With just a click on travel, more and more South Africans are abandoning their traditional bookings and throwing away their DIY routes. Hunt for trade, choose flights, lock your hotels completely online. I feel it empowering…until not.
We spoke with a group of veteran South African travel advisors to uncover the most common booking mistakes that this could lead to, as well as the seemingly simple decisions that could stumble you. Before you visit “Book Now,” arm these expert tips yourself to make your next trip smoother, safer and much more memorable.
Mistake #1: Book a third party site
Click, payment, completed? There is not at all. Many South African travelers use search engines to find airfare deals, but are not aware of what will happen next.
“The client seems to be the best price, but you'll be redirected to another company and click that it's booked with the airline,” says Lilly Forie of Envoyages Travel Advisor. “In the end, there are multiple reference numbers and I don't know who I'll contact if something goes wrong.”
This causes a major problem when suddenly changes, cancellations, missed connections, or just adding a bag. And a call center? Often there are long waits abroad or long waits.
So, how do you avoid this chaos? Book a travel advisor. “We'll show you the booking, explain the rules and handle unexpected changes,” Fourie explains. “It's always good to have someone to turn to when the plan is wrong.”
Mistake #2: Book the wrong place and blow your budget
It's easy to get caught up in star ratings and special offers, but if you don't pay attention to the location of your hotel, it can cost more than you think.
Make this common mistake. Travelers have booked the hotel thinking it's a short walk from the station that leaves the next day, but they plan to explore the city while on the stopover. result? They are ultimately far from the sight, spending more than budgeting on transport, and waste precious time back and forth.
“Most holiday locations are important, but it's not just about being central, it also affects the overall cost and convenience,” says Karen McCrindle of Envoyage Travel Advisor.
Her advice? Don't just look at the prices. Make sure your base makes sense about what you want to do and how you want to move. “A slightly more expensive hotel in the right place could be a better choice,” she says.
Mistake #3: Waiting for a last minute flight deal
That's a pattern that travel advisors know well. Stephanie Allan of Envoyage explains that she is often inquired about flight estimates, but travelers decide to wait in hoping that last minute deals will pop up.
The ideas are fascinating. Hang back, look at the fares and grab a bargain when prices drop. But in many cases, the deal never occurs. “By the time they got back to the books, the fares had risen — sometimes practically,” Alan says.
Flight prices are dynamic and tend to rise as departure dates approach, especially on popular routes. Last minute specials may appear from time to time, but they are unpredictable and rarely match your ideal date or itinerary.
Alan's advice? Do not play the game waiting. If your fares fit your budget and have solid plans, booking your previous ones will give you better value and provide a stressful lead-up to travel.
Miss #4: Overlooking passport validity and entry requirements
I booked a flight, found a hotel of my dreams, and set my sights in Europe, but the often overlooked details allow me to stop the entire trip before I start my passport.
“Most travelers don't realize that many countries need to have their passports enabled at least six months after returning to South Africa,” says Catharina Stewart, another travel advisor at Envoyages. “If your passport does not meet this standard, you may be denied boarding at the airport.”
Another common misconception? We believe that “no visa” means that there is no entry requirement. South Africans can enter different countries without a visa, but that doesn't mean you can arrive at the border without documents. “Even in countries without visas, they may need to show proof of accommodation, return tickets, travel insurance, ample funds, or an invitation,” explains Stewart.
Her advice is simple. Passport expiration dates and entry requirements vary by country, so always check the admission rules thoroughly before committing to a trip.
Mistake #5: Trust travel influencers without doing your own research
It's easy to get inspiration from Instagram and Tiktok trips. White sandy beaches, hidden towns and “undiscovered” spots don't look too perfect. And often they are.
“People forget how many shots they need to take to get the perfect photo,” says Bernadette Terblanche of Emmoyage Travel Advisor. “Some influencers edit people from the background to make them look empty and peaceful.” Results? Travelers appear in anticipation of tranquility and find a beach filled with tourists.
Social media influencers are not always trained travel experts, and the content they share is designed to get likes rather than provide actionable advice. Important details such as transportation logistics, crowds, high season costs, and entry requirements are often excluded entirely.
Terblanche's advice is to use social media for inspiration rather than information. “Always do your own research or talk to a travel advisor who can show you the actual paintings instead of the filtered ones.”
Mistake #6: Make it a wing and I want the best
Sometimes mistakes are not something you book – that's what you don't.
I think it magically has extra feet, such as choosing a seat in the middle of the rear row. Or, assume that the airline will grasp special meal requests without properly checking them. Even as important as informing a hotel about food allergies in advance can have serious consequences.
And what if you land? After a long-distance flight, trying to get last-minute airport travel or finding out a route through an unfamiliar city can be stressful and overwhelmed.
Another common thing: Instead of booking some important tours and activities in advance, assume you “organize when you get there.” “A lot of people don't realize they're losing time trying to plan things once they arrive,” says Anneri Papenfus of Emmoyage Travel Advisor. “Good guide, airport transports are pre-located and just a little structure can completely change your experience.”
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