Not all holidays consist of jetting off to sunkissed shores and tropical paradises, especially as the festive season draws near. Whether you’re visiting family or seeking out a white Christmas, these tips and must-haves will ensure your winter getaway is both merry and bright!

Catch Flights, Not Frostbite

Not only are airports notoriously busy over the holiday period, but the blustery winter weather can often cause delays and disruptions to even the best laid travel plans. Make sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare and keep your eye on the departures board for any changes to gates, times and connections. While some of the hold ups may be unavoidable, the best way to tackle them is to be savvy and prepared!

Pack Smart

While it can be tempting to pack just about your entire wardrobe when heading into frosty territory, it’s much easier to pack a few essentials that are certain to keep out the chill. One decent winter coat can be thrown over any outfit, and a good pair of waterproof gloves will do wonders if you’re preparing for snow. Snow boots are also a must to prevent any sludge from making its way into your socks.

Apps Before Maps

There’s nothing worse than being lost, especially in the cold! The best way to be prepared for travel, whether on the road or with public transport, is to be connected. There’s an app available for just about anything; from weather and traffic updates to transport schedules and booking last minute accommodation. Most apps can also be set to alert you to any changes or possible hindrances to your plans, which is especially important if you’re travelling abroad.

Behind The Wheel-ers

If you plan on driving while on your winter vacation, make sure your vehicle is checked over by a mechanic and suitably fitted for wintry roads. Take things slow and make sure you can see and be seen by keeping your headlights on at all times. Also be sure to keep emergency supplies in the car, such as a first aid kit, extra food and some warm clothes and blankets. Winter weather is notoriously fickle and it won’t hurt to be prepared for any setbacks!

Winter holidays can be just as relaxing and jovial as summer ones provided all the essentials are packed and suitable preparations made. If you’ll be visiting unfamiliar places, locals are usually more than willing to offer invaluable advice and a helping hand should you get stuck in a rut. With sufficient patience and warm layers, there’s no cause for a holiday meltdown this winter!

Sources: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/11/25/holiday-travel-14-winter-travel-tips-flights-and-road-trips/4295665002/, https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/70078/8-essential-travel-items-for-travelling-in-winters, http://www.islandssounder.com/news/holiday-travel-prep-is-just-as-important-as-planning-the-big-meal/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Anticipated as the first year of the modern era’s Roaring Twenties, be sure to ring in 2020 in style! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, perhaps you’d be interested in joining one of these spectacular European New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether you want to experience something different, or simply set the tone for the new year, one of these destinations is sure to catch your eye.

Berlin, Germany

The aptly named “Party Mile” stretches from the Victory Column to the Brandenburg Gate every New Year’s Eve. Hundreds of thousands of attendees, comprised of locals and tourists alike, gather for live music, DJ sets and light shows, all rounded up with a breathtaking firework display to celebrate the start of the new year. Be sure to come prepared as this party generally doesn’t end until well into New Year’s Day!

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Hogmanay street party in the Princes streets district of central Edinburgh begins with a torch carrying procession, complete with pipes and drums, and only ramps up as the night progresses. As the new year dawns, the fireworks from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle compete with thousands of voices in a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne. It’s small wonder that Hogmanay is one of the oldest, largest and most renowned New Year’s Eve festivals!

Paris, France

The City of Lights truly lives up to its epithet every New Year’s Eve, whether it’s the bedazzled Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées light show, or simply admiring the city’s skyline from the plaza at Sacré Cœur. From attending a masquerade ball to a formal dinner on a boat drifting down the Seine with a live orchestra for ambience, there’s certainly plenty to do that will trump any New Year’s Eve celebration you’ve ever experienced before!

Venice, Italy

As always in Italy, any significant occasion begins with food! In Venice, enjoy the traditional New Year’s Eve meal of Capodanno. Lentils always make an appearance, no matter where you choose to eat, as a symbol of good luck. If your significant other is with you, join Venician couples in the annual “Love Event” by sharing a kiss and a glass of prosecco while you watch the fireworks in Piazza San Marco.

