Here’s how travelling people see the world differently.

They Know Talking Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Communicating

Find yourself in a local village in China trying to buy something as simple as a T-shirt and the situation may turn out a tad more complicated.

Firstly, you can’t speak the language and your hand gestures mean zilch because Chinese don’t measure clothes in terms of small, medium and large.

This is just one example of how travellers learn that talking is not necessarily communicating.

Material Things Mean Very Little For a Happy Life

Once you start travelling more frequently, you learn that you can do with a lot less than the 50 outfits you crammed in your big suitcase. You become less concerned with how you look and instead find yourself more intrigued by the experience of interacting with locals.

In places like India, you find street sweepers who are happier than rich businessmen. These types of encounters teach you that wealth comes in various forms other than the material goods and money we usually measure happiness by.

People Come and Go

Travelling on a regular basis has many lessons, but unlike those who have never explored other countries, travellers know that in life, people come and go.

You befriend a local who becomes your bestie for three months but once you leave, you never see and hear from them again. And that’s okay because every person you meet serves a purpose in your life, for however long it may be.

Being Uncomfortable Is The Only Way To Grow

When you decide to travel, you are making the choice to move from the most comfortable place you know, your home, to a foreign place where you don’t speak the same language, eat the same foods and live the same way.

But travellers are very aware that venturing into the unknown, to take on the awkward task of asking for an apple in mandarin and stepping completely out of your comfort zone is the only way you transform from the closed off pupa to the open-hearted butterfly.

So, if you’re looking to get a different perspective on the world, perhaps it’s time to step out of your comfort zone.

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TRAVEL TIP 1: Try Alternative Airports

People often forget to look at second or third airports within a city when booking flights. Some airports offer cheaper flights than others within the same city. For example, when leaving from Johannesburg, flights from Lanseria Airport can often be cheaper than O.R. Thambo International.

TRAVEL TIP 2: Get Rid of Pesky Cookies

Recent articles have shed some light onto the use of travel sites using cookies to tailor your search and potentially increase the airfares shown in your search. Websites use cookies to identify you and they track your Internet actions such as remembering when you add items to a cart on a shopping site without signing in. The site would essentially guess that you would be willing to pay higher prices if the stored cookies show you have been doing research on a particular route over the past few days or weeks. Read more about this here: http://usat.ly/1hSGjDH Get around this by comparing prices shown on your cell phone to your computer. Alternatively, you can search in two different browsers to see if there is any change.

TRAVEL TIP 3: Make Night Owl Bookings

Airlines often let flight prices drift upwards during the week but the best time to book a flight for airfares on sale is late on a Sunday night and early Monday morning. Prices increase during the day on Monday and then the fares that didn’t sell well may drop down again on Monday night to early Tuesday morning.

TRAVEL TIP 4: Avoid Friday and Sunday Flights

Knowing leisure travellers, vacationers, and businessmen mostly travel on these days, the prices of flights can get quite high. High demand for these days allows the airlines to increase prices seeing people will still buy the flights. You should always try avoid these days for flying if you can.

TRAVEL TIP 5: Pick the Best In-Flight Experience

If you are left choosing between two fares that are quite similar in price, make the in-flight experience the deciding factor. A number of small features can make your trip much nicer, such as entertainment options, more leg room, reclining seats, or better meals.

TRAVEL TIP 6: Always Remember Other Costs

Choosing the cheapest may not be the most affordable in the long run if you don’t take into account airport taxes or having to stay in a hotel to make a very early flight. You may have higher baggage fees or more restrictions on your luggage. Don’t forget about the human costs involved of a lift from a friend to the airport at very early times, especially if it makes them late for work. Try keep these factors in mind when booking a flight.

TRAVEL TIP 7: Fly Two Different Airlines

In some cases, the return trip you book with one airline can be more expensive compared to getting two flights from different airlines. You may also find departure and arrival times to be more convenient by booking two different airlines. If you have frequent flyer miles, try book flights within the airline alliance so you won’t miss out.

