By Lebogang Mogashoa
April 24th, 2008
The worst thing about travel woes is encountering a know-it-all who has all the little tips you didn't know but could have certainly used. We dig out some of the niftiest travel secrets just so you can join the travel savvy elite.
Lost goods, swift pay-out
Take travel insurance. Nobody likes to think about having their luggage lost. But if by some fluke it does happen, at least you’re covered.
Also when you pack, take digital photos of your things so that you can claim correctly, whether it's the airline or your insurance paying you out.
Snap and zip
It's common knowledge to take all the travel documents you need for a trip. But it's also common folly to either forget a copy of your ID, driver's license or passport. To make sure you've got copies wherever you are, take digital scans of your documents. Lock them with a zip program and email them to yourself. That way, wherever you are you have them.
Note it
Don't count on total recall when it comes to that fabulous restaurant in the nook of a cranny of whatever street you aimlessly wandered into. Take a small book and note your interesting finds. This way you'll know exactly where to refer your friends or the rest of us who'll read your blog.
It's best late at night
If you need insider information to the area you're in and you’d like to ask the hotel staff, you’re on the money. But wait till you can talk to the late night staff. They are less likely to be busy and they'll be able to give you the attention you desire.
Early bird, early hatch
Whenever possible take the morning flight. It might be awful to have to wake up super early but these flights are usually the cheapest (that's if you're not flying through a special deal already or on Monday morning) and they are much more likely to arrive on time, if you're in a hurry.
Stay loyal
It helps to patronise a hotel or car service if you fly to a certain place often enough. With loyalty, comes perks. Whether it's special deals, upgrades and the universally beloved free stuff.
Hold it
If you can't pay for a ticket within the 24 or 48 hours of booking consider going through an agent, they can hold it off longer and renew it for another day or two.
Knowledge trumps
Know the rules. Read FAQ sections on the airline websites. It might seem like a waste of time but it will make you a savvier traveller and you won't be fazed by much when you know exactly what to do.
We’ve got your back
When you plan a trip within our country check our specials first. We have incredibly affordable packages that include flight, car rentals accommodation and meals if you like. Don't wait till someone brags about what a killing they made.

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