Stockholm, Sweden

While most Swedes prefer to escape the cold and watch the annual New Year’s Eve live broadcast (which oddly includes a very British recital of Tennyson’s Ring Out, Wild Bells) from the comfort of their homes, there is still plenty for tourists to experience in this bustling Scandinavian capital. Get wrapped up to watch the Royal Castle firework display from a number of vantage points, or enjoy a live concert at the Stockholm Cathedral. If a party of the less refined is what you seek, head to the Sölderman area for all the trendiest nightclubs.

Whether it’s the thrill of the unknown or the pull of experiencing long standing traditions from across the world that appeals to you this New Year’s Eve, there’s certainly every reason to celebrate and no shortage of celebrations to attend. Be sure to immerse yourself in an experience that will stay with you long after the fireworks have dissipated, and surround yourself  with those who will support and encourage you to make 2020 your best year yet!

Sources: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/best-destinations-to-celebrate-new-year-s-eve-in-europe/, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-city-for-new-years-europe, https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/best-cities-in-europe-for-new-years-eve/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Cape Town has yet again come out on top as the best city in the world based on the votes of 39000 readers of The Telegraph. Winning the Telegraph Travel Awards for 7 consecutive years not only means a lot for Cape Town’s tourism sector but shows just how much of an impact the city makes on each of its visitors.

So, what exactly is it that makes the city so desirable?

With the sheer scope of activities to be had, sights to see, the generally perfect weather and the geographical location, you can see exactly why Cape Town is the long-standing champion. Table Mountain, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Bo-Kaap are just a few of the attractions that make this city so popular to visitors as well as keep the locals so dedicated to it.

Arguably even more impressive is the fact that Cape Town maintained its number 1 position following the severe drought, a challenge for both the city and the tourism sector. Noted Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, including Tourism, James Vos, states: “It is also a reminder of how Capetonians acted together to save water and avert the taps running dry. While we are still in recovery mode, it is encouraging that we have retained our top position despite other major shifts in the rankings. This is something we can be proud of.”

The 20 best cities in the world according to the 2019 Telegraph Travel Awards are as follows:

1. Cape Town
2. Vancouver
3. Kyoto
4. Sydney
5. St Petersburg
6. Singapore
7. Venice
8. Luang Prabang
9. Seville
10. New Orleans
11. Havana
12. New York
13. Bagen
14. Florence
15. Istanbul
16. Rome
17. Dubrovnik
18. Tokyo
19. Krakow
20. Buenos Aires

If you are wondering where you should go on your next vacation, look no further. The numbers are in, and Cape Town is clearly the place to be. Gorgeous sunsets, pristine beaches and diverse cultural experiences await your arrival.

Source: https://www.capetown.travel/cape-town-voted-best-city-in-the-world-for-7th-year-running/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

The British & Irish Lions could make history on an eight-game tour of South Africa in 2021, with Warren Gatland’s side set to play in front of the largest-ever crowd for a Lions Test since the game turned professional, after the itinerary was jointly announced on Wednesday.

The hotly-anticipated tour will span the length and breadth of South Africa, visiting some of the most impressive stadiums in world sport and culminating in three Test matches against the newly-crowned Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks.

FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will host the first Test on Saturday 24 July and with a capacity of approximately 88,000 spectators, a sell-out crowd would be higher than the 84,188 who witnessed the series decider against the Wallabies in Sydney in 2001.

The second Test follows a week later at the Cape Town Stadium – the first Lions Test in the Mother City since 1997 – before the British and Irish tourists return to Gauteng for the final Test on Saturday 7 August at Emirates Airline Park.

The combined capacity for the three Test venues is just below 205,000, which could make the three Tests on the 2021 tour the best-attended since professionalism, potentially surpassing the 192,972 people who attended the three Tests in Australia in 2013.