©Diane Moalem for Compare Guru

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1. Single-Trip Insurance: This type of insurance only covers one overseas trip or one holiday. A cheaper option if you rarely travel compared to an annual travel insurance policy that covers multiple trips. Before you choose between the two, you need to add up the amount of annual trips you take at the cost of single trip insurance and compare it to the annual travel insurance premium. If you have two trips involving risky destinations or risky activities, an annual or multi-trip package may not cover both or would be very expensive so a single-trip package may suit your needs more. These packages generally cover: • Illness and injury • Loss of baggage • Cancellation of your holiday • Theft • Emergency repatriation • Public liability • Personal accidents

2. Multi-Trip Insurance: The cost of multi-trip travel insurance varies largely on factors including: • Worldwide or European cover • Family or individual cover • Your Age • Excess • Pre-existing medical conditions • Level of cover • Annual travel insurance checklist Helpful Tip: Look at family travel insurance on family vacations. Although not a type of insurance like the previous two, choosing this option can save you money by insuring the whole family instead of creating individual policies. Helpful Tip: Make sure you check the fine print of your policy as you may be visiting countries that your policy doesn’t cover.

©Diane Moalem for Compare Guru

The post Travel Insurance Basics appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

Even after we have our visas, we have to be interrogated about anything from our town of birth to a detailed and lengthy timetable of what we intend to do whilst visiting a country.

For those of you who want to avoid this altogether, luckily, there are many countries that are either visa-less, or allow you to apply for a visa upon arrival.

CLICK BELOW to compare flights across a variety of destinations!

