Use these apps for easy travel

MODERN technology offers travellers a chance to scroll the internet for the best deals. The rise of apps allows travellers to search for travel deals, select the best places and eateries, and plan an itinerary in seconds. We list our favourites:

Google Translate:

Ever been to a destination and locals didn’t understand a word you spoke? Well, due to the language barrier, much of what you say could possibly get lost in translation. This is where Google Translate comes in handy. It translates over 100 languages, improving communication with locals.

Flapp:

For those who struggle to find the perfect flight, Flapp does all the work for you. Flapp is the official flight booking app of Travelstart and the fastest way to search, compare and book cheap flights. All you need to do is search flights from your location to your desired destination. The app will do the rest.

TripIt:

This app is perfect for those who do not want to deal with travel agents. All you need to do is email your booking and TripIt will take care of the rest.

Skyscanner:

Skyscanner is a travel fare aggregator website and travel meta-search engine that is used by 60 million people per month. The app connects you to the cheapest flights, hotels, rental cars at your destination.

Download the apps from the Apple Store or Google Play store.

CLINTON MOODLEY

In his state of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country intended to double its tourist arrivals by 2030.

Some of the ways he hopes to achieve this are through the renewal of the country’s brand and a worldclass visa system.

“We will make good on our ambition to more than double international tourist arrivals to 21 million by 2030. This will be achieved through the renewal of the country’s brand, introducing a worldclass visa regime and a significant focus on Chinese and Indian markets and air arrivals from the rest of our continent,” he said.

Ramaphosa said spatial interventions like special economic zones, reviving local industrial parks, business centres, digital hubs and township and village enterprises would bring economic development to local areas.

“We will also focus on small medium enterprises in our cities, townships and rural areas and create market places where they trade their products,” he said.

He also briefly spoke about safety, stating: “We are determined to ensure that tourists who come to our country are safe.”

During Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban earlier this year, Ramaphosa promised to introduce a world-class e-visa system and reduce the red tape that travellers face when visiting the country. He stated: “We must reduce the onerous and often unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that tourists who want to visit our country face.