The eight-game schedule includes six weekend fixtures; three against Vodacom Super Rugby teams the Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers, and two midweek fixtures against an invitational side in Port Elizabeth and South Africa ‘A’ in Nelspruit.

Rassie Erasmus, SA Director of Rugby, said the keenly awaited tour was a once-in-a-lifetime playing opportunity for South African players.

“There are players who have been to three Rugby World Cups and finished their careers with a winner’s medal and yet never got to play against the Lions,” said Erasmus.

“They only come around every 12 years for our players and only a few of them ever have the privilege of wearing the Springbok jersey in a Lions series.

“The Lions have not lost a series since they were last here a decade ago and they will present next-level challenge in 18 months’ time.

“Warren Gatland is a massively experienced and astute coach with a phenomenal record with the Lions and the rugby experience for our players and public will rival that of a Rugby World Cup,” added Erasmus.

“The Lions performed extremely well on their previous two tours (through Australia and New Zealand) and will no doubt relish the opportunity to add the Springboks’ scalp to their belt.”

The Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time recently in Japan, with Erasmus promising that the search would now begin for consistency, especially with the crunch Lions tour due in just under 18 months’ time.

“It is now something like 600 days until the British & Irish Lions arrive in South Africa and we have already started with planning for that,” said Erasmus.

“The Lions will operate like a well-oiled machine and we will have to work very hard to match them in every department, on and off the field.”

British & Irish Lions head coach, Warren Gatland, is delighted with an itinerary he believes will allow his side to be perfectly prepared for the three Test matches which complete the Tour.

“I am absolutely thrilled with how this schedule looks,” said Gatland, whose Lions beat Australia in 2013 and drew the series with New Zealand in 2017.

“Touring South Africa is always a huge challenge, not only from a rugby perspective, but also in terms of the venues and the conditions facing the players.

“We are very comfortable that three of the games, two of which are Test matches, will be played at altitude. Our schedule falls in a way to allow us to start at sea level before building up and acclimatising to the unique environment that playing at altitude presents.

“Ensuring the team are absolutely primed for the Test matches is a critical element of any Lions Tour, and I am confident the quality of opposition we will face in the opening weeks will get us ready to take on the Springboks. The Bulls, Sharks and Stormers are all tough sides and present different challenges, which is exactly what we want.

“Moreover, the venues we have agreed – some of which will be new to the Lions – open up the matches to a vast audience and will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable experience for the players and travelling supporters alike.

“We are very much looking forward to touring this wonderful country.”

The British & Irish Lions have toured South Africa on 13 previous occasions, with the first Tour taking place in 1891. In that time, the Lions have won four Test series, lost eight and drew one. Their overall record against the Springboks is played 46, won 17, lost 23 and drawn six.

Ben Calveley, managing director of the British & Irish Lions, said: “In partnership with SA Rugby, we have worked hard to deliver a match schedule that will provide a significant challenge for Warren and his squad, as well as showcasing the Lions and rugby union across the world.

“Lions Tours are a truly unique experience, and we are expecting tens of thousands of supporters to travel to South Africa in 2021 – with this schedule, we’re certain that every one of them will come back with amazing memories.”

Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, added: “We are delighted to announce the itinerary in conjunction with the British & Irish Lions, and we will continue progressing our preparations to provide travelling supporters with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Registration for interest in tickets for the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to SA opened on Wednesday, 4 December 2019, at www.lionstour2021.co.za.

Full 2021 tour schedule:
• Saturday 3 July: British & Irish Lions v DHL Stormers – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
• Wednesday 7 July: British & Irish Lions v SA ‘Invitational’ – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
• Saturday 10 July: British & Irish Lions v Cell C Sharks – Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
• Wednesday 14 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa ‘A’ – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
• Saturday 17 July: British & Irish Lions v Vodacom Bulls – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
• Saturday 24 July (first Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
• Saturday 31 July (second Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
• Saturday 7 August (third Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Mexico is increasingly becoming a more popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Its endless beaches, historical destinations and rich culture draw people in every year and, as a result, word is spreading about how incredible it really is. To have the best possible trip, make sure you visit some of the places in our list below.

