TRAVEL ISSUE 1 JULY 2020
MASK IT ....i m o a N like
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELING IN A COVID-19 WORLD
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To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world – Freya Stark
MYKONOS, GREECE
EDITOR’S NOTE
MAIN FEATURES l What SA Tourism is doing to help save the day for travellers l How to map out safe travel zones around the world l 6-step guide to cutting out Covid-19 hassles at the airport l Covid carnage in the travel industry: tour guide tells all
NOW THAT the world has had its “selfisolation” holiday, it’s time to explore the world again. Of course, travel won’t ever be the same. Travellers will be taking exploring more seriously – and, I hope, embracing every moment. We launch IOL Travel’s first digital travel magazine with a focus on the “new normal” of travel, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Everything will be different, from check-in at the airport and flight procedures to staying at a hotel. This edition will be your travel guide for the future, a handbook for Covid-19 travel. As South Africa slowly eases lockdown restrictions and business and people are able to travel within the country (where airports are open), we need to adapt to a Covid-19 world. It might take a while to get used to the new normal but it starts with a single journey. The journey can be to a museum, a hike or a game drive. Check out pages 4 and 5 to see how the SA tourism sector is hoping to deal with travel. If you are flying soon, check out our six-step guide to navigating your way inside an airport, on pages 10 and 11. May this edition resurrect your passion for travelling, even if it is a Sho’t Left in your province (see pages 14 and 15). Until next month, safe travels.
Clinton T R A V E L Editor Clinton Moodley
@clintondeantravels (Instagram) clinton.moodley@inl.co.za
l Take trips close to home: SA’s most awesome spots
Executive Editor: Lifestyle
l 5 ways to save for that first post-lockdown getaway
T R A V E L Designer
Nelandri Narianan
Nelandri Narianan
Among the destinations travel experts deemed the hottest places to visit this year were Croatia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Ethiopia and Namibia. Sadly, those trips will have to wait until the world is safe again MARCH 2020 Plans changed drastically when the first cases of Covid-19 were reported in South Africa. By then, the virus had ravaged most parts of Asia, Europe and the US. The travel world came to a standstill. Many airlines stopped flying to highrisk Covid-19 areas, and many countries imposed travel bans. Fearful, people stopped travelling. Many countries went into lockdown, shutting down major tourist attractions that drove their economies, and many airlines suspended flights. With President Cyril Ramaphosa implementing a national lockdown at the end of March and subsequently closing borders, the situation for travel looked bleak. No one knew when the situation would improve.
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
COVID-19 clips our WINGS CLINTON MOODLEY
JULY 2020 Three months later, and South Africans still have limited access to movement, with the only forms of exploring being hiking, visiting museums and local attractions and entertainment venues. The number of cases continues to rise, prompting government to close international borders and only allow business travel within SA. As borders remain closed, organisations need to work twice as hard to ensure they survival. The country has a long way to go before it gets a handle on the virus. The question remains: “When will South Africa be ready to welcome visitors again?�
LONG ROAD AHEAD FOR SA
MARKETING DESTINATION SOUTH AFRICA The country will resume travel in three phases, starting with domestic, then regional before welcoming international guests. South African Tourism chief executive Sisa Ntshona said the time frame for the reopening was unknown and dependent on the Covid-19 situation in South Africa. For now, SA Tourism will remain visible in key markets: “We will continue to ensure we have a presence in our key markets as a way for them not to forget about our destination.” Ntshona said once travel resumes, the industry needs to cater to customers’ travel needs in a Covid-19 environment. “The challenge of this is that customers’ needs are always evolving. However, our job is to market the destination and to educate travellers on the protocols our country has put in place so that they can make an informed decision,” he said.
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY GETS WITH THE TIMES Lee Zamekile Zama of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa said Fedhasa had put enough mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of employees, guests and the country. “Three main factors ensure the spread of Covid-19 is reduced – social distancing, hygiene and cleaning, and training and awareness. We now operate in a high hygiene environment, so additional measures would be stressfree to implement.” Fedhasa will embark on a training programme to educate members and non-members on Covid-19 safety protocols. Wearing masks is obligatory.
CLINTON MOODLEY
THE NEW ROLE OF TRAVEL AGENTS IN A COVID-19 WORLD Chief executive of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata) Otto de Vries said travel agents would play an important role in assisting travellers to navigate this new world of Covid-19. “We can expect the travel experience to be significantly different, and travel agents will need to prepare their clients for these changes.” De Vries said Asata had been working tirelessly to help travel agents get through this crisis by formulating a comprehensive response and recovery strategy. “Reliable and up-to-date information is critical during times of a crisis. We have conducted in-depth industry research to ascertain the state of the industry in times of Covid-19 and the level of business readiness to further support these initiatives,” de Vries said.