Here Are 92 Countries That Don’t Require Visas

1. Antigua and Barbuda – 30 days

2. Argentina – 90 days

3. Armenia – Visa on arrival for 120 days

4. Azerbaijan – Visa for 30 days

5. Bahamas – 30 days (extendable up to 8 months)

6. Bahrain – eVisa for 30 days

7. Barbados – 180 days

8. Belize – Visa not required

9. Benin – Visa not required for 30 days

10. Bolivia Visa on arrival for 90 days

11. Botswana – 90 days

12. Brazil – 90 days

13. Cambodia – Visa on arrival for 30 days

14. Cape Verde – Visa on arrival

15. Chile – 90 days

16. Colombia – 90 days – (extendable up to 180-days stay within a one-year period)

17. Comoros – Visa on arrival

18. Costa Rica – 90 days

19. Côte d’Ivoire – eVisa for 90 days (eVisa holders must arrive via Port Bouet Airport)

20. Cuba – Tourist card required

21. Djibouti – Visa on arrival

22. Dominica – 180 days

23. Dominican Republic – 30 day tourist card must be purchased on arrival

24. Ecuador – 90 days

25. El Salvador – 90 days

26. Ethiopia – Visa on arrival

27. Fiji – 120 days

28. Gabon Visa on arrival – 30 days. Visa not required for children under 16

29. Georgia – 365 days

30. Ghana – Visa on arrival for 30 days

31. Grenada – 90 days

32. Guatemala – 90 days

33. Guinea-Bissau – Visa on arrival for 90 days

34. Guyana – 90 days

35. Haiti – 90 days

36. Honduras – 90 days

37. India – e-Tourist Visa for 30 days (eTV holders must arrive via one of the 16 designated airports)

38. Indonesia – 30 days. Select ports of entry.

39. Iran – Visa on arrival for 30 days

40. Ireland – 90 days

41. Israel – 90 days

42. Jamaica – 180 Days

43. Jordan – Visa on arrival for 30 days

44. Kenya – 30 days

45. South Korea – 30 days

46. Kyrgyzstan – Visa on arrival for 30 days (available at Manas International Airport)

47. Laos – Visa on arrival for 30 days

48. Lesotho – 90 days

49. Madagascar – Visa on arrival for 30 days

50. Malawi – 90 days

51. Malaysia – 90 days

52. Maldives – Visa on arrival for 90 days

53. Marshall Islands – Visa on arrival for 90 days

54. Mauritania – Visa on arrival (available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport)

55. Mauritius – 90 days

56. Micronesia – 30 days

57. Mozambique – 90 days

58. Myanmar – eVisa for 28 days

59. Namibia – 90 days

60. Nepal – 90 days

61. Nicaragua- 90 days

62. Oman – Visa on arrival

63. Palau – Visa on arrival for 30 days

64. Panama – 180 days

65. Paraguay – 90 days

66. Peru – 180 days

67. Philippines – 30 days

68. Rwanda – Visa on arrival for 30 days

69. Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days

70. Saint Lucia – 45 days

71. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 30 days

72. Samoa – Visa on arrival for 60 days

73. Senegal – No Visa required

74. Seychelles – Visitor’s Permit on arrival for 90 days

75. Singapore – 30 days

76. Sri Lanka – Electronic Travel Authorisation for 30 days

77. Swaziland – 30 days

78. Tajikistan – Visa on arrival (or online) for 45 days (Dushanbe International Airport). E-visa holders can enter through all border points.

79. Tanzania – 90 days

80. Thailand – 30 days (maximum two visits annually if not arriving by air)

81. Timor-Leste – Visa on arrival for 30 days

82. Togo – Visa on arrival for 7 days

83. Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days

84. Tunisia – 90 days

85. Turkey –  eVisa for 90 days

86. Tuvalu Visa on arrival for 30 days

87. Uganda – Visa on arrival or apply online

88. Uruguay – 90 days

89. Vanuatu – 30 days

90. Venezuela – 90 days

91. Zambia – 90 days

92. Zimbabwe – 120 days

The post South Africans Don’t Need Visas In 92 Countries appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

1. Your City Is A Threat

You’re oh so proud of the city you live in because of how amazingly beautiful it is and the breathtaking views you see everyday. You can’t imagine living in any other place and chances are you won’t ever see any other city because of this.

Truth is, you’re living in a tourist destination where prices are expensive for basic household goods, the standard of living is high and ridiculous compared to other places in your country.

Simple solution – Find a cheaper city to live.

2. The No-Shopping List Threat

You tell yourself:

“I’m just going to pop in and pop out for bread and milk.”

20 minutes later you walk out of the supermarket with a bag full of groceries and items you probably didn’t need. The mistake most people make is by walking into the devil’s playground without a Bible – namely a shopping list.

Simple solution – Buy daily essentials at a tuck shop and always have a shopping list.

3. Your High Premium Rate Threat

With all types of insurance needed for your assets, it’s an essential part to life these days. However, your car insurance premium is unnecessarily high because you didn’t make use of a comparison site where things are made simpler to find the cheapest price.

Simple solution: Find out if your car insurance premium is cheaper somewhere else by visiting CompareGuru

4. The Threat of Bars and Restaurants

If you’re more concerned about the vibe and the ambience found out bars and restaurants, chances are you’re always see only the 4 corners of your apartment – your entire life.

All you need to do to save for a holiday, is buy a bottle, put on some music, drink at home with your friends and have a good time there.

5. The R13,000 Smoking Threat

It’s really tough to stop smoking, but the reality is, it seriously cuts into your budget and it’s so, so bad for you!

By simply stopping, or trying to, you’ll save at least R13, 000!

6. The ‘It Was Cheaper There’ Threat

With technology at your finger tips, the only reason you’re buying this from sales people or at stores is because you enjoy shopping. That’s all good and well, however, you’re wasting your money.

By simply going on to a comparison site like CompareGuru you could find the cheapest deals on all latest gadgets you wish to buy.

7. The Threat Of Always Using Your Car

There are so many risks involved when you take your car to work:

• There’s the chance of you having to call your motor warranty company in the case of your car breaking down.
• There’s the chance you’ll be in an accident
• There’s the risk you or someone else will get badly hurt
• With all this risk involved, have you ever thought of travelling with public transport?

It’s worth it when it comes to saving for travelling. Another idea for saving when it comes to your car is carpooling.

8. The Threat Of Not Treating Yourself

Telling yourself you’re going to save or trying to save and just end up splurging because you’re so frustrated is a complete disastrous decision.

By making use of a budget planner and getting your bank to take a fixed amount every month to save and then treating yourself in small ways little by little will save you a lot of emotional exhaustion and misery.