Cancún and the Mayan Riviera

The Mayan Riviera consists of the resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel. Beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water attract a mass of tourists every year and the fact that the beaches are long ensures you will never feel crowded.

Copper Canyon

Bigger than the Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon boasts gorgeous foliage and natural structures. You can choose from a variety of options to view the canyon. Go by train, bike or have a calm horseback ride listening to only the sounds of nature and your horse’s hooves.

Mexico City Centre

Mexico City is filled with a number of beautiful old buildings from the 16^th to the 19^th century and is a UNESCO historical heritage site. If you love to view old buildings, this is the place to be. On top of the beautiful views of the buildings, you have a beautiful backdrop of volcanic mountains.

Chichén Itzá: The Mayan Metropolis

If you like Mayan architecture, Chichén Itzá is one of the biggest and best-restored archaeological sites in Mexico. You can view the numerous buildings and statues and learn about just how advanced the Mayans really were for their time.

The Ancient Fortress of Tulum

Another piece of Mayan architecture, the Ancient Fortress of Tulum is famous for being the only fortified Mayan settlement located on the coast. Tulum also boast a number of other magnificent buildings for you to view and is located right by the beach. So, after you take a tour, you can easily stop at the beach to relax.

Historic Morelia

Founded in 1541, Morelia is a great place to relax and wander around. Little change has been made since the city since it was founded and the downtown core has been pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the well-preserved buildings. Taking a walk around the Plaza de Armas is extremely rewarding as you view the various statues, fountains and gardens which make up one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Mexico.

You may not have realised yet, but Mexico is a beautiful destination and should fit into anyone’s travel list somewhere. With everything from historical architecture to gorgeous natural landscapes and beaches, you can have the best of both worlds in this country.

Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/mexico-mex.htm

Europe’s Christmas markets are filled with festivity. The twinkling lights, magical design and gorgeous setting of each one come together every year to create a Christmas experience unlike any other. We’ve got a list of some of the best ones for you to go to this Christmas.

France – Colmar La Magie de Noel

Every year, the lights of Colmar’s Christmas market light up the streets and transform the city into a magical Christmas setting. Take a walk around the city and gather up some unique gifts for your loved ones or go for a few rounds on the ice rink. With a backdrop of ancient architecture lit up with colourful lights, there isn’t a more perfect time to visit.

Sweden – Gothenburg Christmas Markets

Swedish Christmas markets have some interesting traditions that you can experience including the singing Christmas tree, which involves a talented choir singing beautiful songs around a Christmas tree. If you are looking for something with a little more thrill for your children, the Liseberg Amusement Park hosts an ice ballet for all ages as well as various carousels to go on.

Poland – Krakow Christmas Market

The Krakow Christmas Market is situated in Krakow’s largest central square, Rynek Glowny. The on-site smiths display their metalworks amongst pottery and other beautifully crafted objects to choose from at each stall. Keep an eye out for some Polish glass baubles to take home with you as a souvenir of your magical experience.

Czech Republic – Prague Christmas Market

Prague’s Christmas Markets join together to create a setting which will excite any Christmas enthusiast. Stepping into any one of these markets will be as if your world has transformed into the perfect winter wonderland. One of the best views is at the Old Town Square Market, where a massive Christmas tree stands tall with an incredible backdrop of Gothic architecture.

Germany – Berlin Christmas Markets

With over 100 Christmas markets in Berlin there is no shortage of fun activities to be had. Enjoy some ice skating at the Christmas Market at Berlin Town Hall, go on a few of the 70 amusement park rides at the Christmas Market at Gedächtniskirche, or simply look for nostalgic ornaments from the Charlottenburg Palace Market.

Hungary – Budapest Christmas Markets

Budapest has a number of markets to visit with the main one being situated in the city centre at Vorosmarty Square. Here, you can wander between the warmly lit stalls and choose from various treats and crafts as well as enjoy one or two magnificent evening concerts.  

