HOW TO PITCH
A group of us want to watch a Liverpool versus Manchester United game at Anfield Soccer Stadium (Liverpool) in 2018. We need a package deal, which should ideally include airfare tickets from South Africa, two nights’ accommodation and tickets to the game. Are there any travel agencies that offer this sort of package? — Peter Tomlinson There are several operators in this country who offer sports tours, but they have to wait for the release of the 2017/2018 Premier League Fixture, expected in June 2017. The fixture list is often amended near the beginning of the season in August and then settles down.
You won’t be able to get a price for this kind of tour so far in advance, but these companies could give you an estimate.
SA Sports Tours (sportstours.co.za) handles UK Football packages and various other sports options.
KDA Travel and Tours (kdatravel.co.za or sportstravel.co.za) gave us an example of a similar package for this season, but the cost of international flights still needs to be added.
A land package in March, which included a three-night stay in a hotel with breakfast, Lower Anfield match tickets in the Liverpool supporters’ section, match programme, pre- and post-match dinner and snacks, and the Manchester airport/hotel transfers, would have cost you R12 665.
Edusport (edusport.co.za) offers similar packages, even to the Tour de France and the running of the bulls in Pamplona.
WAITING IN FRANCE
I am travelling to Toronto via Paris on a South African passport. My stopover in Paris is eight hours. Will I need a visa? — Gaynor Francois You will not need a visa if you remain in the transit area for up to 24 hours at CDG airports in Paris ( this excludes Orly which closes at midnight), but will if you go through passport control to do anything in the city. You must have confirmed onward tickets for departure within 24 hours.
COVER IN THE 70s
I shall be a 76-year-old lady travelling to Portland in the US in June. I bought my ticket in September last year and was quoted (by the travel agent) R7 200 for two months’ cover from Worldwide Travel Insurance. I now regret not taking it at the time. A few days ago, I was quoted R13 060 for the same insurance! — Jean Johnson That is indeed a lesson in not delaying taking insurance if you are travelling long after you book, as there is danger of it going up.
A lot has happened since September last year, especially with the value of our currency. Also, due to escalating medical tariffs in the US, the base price paid by South African companies goes up as well. As the insurers have to pay any medical claims from travellers in foreign currencies, they are hit twice.
You could delay taking out insurance until closer to the time and then see if the rand continues to improve and they can give a better price, but I would not recommend it. Also, if you have medical aid you could enquire about their insurance for travellers.