The post 8 Hidden Threats Stopping You From Travelling appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

1. Starting the policy: You should preferably start paying your travel insurance premiums as soon as you book your trip because if you cancel your trip and your travel insurance starts on the first day of your trip, the insurance company won’t cover lost expenses.

2. Health declarations: If you don’t declare a pre-existing medical condition before your trip and you require medical assistance, the insurance company may turn down your claim. Some policies will provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions however, they won’t continue paying your routine treatment. If you have travelled against medical advice and make a medical claim, you will not be covered.

3. Reporting theft or loss: You need a police report if you are going to claim for lost or stolen items. Some insurance companies insist on a report within 24 hours of the incident.

4. Extreme sports: Check with your insurance company and your policy to see what sports-related injuries they are willing to compensate. Keep in mind that your concept of extreme sports may differ to that of the insurance company so verify before you book.

5. Risky zones: Your insurance company may not cover certain countries or regions for certain reasons including terrorism and war risks. Check the list of no-go zones before you book to ensure you have adequate cover.

©Diane Moalem for Compare Guru

The post 5 Factors Your Travel Insurance Company Won’t Cover appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

And, let’s be honest, wouldn’t you like to have an experience that your friends haven’t done yet?

CLICK BELOW to read up about unusual things to do in Durban.

Unusual Cape Town Adventures

Be top of the tourist gossip topics with these four unusual Cape Town adventures:

1. Horseback Safari at Aquila Game Reserve

Combining two activities into one, take a day trip safari while riding horseback through the Aquila Private Game Reserve.

A fantastic way to witness the natural wonders of Africa while getting closer than ever to all the game on offer. View springbok, lion, Cape porcupine, Chacma baboon, leopard, and African elephant, available for either a morning or afternoon ride.

By purchasing The Entertainer, you can get a free ride with every ride purchased. CLICK BELOW to find out more.

2. Boat Ride Around Intaka Island

The Intaka Island is a hidden gem placed in the canals of Century City. Take a boat ride with your family or explore the wetlands via the wooden trails.

The Intaka Island is also home to an Eco Centre which aims to educate and provide more understanding about our environment and the wetlands that surround. Something for everyone!

CLICK BELOW to purchase The Entertainer, a series of buy-one-get-one-free coupons, and use your ‘Intaka’ coupon to get a free boat ride and entrance to the Island with every ride purchased.

3. La Bonheur Crocodile Farm

Ever fancied holding a live baby crocodile? The La Bonheur Crocodile Farm is only 40 minutes from Cape Town Central and home to over 1000 crocs.

This ideal interactive family activity includes guided tours of the croc ponds, cuddling an adorable baby crocodile, and in the summer months, even witnessing a feeding. View the crocodiles thrashing around underwater with the amazing aquarium-style viewing panels.

By purchasing The Entertainer, you can get a free entry into the La Bonheur Crocodile Farm with every entry purchased. CLICK BELOW to find out more.

4. Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay Pigeon shooting is a sporting activity that has been around for well over a century and involves aiming at special flying targets.

Try your hand at this skillful sport, or invite some friends out for a day of healthy competition! Winner buys lunch!

CLICK BELOW to purchase The Entertainer, a series of buy-one-get-one-free coupons, and use your ‘Clay Pigeon Shot’ coupon to get a free Sportsman Shooting Package with every Sportsman Shooting Package purchased.

The post 4 Unusual Things To Do In Cape Town appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

Various social media community groups blame the authorities for not implementing hiker protection programmes. Since early last year, there have been over 90 hiker attacks that have taken place around the Table Mountain routes.

Amid the recent outcry by the community, SANPark has reassured the members that there will be stricter security measures in place.

Make sure that you and your family are safe at all times. Get comprehensive insurance today!

Is It Too Late? 

On January 14, two incidents took place where hikers were attacked. One attack took place along the Silvermine route and the other at the Peers Cave above Fish Hoek.

In the Silvermine attack, two attackers reportedly joined a group of nine hikers while pretending to be hikers. According to reports, after half an hour, the attackers stabbed the hikers with a knife.