There is no doubt that there are a multitude of magical experiences to be had, delicious treats to feast on, and cute crafts to buy at European Christmas Markets. Take your pick and step into a world like no other.

Source: https://www.farandwide.com/s/best-european-christmas-markets-82d5bef2906d4887

In case you’ve been otherwise occupied for the past several weeks, firstly, welcome back! Secondly, our beloved Springboks, in a moment of national unity, came out on top at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. The win incited a rugby fever amongst locals and expats alike, but it appears the heat is not close to cooling down yet. The annual HSBC Cape Town Sevens tournament commences in mid December at Cape Town Stadium, and rugby fans will have their second cause for breaking out their green and gold t-shirts, Black Labels and facepaint for the year.

The tournament has twice earned the title of South Africa’s Best Live Sports Experience at the Sport Industry Awards, and it’s small wonder why. With a party stand for the more lively revellers amongst attendees, as well as an alcohol-free zone for more family orientated fun, it seems there’s no reason that any member of the family shouldn’t join in on the excitement. There’s also a much anticipated line up of live performers, including both local favourites and world class acts. 

Tickets for the event, running from 13-15 December in the Mother City, have been on sale since the end of July and are always highly sought after as the kickoff date approaches. This year’s appeal has the additional attraction of being the first time that the Springbok Women’s Sevens Team plays on their home turf. Heats run through the 13th and 15th, culminating in the finals on the final day, Sunday the 15th.

Yet another point for celebration amongst local rugby fans was the recent announcement that Cape Town will play host to the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2022, marking the first time the international event is played on the African continent. If the annual hype surround the local Sevens championship is any indication, the World Cup is sure to bring even more passion and intensity to Cape Town Stadium come September 2022. 

So whether you’re a die hard rugby fanatic, or simply along for the spirit and fun of the matches, be sure to get your hands on tickets to the annual rugby Sevens festival this December. Tickets start at R150 and are already selling fast. Who knows? You may even catch a glimpse of a Faf lookalike, Speedo and all!

Sources: https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Sevens/cape-town-sevens-tickets-on-sale-from-wednesday-20190730 , https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/cape-town-hosts-sevens-world-cup/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

The search for pristine beaches might be hard in some parts of the world, but it is something that a lot of people strive to find. Fortunately for anyone visiting South Africa, Cape Town has 33 beaches that received the international Blue Flag status, meaning it’s fairly easy to find a beautiful beach in the mother city. Below are just a few of the many glorious beaches on offer.

Camps Bay

One of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, Camps Bay hosts beautiful white sand and is lined with palm trees, restaurants and bars, and extravagant houses. This beach is considered as one of the “to be seen” beaches with high-end cars rolling along-side the promenade and an abundance of tourists. You should visit this beach at least once on your trip to Cape Town.

Clifton 4^th

Around the corner from Camps Bay beach and also one of the “to be seen” places, is Clifton 4^th. While this beach can also become very crowded, there are times when you will be able to sit quietly alone, enjoying a cup of tea and a book. Even when it gets busy, this beach is still incredible to visit.

Llandudno

Llandudno feels as if it is more of a private, secluded beach than the likes of Camps Bay and Clifton. Being positioned between giant boulders and sitting right below steep mountains is what gives it this feeling. The white sand, crystal clear water and natural surroundings make this one of the best spots to relax. It is also well-known for its surf, so if you happen to be a surfer you’ve got amazing waves to look forward to as well.

Bikini Beach

Bikini Beach in Gordons Bay is a hidden and very small beach. With Sunset beach around the corner being more popular and much bigger, Bikini beach tends to attract a much smaller crowd and is mostly relatively empty. If you are looking for a place to sit and relax, you can do it here. Right next to it is a cute harbour and The Thirsty Oyster Tavern and Seafood Restaurant which you can visit for sundowners whilst you overlook the ocean.

