements to precise insurance dates, your application details matter more than ever.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
4 min read
A passenger places a carry-on bag into an airplane's overhead bin. Under new international safety rules, travellers must adapt their carry-on packing strategies to ensure items like power banks and lithium batteries remain in the cabin.
TRAVEL TIPS

Why charging your phone on a plane just got harder

Here is how to pack batteries, electronics and essentials safely.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
3 min read
Checking into a hotel room? Don't skip the basics. Take a quick moment to ensure everything from the bed to the amenities meets your standards.
TRAVEL TIPS

The 5-minute hotel check that keeps bed bugs out

A quick visual walkthrough of your space can save you from a ruined stay and unexpected costs.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
4 min read
Economy class passengers seated in an aeroplane cabin, where comfort and legroom are at a premium during a long-haul flight.
TRAVEL TIPS

Surviving long-haul economy: How to stay human at 35,000 feet

From lumbar support hacks and smart hydration to picking the right seat, here is how to step off a 12-hour flight feeling refreshed instead of exhausted.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
4 min read
Following essential booking and packing tips, a couple is ready for their holiday.
HOLIDAYS

15 Non-negotiables before you book your next flight

Avoid airport stress and hidden costs with the ultimate 15-point checklist for your next holiday.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
5 min read
A group of young women travelling and exploring London.
BUDGET TRAVEL

How to visit the world’s most expensive cities without going broke

From London to Singapore, here is how to skip the tourist traps, master local transit, and experience world-class destinations on a normal budget.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
4 min read
A crowded street scene with outdoor restaurant seating and pedestrians walking past tourist shops, illustrating a typical tourist-heavy destination.
TOURIST TRAPS

Don’t get taken for a ride: How to spot vacation scams and tourist traps

From overpriced menus to street scams, here is how to spot the red flags, protect your travel budget, and eat like a local on your next trip.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
3 min read
Opening window blinds during take-off and landing allows crew and passengers to quickly assess conditions outside the aircraft should an evacuation become necessary.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM

What flight attendants know that you don’t: The real reason behind inflight rules

Understanding the science of clear-air turbulence, thermal runaway, and rapid evacuations helps explain why simple inflight requests save lives.

  • Alyssia Birjalal
4 min read
A road stretching into a snowy mountain landscape on an overcast day, capturing the isolation and chilling beauty of a winter journey.
TRAVEL TIPS

Caught in severe weather? What to do when road conditions deteriorate

When a routine trip turns into an overnight survival test, experts say your vehicle condition and rapid decisions are all that stand between safety and disaster.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
6 min read
A traveler waits peacefully at the terminal, enjoying a calm moment before her departure.
MISSED FLIGHTS

Confessions of a habitual latecomer: How early do you really need to be at the airport?

Discover the best practices for arriving at the airport on time and avoiding the stress of missed flights. Learn from personal experiences and expert advice on how early you…

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
3 min read
A solo female traveller with a camera ready to take pictures of her adventure.
SOLO TRAVEL

Reclaiming your space: Why a woman’s first solo trip is more than just a vacation

Embarking on your first solo trip as a woman? Discover essential safety tips that will empower you to travel confidently and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

  • ZamaNdosi Cele
5 min read