Start planning for your end-of-year holiday now – AA

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has warned holidaymakers to start making plans for their end of year holiday sooner rather than later in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances ruining their trip.

AA wants early planning

Six months does feel like a long time to start preparing, but the AA is adamant it is necessary to start planning as early as possible.

It is important to cover all the bases when preparing for a trip because the unexpected can be a whole bunch easier to deal with if everything else has been provisioned for.

The obvious element is booking accommodation because leaving that too late can mean just not being able to find a place to stay, but the AA’s warning goes far deeper than that.

Local travel

When traveling within South Africa by road, it is important to make sure the vehicle has been serviced and is roadworthy.

There are many ways a journey can be ended by an unroadworthy car, the least of which is being hauled off the road by police at the roadblock and the other potential consequences are much, much worse.

“Cars should be serviced well in advance of a long trip. Similarly, trailers or caravans should also be checked,” said the AA.

While six months may indeed be a little early for this kind of preparation, it is important to at least make a booking because vehicle dealerships start getting very busy around the holidays.

“Tyres, for instance, should be checked and if found to be damaged, replaced. Don’t leave this too late as vehicle dealerships become booked quickly towards the end of the year and you may struggle to get a slot if there’s not enough time.”

International travel

When taking a trip outside of South Africa’s borders, it becomes even more important to get all your ducks in a row before crossing the pond.

If traveling to a neighbouring country by vehicle or a foreign nation by plane, it is vitally important to research and understand what is required of you by the country you are visiting. This goes for everything from medical to administrative.

And, unlike getting the tyres on your car checked, this should be done as far in advance as possible.

“If, for instance, you are travelling to a neighbouring country which requires you to take malaria tablets, now is a good time to start thinking about it,” the AA said.

“And, if you haven’t already done so, re-check your emergency first aid kit, and refill special medication, especially if you are going to be travelling to a remote area where medical services are limited.”

It is also vital to find out if there are any visa or other paper-work related requirements for you and your family well in advance of setting sail.