Melkbosstrand

Melkbosstrand is a long beach which is suited perfectly for those sunset walks along the beach you have been longing for. Being quite a long beach, it tends to remain relatively uncrowded. It has a picturesque view of Table Mountain as well as Robben Island which means you can get some great new pictures. Much like many places in Cape Town, it can tend to get windy, which attracts a lot of kite surfers. So, even if you don’t get to walk along the beach, you can have a relaxing afternoon sitting in your car watching the kite surfers with an astonishing backdrop.

These are just 5 of the brilliant Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town that you can visit. There are so many more which you might prefer, just do some searching and you will find them. Some might take a little more exploring than others, but we assure you it will be worth it. You can’t go wrong.

Sources: https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/sas-45-blue-flag-beaches-for-this-summer/ , https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/ten-of-cape-towns-beaches-given-blue-flag-status-35701605

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Minors visiting South Africa have less paperwork to worry about since tourism minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, recently announced that unabridged birth certificates will no longer be an incoming visa requirement. This comes after up to 20 families travelling from London’s Heathrow Airport were reportedly turned away from proceeding to South African ports of entry due to not meeting the visa requirements, which also includes parental letters of consent for underage children.

The shift was also made in hopes of increasing the country’s tourism sector and, working towards fulfilling the goal of a 21 million tourist headcount by 2030. The new legislature comes right before the upcoming festive period, a prime time for international tourism, and should boost the South African economy as a whole through resultant trade from the influx.

The more lenient requirements have been extended to all ports of entry, including airports and harbours, demonstrating a drastic shift in postulation and procedure since the birth certificate requirement was introduced in 2015. Kubaye-Ngubane justifies the change by mentioning the previous concerns raised both by travellers and by locals in determining the visa requirements’ relation to a drop in tourism.

She went on to call the scrapping “an upside for industry and travellers alike,” and the motion has been approved by Minister Aaron Motsoaledi of Home Affairs. It’s sure that hope for the return of a busy tourist season in the summer months will be met with the same approval from both locals and those who will be flocking to our sunkissed shores and breathtaking sights this festive season.

It is important to note, children will still require a valid passport and a parental consent letter. You can download a copy of the official version here

Source Article: https://www.businesslive.co.za/amp/bd/national/2019-11-10-scrapping-of-unabridged-birth-certificate-requirement-to-boost-tourism-says-minister/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&__twitter_impression=true

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Get your South African Sim Card, European Sim Card and USA Sim Card online. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

One of the often forgotten but very costly mistakes first-time travellers make is that they don’t use a local SIM card. A local SIM can save travellers in a number of different ways and ensure that their holiday isn’t ruined by unnecessary and easily avoidable situations.

Cost-Effective Choice

Using your usual SIM tends to rack up ridiculous roaming charges, dampening your post-holiday mood and putting a sour flavour to the end of a great experience. By using a local SIM, you avoid these charges and can easily make calls within the country you are visiting at an affordable rate.

But why not just connect to Wi-Fi all the time?

If you think that you can just stay connected to Wi-Fi wherever you go, and post to social media whenever you want, think again. There are a lot of destinations where Wi-Fi isn’t as readily available as you may think. In addition to this, you may put yourself in an irritating position where you need to make a call but can’t due to only operating on Wi-Fi.

A Point of Emergency

In some cases, there may be an emergency in which someone in the country you are visiting may need to contact you, for example, the hotel that you are staying at. Without a local number, this may become too much of a complication for some hotels, leaving you without potentially crucial information.

Solidifying plans

A local SIM is also a good way for a significant other, friends or family that live in the country to contact you. Since you will be staying in their country, you will more than likely want to visit or stay with them. A point of easy communication is the best way to make sure your plans with them run smoothly.

Don’t make the rookie mistake of travelling without a local SIM, just to get back home to another brutal expense after paying so much for your vacation. Be sure that you are prepared enough and can contact the people you need to as well as be contacted by the people who need you. By covering yourself like this, you will be putting another precaution in place so that you have the best-possible experience abroad.

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Get your South African Sim Card, European Sim Card and USA Sim Card online. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.