Five of the victims were airlifted to a local medical facility to receive treatment.

A week ago another incident took place, where a 39-year old Egyptian tourist was stabbed while walking along Noordehoek Beach.

Authorities have confirmed that SAPS is currently investigating the situation.

So What Is Being Done? 

According to an official statement by SANParks, there will be more visible security in and around the Table Mountain trail routes.

“Further operational meetings will take place during the course of this week with SANParks, SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to solidify operational plans. Given the extent and remoteness of the Park, it is a challenge to have a constant presence in the area. However, the safety of park-goers is important and it must be stressed that citizens remain vigilant given they enter at their own risk. “

SANPark has also confirmed that two arrests have been made in connection with the incidences which took place in January.

These perpetrators were responsible for a mugging incident which took place between Platteklip and Signal Hill. The National Parks have also added these additional resources to their security plan:

•  Joint operations with SAPS;
• Ongoing surveillance Observation Points to monitor the mountain;
• An increase of patrols in the area;
• The deployment of the TMNP dog unit;
• Identifying possible escape routes to assist SAPS in apprehending the perpetrators. There are numerous exit points;
• Gather on site evidence to assist with a successful conviction.

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Safety Tips For Hikers

While SANPark promises to amp up the safety for their hikers, they also require hikers to be aware of their own personal safety.

Here is a list of safety tips that SANPark has requested hikers and visitors to the park consider:

• Never hike, run, cycle etc alone – four or more is an ideal size for a party;
• Plan your route from start to end and choose the route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group;
• Inform someone exactly which route you are taking as well as your expected time of return and stick to this route and plan;
• Always be prepared for bad weather, i.e. take proper weatherproof clothing even on a sunny day (wind and rain proof); torches – with spare batteries and globes; good footwear – strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles; food; water; a flask of tea or some other beverage; a rucksack to carry it all in – so as to leave your arms and hands free;
• Carry a guidebook, map or route description. A registered guide is recommended;
• Keep to the designated routes on well-used paths. Heed signs advising of danger and do not take short cuts or unknown routes;
• Don’t bring valuables like money or camera equipment;
• Be wary of suspicious persons who may pose as hikers.

“SANParks is deeply concerned about any incidents taking place in the park and requests that hikers save the emergency number on their phones.”

*For any emergencies, contact 086 110 6417 or 107/021 480 7700.

The post What Are SANParks Doing About Hiking Attacks? appeared first on Insurance Quotes 24.

It was also expected that the price of fuel would go up by around 25c per litre, along with diesel by 28c and paraffin by 17c. Instead, the Department of Energy released a statement late on Monday afternoon to reveal that the price would instead be increased by 4.9c per litre – still due to come into effect on the 5th.

This puts the inland prices at:

• 95 Petrol – R16.08 p/l
• 93 Petrol – R15.86 p/l
• Wholesale 0.05% Diesel – R14.41 p/l

While that may seem like cause for celebration, it really isn’t. The Department further stated;

Despite the fact that these increases were caused mainly by international factors, the department has decided to intervene temporarily for this month. This is a once off temporary intervention to provide some relief to motorists and consumers against fuel price hikes.”

As it stands, we’ve already seen the price of fuel rise by more than 27% since last year, and the impending escalation isn’t sitting too well with anybody. Economists have even warned that we could be looking at a price of almost R18 per litre by the end of 2018 and as much as R20 per litre by the end of 2019.

Fun times are ahead.

Of course, there isn’t too much we can do about it right now. South Africa is at the mercy of the international crude oil price. According to the Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, South Africa currently imports 49% of its crude oil from Saudi Arabia, 24% from Nigeria, 20% from Angola, 2% from Togo and 1% each from Equatorial Guinea, the United States, Cameroon and Ghana.

Adding to that, the rand’s weak showing against the US dollar is also a primary influencing factor, making the fuel problem in SA a very difficult problem to fix.

The fuel levy is the fourth biggest source of income for the government after income tax, company tax and VAT, and contributes 5% to national tax revenue.

SAVE up to 30% on car insurance today! Compare quotes here!

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