Darsha Soobramoney , marketing executive at Contiki Holidays , recommends getting out of your comfort zone . “ Break out from the ordinary – challenge yourself to try things that normally give you anxiety . The more you do this , the more that anxiety will fade away . Have a staple diet ? Eat all the local cuisine you can find . Have trouble talking to strangers ? Talk to everyone and you will become best friends . Don ’ t be afraid to venture out ; if you get lost , stop and ask the locals for help .”
Rugby player Uzair Cassiem , who plays for the Cheetahs and the Springboks , picks his seat strategically . “ As a big guy , I always make sure that when I check in I take an exit-row seat , as there is more leg space , or an aisle seat where I can stretch my legs out . Unfortunately , you never know if the plane is going to be full , but if there is an open seat next to me , that also makes it more comfortable ! “ I also always try to visit a lounge before a flight for the comfort and convenience and to get in a bite or two if I am booked on a flight that does not include meals . It makes the trip less rushed as you can arrive earlier and relax inside the lounge .”
Pierre Greeff , singer for Die Heuwels Fantasties , suggests doubling up on essentials if you travel often enough to one place . “ We leave a second set of instruments in Johannesburg to ease travelling between the two main cities , as we live in Cape Town .”
Melany Bendix , Sure Travel Journey editor , always takes a child carrier when she travels with her three-year-old daughter . “ She and I clocked around 100 flying hours in the last year and I couldn ’ t have done without the carrier . I find it ’ s better than a pram because it leaves your hands free for hand luggage . And she can fall asleep in it while I ’ m traipsing around airports .”
Liezl Gericke , country manager of Virgin Atlantic South Africa , packs as little as possible . “ I spend an enormous amount of time on planes , so I have a pre-packed vanity pouch with
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BONUS TIPS
1
“ I struggle with sinus problems that tend to get worse in the air , so I always pop some Breathwell into my backpack to clear my sinuses .” – Uzair Cassiem
2
“ Before I leave home
I scan my travel documents and save them on my phone and onto Dropbox . I also keep loose chargers and cables tied with elastic bands so they don ’ t get tangled , and I usually pack a charged power bank in my hand luggage so I can boot up anywhere .” – Melany Bendix
3
“ Staying hydrated , especially on long-haul flights , makes it easier to get over jet lag .” – Liezl Gericke
miniatures of all the essentials that I ’ ll need . My goal , mostly , is to travel with hand luggage only . Do you really need six pairs of heels , tea bags and an iron ? Take less and you ’ ll travel cheaper ( no check-in luggage fees ), faster ( no waiting for your bags ) and easier ( one bag means less to lug around ).”
“ BREAK OUT FROM THE ORDINARY – CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO TRY THINGS THAT NORMALLY GIVE YOU ANXIETY . THE MORE YOU DO THIS , THE MORE THAT ANXIETY WILL FADE AWAY .”
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 25