Because a well-planned trip not only ensures your safety but also enhances the joy of your holiday experience.
You’ve done the impossible: convinced your manager to approve your annual leave. But the celebration is short-lived because the daunting task of trekking home lies ahead.
South Africa’s roads are an obstacle course on any given day.
During the festive season, this challenge intensifies, with the rush of holiday travellers adding an extra layer of treachery to what should be an otherwise manageable journey, distance notwithstanding.
That’s why it's essential to approach this journey with a keen sense of safety and preparation.
Read on for tips on navigating the journey home this holiday season.
The holiday season is upon us, and along with it comes joy, reunions and national roads filled with chaos, commotion, and the challenge of navigating busy streets safely.
The last thing you need is to get caught up in that.
Whether travelling 2 kilometres or 20,000, embarking on any trip requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The first and most obvious thing to do when prepping for a long-distance drive is to inspect your vehicle thoroughly before the journey. This includes ensuring all fluids are topped up, the tyres are roadworthy and in good condition, the brakes are functioning correctly, and the windshield wipers are working well.
Next, you’ll need to map out your destination’s route, ensuring it includes rest stops and fuel stations. Creating a well-planned route can reduce the stress of unexpected detours or delays, making your drive pleasurable (minus the minutes, maybe hours, of travelling).
While planning your trip, one thing to not overlook is deciding when to take to the streets. Plan your trip to avoid the rush and stress of heavy traffic, taking special care to evade peak travel dates. Travelling on less busy days can lead to a more relaxed and safer journey.
It’s worthwhile to consider starting your journey early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the bulk of holiday traffic. The bonus in doing so is that it can also help you drive during cooler parts of the day, reducing the strain on you, the driver, and the car. This will, however, depend on when you most prefer to drive and when it’s safest—certain roads are more accident-prone than others over the December holiday period.
If you’re the favourite aunt/uncle with a fancy ‘big city’ job, your family members are undoubtedly expecting you to come armed to the teeth with presents. But, overloading your vehicle can lead to cramped conditions and reduced visibility. Packing light, however, ensures more space, better fuel efficiency, and a safer driving experience. So, showing up empty-handed at the family function is perfectly okay—your presence is the present!
Earlier, we touched on the potential dangers drivers can face on the roads this December. Mzansi’s roads are infamous for seasonal increases in traffic accidents amid heightened holiday voyaging and drunk driving.
While it’s impossible to control the actions of other motorists, here is what you can do to ensure your own safety.
Familiarise yourself with the route before you set off. GPS apps are known to choose the shortest distance, which might not always be the safest. If your journey somehow takes you through unfamiliar territory, practice vigilance and stay extra alert.
Long drives can be tiring, so take regular breaks to stretch, refresh, and maintain concentration. If push comes to shove, consider stopping at a B&B overnight to ensure you’re well-rested for the road ahead.
Stay hydrated, but balance your fluid intake to minimise making too many stops and bathroom breaks.
Obey traffic laws like your life depends on it (which it does). Speeding increases the risk of accidents, so always adhere to all speed limits and traffic signs.
Packing for a long road trip demands a perfect balance between being prepared and avoiding clutter.
Taking the time to organise the items you bring on your trip carefully can cut down the amount of luggage you take by at least half, making moving around less taxing.
That said, what’s the key to successfully loading up your vehicle?
Let’s start with something we all struggle with: clothing.
People always feel compelled to bring their entire wardrobe, even if the trip lasts a whopping two days. What’s funnier is even with all this packing, you’ll still forget the essentials (“Has anyone seen my toothbrush?”).
You can avoid overpacking unnecessary items by focusing on the itinerary rather than the possibilities.
Packing that red carpet-ready dress or that dashing suit and tie is fun and all, but are you really going to need them if you’re off to the villages or even a small town?
Instead, pack comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions you’ll encounter—be sure to include a mix of light layers you can easily add or remove.
