It is unbelievable that the most exciting time of the year has arrived - planning and preparing for our annual year-end holidays.
Williams says if you know you have planned extensively for your well-deserved holiday, you can sit back and enjoy every minute.The inevitable destination will be your personal choice of either coast or mountains, game parks or international travel, or maybe even the modern trend of extreme-sporting venues.
Wendy Williams, one of the directors of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa, says presumably by now, you have made your choice and booked and paid your deposit. If, however, you have not yet done so, there is little time left to secure suitable accommodation, as this is clearly the peak holiday season in sunny South Africa. However, there are several websites where you can book at the last minute, and possibly benefit from a discounted rate.
After the destination is done and dusted, the various other aspects of your holiday planning come into play. An important point to remember is to have your vehicle serviced a few weeks before your date of departure, she says. “If you leave the servicing too close to departure, you may find that the servicing departments are fully booked, and if they do find something which needs to be repaired to assure you of a safe journey, there may not be sufficient time to conduct these repairs.”
What to establish about your holiday home
Williams says to be wary of paying a confirmation deposit to unknown booking companies as there are many individuals illicitly gathering deposits for accommodation which does not exist.
Visit www.tripadvisor.co.za to check any compliments and complaints against a company before making a final decision. Ideally, ask for references and photos of the property if no other confirmation can be established.
Williams says establish the name and number of the local neighbourhood watch or residential security company - before you even depart.Lastly, she says, confirm in writing how many bedrooms and bathrooms are available, and also which utensils and kitchen equipment are provided. “Be wary when it is advertised as 'sleeps 6' as opposed to three bedrooms - 'sleeps 6' could mean one room with bunk beds or pull-out couches which is enough to cause a disastrous holiday.”
What to check before you leave your home
- Your pets: appropriate arrangements with responsible persons must be made to care for them for the whole period that you are away.
- Geysers should be turned off.
- Pool: arrange for someone to check on your pool and pump, and remember to leave a supply of chemicals.
- Garden sprinklers must be operational and there must be someone to check up on these.
- Cancel garden service unless access has been arranged.
- Indoor plants: arrange for someone to water these regularly.
- Ideally, the fridge and freezer should be emptied, or arrange that someone checks on these at least every second day.
- Unplug all electronic equipment to avoid damage from possible lightning strikes.
- Turn off air-conditioning or heating.
Security measures at your home
Williams says December is, unfortunately, the peak season for thieves to break into homes because many neighbourhoods are virtually empty due to the migration to holiday destinations.
The following items could assist in not making your absence common knowledge:
- Set timers on lights to come on early evening.
- Neighbours must know of your departure, and have local contact numbers for emergencies, as well as your direct contact numbers.
- Neighbours or friends must have a set of keys to your home.
- Check your alarm system a few weeks before your departure.
- Windows must be closed.
- Leave the radio on to deceive possible burglars.
- Lock all keys away.
- Arrange for any post or flyers to be picked up and removed from your driveway.
- Don't leave a message regarding the details of your absence on your home phone, cell phone or email.
Security measures at your holiday destination
Remember that thieves are everywhere - so do not be complacent in your holiday home. Be vigilant as holidaymakers are an easy target; there will always be cameras, cell phones, iPads, laptops, binoculars and many other electronic devices, and generally these items are left lying around, she says.
Rather be extra careful and lock these items away every night and keep them out of sight, even during the day.
Establish the name and number of the local neighbourhood watch or residential security company - before you even depart, she says.
What to pack
“For you and your family to have a relaxed and enjoyable holiday, I suggest that you draft a packing list according to your destination.” She says to just imagine leaving your child's off-road bike behind when cycling was the object of your choice of venue. For clothing, consider weather, venue attire regulations, activity clothing, swimsuits, appropriate shoes, hats and suchlike.
If you are holidaying in a remote area, knowledge about availability of water, fresh food, own linen, torches, camping chairs and accessibility to electricity or not, will be essential to enjoy the fresh air experience of the outdoors, says Williams.
Ensure that you collect your medication prescriptions for the period you will be away. Also, remember sun spray and mosquito repellents and general insect sprays.
She says each environment can have quite different issues for you to consider, so it could be a family fun-time event to draw up a list of what is essential to take. Older children could be tasked to do their own packing from the list they drew up.
If you are planning a lengthy trip, you are responsible for ensuring your kids have snacks, refreshments, as well as have a variety of entertainment activities planned for smaller children during their time in transport. Especially if you are holidaying with others, as it could make it most unpleasant for other passengers to be in a car with tired, bored and over-energetic children.
Lastly, enjoy...
Williams says if you know you have planned extensively for your well-deserved holiday, you can sit back and enjoy every minute.
Just remember to pack your favourite books, as it should be a time of rest and rejuvenation, which a good read is sure to help you achieve.
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