Category: Tour

What You Should Know When Planning For Holiday Travel in Africa

Vicki Keyes
safari

Africa has always been a top holiday destination because of its great weather, abundant wildlife, stunning natural beauty, fantastic beaches and welcoming people. There is so much to see and do, and a holiday nicely planned by Jackson’s African Safaris can be a truly rewarding experience. Due diligence by the traveler turns endless options and choices into a successful holiday. Here are some facts about planning for holiday travel in Africa.

Travel Tips

Seek your doctor’s adviceafrica

It is important to consult your doctor before flying to any new destination. When planning for holiday travel in Africa, you doctor may recommend some travel vaccinations as well as taking some precautions. This should be done several weeks before your departure so that your body has enough time to develop complete protection. In case you are taking some medication, make sure you carry them with you for the duration that you will be away from home.

If you are going to an African country that you’ve never been before, have as much information as possible on your fingertips so that you don’t have health scares. For example, if you will be traveling to a hot country, it may be wise to pack enough sunscreen for the good of your skin.

Getting insurance

Many people often overlook travel insurance, probably because they think their current policies will be sufficient. However, you may have to get a specific travel insurance policy in case of health issues, canceled flights or any unexpected emergencies. Purchasing travel insurance is a smart move, so don’t skip it. You will be spending a lot of your hard-earned money during the journey, so it is important to ensure that you are protected.

The good news is that most travel insurance policies are relatively inexpensive even for the elderly, and you can buy one through your home insurance provider or online through a specialized travel insurance provider.

Choose the best time to travel

safariTour operators usually advertise that safaris and packages are provided 12 months in a year. While that is true, some of them will not tell you that some lodges and tented camps close during the low season. The primary reason for the closure is weather-related, for example, the long rains. Torrential downpours make it difficult to sight wildlife, and some roads become downright impassable.

When the long rains subside and drier weather sets in, the wild game becomes easier to spot because the grass is shorter and they graze more in the open. Beaches are also livelier during the summer. The time of the year is an important factor to consider when planning for holiday travel in Africa.

Review of Angsana Velavaru Resort in Maldives

Vicki Keyes
resort

What better way to celebrate a wedding anniversary or birthday party than at Maldives. The resort Angsana, we stayed at, was top notch, and the experience was exhilarating. This inspired me to write about Angsana Velavaru. The following are some of the reasons as to why you should choose Angsana Velavaru Resort.

Tips

Reasons for choosing Angsana Velavaru Resort

Angsana Velavaru is a one of its kind resort in Maldives where the In Ocean Villas (IOVs) are maldiveslocated far from the island. Not connected by a bridge of any sorts we had to take a boat to reach. So we got our safe heaven. Ideal for honeymooners and people who want no prying eyes.

An inviting infinity pool and huge pool deck beds keep the daytime occupied. In evenings, the upper deck is ideal to admire the stunning sunset. And then a romantic dinner in the middle of the sea. Life couldn’t get any better.

The Beach Front Villas are located on the island. They are beautifully decorated and give you the traditional Maldivian feel. Whether you want to frolic on the beach, dive in to explore the sea or laze in your private pool, Angsana Velavaru provides it all.

Experience

Cold towels and a welcome drink made for a warm greeting after the long travel. The staff was extremely courteous and friendly and always eager to help. We stayed for 10days, a week at the In Ocean Villa and three days at the Beach Front.The food was a delight. A delectable spread of the Kaani buffet and tropical delicacies at their restaurant kept our food cravings well satiated.

Excellent packages

Angsana Velavaru has excellent packages. The all inclusive one includes all meals (buffet, dining at the restaurant and drinks) stays at both the villas and a free snorkeling experience. All the snorkeling gear is available to the guests free of cost. They even have instructors for beginners. It was a thrill to observe the clear blue waters and the fascinating, colorful world under the ocean. We even saw a beautiful wedding going on the premises. A boat-shaped wedding platform added sparkle to the event.

How to get at the resort

sunsetA comfy seaplane ride took us to Angsana from Male in 45 minutes. On arrival at the floating dock, a motor boat whizzed us to the resort. It might be a little expensive, but everything is taken care of.

You do not need to shell out any extra bucks once inside the resort. At the end of my travel review of Angsana Velavaru in Maldives, I’d only say it was all totally worth it. It was an experience that will stay with us for a lifetime.

HOW TO TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDE

Vicki Keyes

You’ve really enjoyed your tour, and the tour guide knows it.

It’s time to show him how much you appreciated the tour.

He isn’t expecting hugs and verbal appreciation. So, you must keep that to yourself. He is probably expecting a tip as a token of appreciation..

hikers

The question is, How much do you tip a tour guide?

This is where everything becomes confusing. You want to do something to maintain that smiley face and you also don’t want to overdo it.

He isn’t like that beggar on the street who’ll appreciate 50 cents.

He isn’t also one of your high paid employees either.

So, you must make a wise move to avoid embarrassing yourself.

Here are some few tips to save you all the trouble.

tour guideDRIVER GUIDE

It is probable that apart from just driving you, your driver will be offering a commentary. This is an added task.

If he did it well, it wouldn’t be bad if you offer him 10%-20% of the total charge for the tour service.

It is also humanly to accompany the tip with a verbal appreciation to show him you appreciate what he is doing.

TIP FOR DAY TOUR

If your tour guide is employed by any other government site such as national parks, save yourself the money. If he isn’t, then, just like tipping a driver guide, give him 10% to 20% of the total cost of the tour. This should be around $2 to $5 per person.

You should do this when your tour guide is done serving you.

TIP FOR MULTIDAY TOUR GUIDE

Most of the time, multi-day tour programs are accompanied by lots of tasks. Apart from offering commentary services, you tour guide has other responsibilities.

On the other hand, your driver will also have some added tasks such as loading and unloading your luggage. The tip here should be a little more.

$8 to $10 per tour guide and $5 per driver each day won’t be too bad.

LIMO OR TAXI DRIVER

Most limo or taxi drivers are ever talkative and friendly.

It’s like travelling with a friend. At this point, you might be tempted to do it big. Don’t forget that he is only doing his job.

Unlike any other driver guide, limo drivers may expect something more. 15% of the total price would do.

SHUTTLE DRIVER

Shuttles will take you to car rentals or parking lots, meaning that they don’t have a lot of tasks ahead. If you have luggage, $1 per bag will do it.

If there is no luggage, then they’ll be better off with the $1

Depending on how long the journey is, you can increase your tip to $2 to $3.

TIPPING OTHER TOUR GUIDESnative

You might also decide to hire the services of other tour guides such as, independent
guides, sailing excursions, trains, airlines and more.

* For independent guides, 15% to 20% will do.

* For airlines: Electric cart drivers or Skycaps should be $1 per person and lastly wheelchair pushers, $5 per person is okay.

* Sailing excursions: $10 for the captain and $5 per person is much better.

* Trains: 15 percent of the total price and $1 per bag is just enough.

It is called, being human. Most of the tour guides are used to being tipped, and they aren’t expecting anything less from you. If you indeed, enjoyed the tour and confirmed it in your conversation, then you have to do something.

What you must remember is that apart from the tip, you already paid for the service, meaning that you don’t have to overdo it.
On the other hand, if the tour guide didn’t offer you the service you were looking forward to, you don’t have to tip. Save yourself all te trouble by using the tips above.