Lastly, don’t forget essentials like sunglasses for driving; they’ll come in handy when the sun’s rays are waging war on your eyeballs.
The following items should be a permanent fixture in your car in any case, but here’s a loving reminder to ensure you’ve checked that they are.
A spare tyre, a basic tool kit, and extra engine oil can mean the difference between being left stranded and destitute versus having a minor setback on your travels. It’s also wise to have a spare car key in a secure but accessible place.
We’ve watched enough horror movies to know that one Wrong Turn can set you on a course of disaster! That’s why investing in a helpful little emergency kit is worthwhile, in case your sho’t left turns into the stuff urban legends are made of.
Basically, an emergency kit is a must-have.
It should include a first-aid kit, a torch/flashlight with extra batteries, a multi-tool, battery jumper cables, and a tyre repair kit. Also, consider adding a reflective warning triangle and a fire extinguisher for extra safety.
If you’re travelling with your children, this next one’s for you.
Long trips and little kids generally don’t fare well. That’s why it’s vital to stock up on books and magazines or download movies and games on tablets/smartphones to ensure the kids are thoroughly entertained throughout.
And despite living in modern times, keeping a physical map nearby is a good idea.
A physical or offline GPS map will be helpful when signal coverage fails you in remote areas.
Traffic officials will be out in their numbers, ensuring motorists abide by the rules of the road this December.
That means everyone and their grandmother will be pulled over for a quick inspection.
Make your life easier by having documents such as your driver's license, car registration, insurance papers, and emergency contact information easily accessible. This helps keep everything in order and readily available when needed.
And if you’re travelling outside South Africa’s borders, you’ll need that trusty cross-border letter from your insurance provider. This letter serves as proof that you’ve insured the car in its home country and that the insurance coverage extends to the countries visited.
Avoid spending unnecessarily at any petrol station by repackaging your food and drink.
Pack various snacks to keep energy levels up (think energy bars, nuts, and fruit) and take along reusable water bottles as they can be refilled at rest stops, which helps reduce waste.
A cooler can also be invaluable for keeping drinks and perishable snacks fresh, especially during the hot summer temperatures throughout the country during this time. Pack it with ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep the contents cool without the mess of melted ice.
These are great for organising items within the car and can be handy for any stops made along the way. Otherwise, use these to keep your car clean.
Plastic bags, even small rubbish bags or a designated trash container, can help manage waste, keeping your vehicle tidy and organised.
Car insurance is one thing you can’t afford not to take along with you.
When embarking on a tireless road trip, especially during the busy holiday season, comprehensive car insurance is not just a recommendation but a necessity.
The increased traffic raises the likelihood of accidents, not to mention unexpected events, such as breakdowns or theft.
Enter car insurance, which can cover the costs of vehicle repairs if you're involved in an accident. Comprehensive insurance policies also cover roadside assistance, towing services, and compensation for stolen items (if you’ve included them in your policy).
Knowing that you're protected makes travelling a breeze.
It allows you to focus on enjoying your journey and making memories rather than worrying about the potential financial implications of unforeseen events.
Sound like something you’d be interested in?
Of course it is, which is why you’ll click here for an obligation-free quote for comprehensive car insurance with Pineapple.
Cover starts at a low *R19 per day (yup, you read that right). Do yourself a favour and insure your car right at this very moment and not a second later.
*Premiums are risk profile dependent.
As you prepare for your festive season travels, remember one thing: the key to a successful and enjoyable journey lies in thorough preparation.
That, and a focus on safety, smart packing, and the ability to embrace the joy of the journey.
Not forgetting the importance of having comprehensive car insurance, which can’t be emphasised enough. Insurance offers protection against the unexpected while providing relief that immerses you in the holiday spirit.
So, as you check off your travel list and hit the road, let your insurance be the safety net that ensures your holiday memories are about joy, adventure, and the warmth of family reunions, not the worries of the road.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
Love, Pineapple.
P.S. Get a quote!
xoxo
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply. Premium is risk profile dependent.
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
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