Passport? Check. Phrase book? Check. Hostage survival training?
BON VOYAGE: South Africans are not letting terrorism fears spoil their holidays, travel agents say FORGET the tips on wearing comfortable shoes, not drinking the tap water and guarding your valuables when holidaying overseas.
Rather make a pre-trip visit to a psychologist to mentally prepare yourself in case terrorists strike.
And always wear a discreet armband with identification details in case you are incapacitated — or killed — in an attack.
They sound alarming, but those are among the tips issued this week by Deloitte Risk Advisory Africa for international business and leisure travellers.
Travel agents say they are not aware of South Africans cancelling overseas trips because of terror attacks — but many are cutting their holidays short because of the ailing rand.
Popular destinations include Thailand, Mauritius, Mozambique and Zanzibar. South Africans are also travelling to the UK, US and Australia to visit family.
“The impact of terror attacks takes a long time to measure and register,” said Sharmila Ragunanan, a marketing specialist at Flight Centre.
“We have, however, found that South Africans are pretty resilient travellers and are unlikely to cancel existing travel plans in the event of a terror attack.
“The UK has long been one of our most popular destinations — both before and after the 2005 terrorist attacks in London. We believe we will see the same attitude towards France,” she said.
Thompsons spokesman John Ridler said the number of South Africans travelling overseas had not declined, but the length of trips “has generally decreased to accommodate the punishing rate of exchange”.
“Terrorists don’t advertise their intentions and our only advice would be for travellers to show caution and avoid crowded places. With heightened security in Europe, travel is probably relatively safe at the moment,” Ridler added.
Durban couple Themi and Trish Venturas will leave for Paris on Saturday.
Themi said they loved the city and had planned their break a few months ago.
“I did have a moment of hesitation. To have no concerns at all would be foolish. But I have no fear.
“I won’t let terrorism deter me. If I do, then I have allowed terrorists to succeed,” he said.
Roger Truebody of Deloitte Risk Advisory Africa said attacks over the past few years, including the co-ordinated raids in Paris last month in which about 130 people were killed, “have illustrated they can take place anywhere in the world where people least expect [it]”.
Tips to reduce traveller risk include:
Familiarise yourself with the security situation in the country you intend to visit;
Carry a discreet cellphone with international roaming capability. Ensure that the phone is pre-programmed with local and international emergency numbers;
Wear an armband so that you can be identified “in the event that you cannot identify yourself”; and
Avoid labels or stickers, including flags or slogans, on your luggage or clothing that are associated with countries involved in conflict.