frequently asked questions
Here are my answers to some of the more frequently asked travel questions...
1. How can I make travelling frequently more affordable?
It all comes down to planning and saving. Making bookings well in advance is much more cost-effective than booking them closer to the date of travel. It also helps to travel in a group as you can split accommodation costs between you. Many visitor attractions, such as parks and museums, also offer group discounts on entry tickets; you’ll also find it much easier to rent a safari truck, for example, as a group as the cost works out cheaper for a group than for a couple or a single traveller.
2. Is it difficult to get visas for international travel?
Yes and no. A lot of factors are taken into consideration when you’re applying for a visa. But it mostly comes down to having the right documentation and being able to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay abroad. Fortunately, there are now companies like iVisa that make this process much easier. Not only do their immigration experts help you with your visa application process, but the company also issues Health Declaration Forms - which are now mandatory if you are travelling abroad during the pandemic. iVisa staff can also provide you with information relating to countries that require a Health Declaration Form and any other entry requirements. Their call centres operate on a 24-hour basis, making it easy to contact them at a time that is convenient for you.
Their website is: https://bit.ly/dmwiVisa1
3. Do you experience any kind of discrimination when visiting countries outside Africa?
I, personally, have not experienced any overt form of discrimination during my travels. In countries where there is still a lack of racial diversity, you might attract a little more attention than usual; however, most of the people I encounter are usually just curious to learn about what Africa is really like. I always make sure that I take the opportunity to correct any misconceptions that they might have about the African continent and its people.
My most awkward experience was when I visited a friend in a rural area in Europe. I had to take a bus from the city to the town where she lived, and throughout the journey, I observed that the other passengers could hardly stop staring at me. Otherwise, I have found most people that I have approached for any kind of assistance, such as train times, to be very friendly and eager to help. Everyone else just seemed to be concerned with their own pursuits.
4. Are there destinations that you would be hesitant to visit for safety reasons?
Yes, there is always an initial fear when you arrive in a new place, mostly born out of ignorance or due to the lack of familiarity. As you get to know a place and its people, you start to feel comfortable there. As is the case with any country, there are always places at which you’ll feel more unsafe. Whenever I’m visiting such places, I take the necessary precautions, i.e. not going there alone. Remember, there’s power in numbers. I also avoid going to ‘dodgy’ places at night and I make sure that I always keep a close eye on my personal belongings.
5. Is it easy to adjust to living abroad?
Like with every new experience, it’s always daunting at first. However, with time it gets easier. Making friends – especially with locals or other recent arrivals – goes a long way. I’ve been lucky to have never had to ‘learn everything from scratch’ when I’ve moved to a new place, as I have always known people who were residents and who have helped me to get acquainted with the culture and become familiar with new systems.
If you’re planning to visit a country for the first time, I highly recommend asking a friend from that country or someone who has visited it before for advice on where to stay, what places you should visit, etc. Never embark on a journey without conducting some form of research about your destination, beforehand.
There are numerous travel tips on my travel blog posts which I hope would enable you to plan a successful trip abroad. Alternatively, I would be happy to answer any specific questions that you might have regarding a forthcoming trip.