CLINTON MOODLEY STEPPING into an aircraft might be tempting to many, but daunting to others who won’t travel until they feel it’s safe to do so. As travel restrictions ease, airlines need to fill seats – which means building the confidence of prospective passengers. The chief executive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac, emphasised the importance of gaining a passenger’s confidence. He said there were many reasons why passenger demand dropped following the Covid-19 pandemic. “Part is because people are afraid to travel and because borders are not open. Even when borders are open, governments are imposing quarantines,” he said. “The result is planes, hotels, convention centres, attractions and restaurants are empty. Recovery will be slow and financially painful. Passenger confidence is critical. It will be a big challenge.” However, De Juniac offered a solution: “Communicating the measures we have taken is key. We are doing that as IATA, and we are working across the industry to send an aligned message. This includes the important topic of cabin air. “Some cabin factors naturally limit the spread of droplets. For example, everyone seated in the plane is facing forwards and air circulates from top to bottom. The quality of the air on board is much better than most indoor environments. And HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in modern aircraft ensure recirculated air is similar to that in a hospital operating theatre.”
ON A WING and a PRAYER
Airlines are going to struggle to rebuild consumer confidence amid the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic
This free interactive map is the best way of finding safe places to travel to around the globe
Check out the interactive map at https://www.iatatravelcentre. com/international-traveldocument-news/1580226297.htm
WITH many countries opening their borders for travel following months of lockdown, it can be hard to keep up with which destination is allowing travellers entry. Thankfully, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) created a free online interactive world map to provide travellers with the latest Covid-19 entry regulations by country. The map relies on Iata’s Timatic database, which contains comprehensive information on documentation required for international travel. Timatic is updated more than 200 times per day to provide accurate travel restrictions
MAPPING OUT safe zones CLINTON MOODLEY specific to the current pandemic. To achieve its accuracy, Timatic partnered with airlines and forged bilateral relations with government agencies worldwide. Anish Chand, Iata’s Assistant Director, Timatic, said that the map would provide travellers with all the latest information they require for destinations around the world. “As the aviation industry prepares to safely restart, travellers will need
to know which countries’ borders are open and what health restrictions exist. Travellers can rely on Timatic for comprehensive and accurate information on travel during the pandemic,” he said. In a recent survey commissioned by Iata regarding concerns people had about air travel post-Covid-19, more than 80% of travellers said they were as concerned about potential quarantine restrictions as they are about actually catching the virus while travelling.
Lend me your ear....
TALES FROM THE SLOW LOUNGE CLINTON MOODLEY
KRUGER, CAPE TOWN MAKE TOP TRAVELLER LIST Cape Town and the Kruger National Park were the two top South African destinations in Big 7 Travel list of 50 Most Popular Destinations for Post-Lockdown Travel. The global travel site looked at destinations its readers searched for the most, in a survey of its social media and trending holiday locations on Google Search in the past 30 days to create the final list. Big 7 Travel said the majority of people favoured quieter areas with space for social distancing, with countries that quickly contained the virus proving popular. Kruger placed at 20, and Cape Town at 36. Taking the top spot was Santorini in Greece, followed by South Island in New Zealand and Positano in the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Iceland, Hawaii, Kerry in Ireland and Koh Tao, Thailand, made up the top 10. See the list @ https:// bigseventravel.com/2020/06/ destinations-to-travel-postlockdown/ WORLD READY TO TRAVEL AS SOON AS RESTRICTIONS LIFTED – SURVEY A SOUTH African Tourism (SA Tourism) survey on international travel revealed that almost two-thirds of international travellers were ready to travel immediately after the lifting of international travel restrictions or within a year thereafter. The recent online sampling survey by SA Tourism’s Strategy Insights and Analytics (SIA) provides data on tourists’ propensity to travel, first travel destination after Covid-19, the purpose of travel, choice of accommodation, choice of travel companion, precautions that will be taken when travelling, reasons for wanting to visit South Africa and “millennials” trends. According to the study, 45% of international tourists will avoid travel while another 45% were inclined to either travel as they did in the past or travel more. The other 10% were indecisive about their travel prospects. The tourists who will avoid international travel say they will prefer destinations in their own country until it is safe enough to cross the borders. Some tourists keen to travel are wary of potential price hikes and affordability of travel. The SA Tourism Brand Tracker Study shows that affordability of ticket pricing is the second biggest barrier to travel to SA. The study reveals that Americas (North, South and Central) and Europe drive the eagerness to travel, while African international travellers are likely to defer travel until it is safe.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT DISHES THE DIRT ON LIFE ON THE FLY US flight attendant Stella, known as Fly with Stella (pictured), discussed some assumptions that people have about flight attendants. She was candid about being jet-lagged, dating pilots and affairs. This is what she had to say in her YouTube video. AIR HOSTESSES ARE ALWAYS TIRED When asked why flight attendants were always tired, Stella replied: “We are not always tired, we are jet-lagged. We go from one time zone to another time zone, to a different continent. We always just flying around, so yes, we are jet-lagged.” THEY HATE OTHER ATTENDANTS Stella laughed at this statement, claiming it untrue. “When I see the Emirates flight attendants walking, I’m like flight attendant envy. They so pretty, they so on point, and I am like, okay let me go put some make-up on.” FLIGHT ATTENDANTS DATE PILOTS She said that this was a common misconception. “I feel like everybody assumes that pilots and flight attendants date, but no. I think that you date who you like, and sometimes it’s a pilot and sometimes its not. I think flight attendants and pilots understand each other. “They understand the profession and how it works, so it may be easy to date a pilot, but it would also be easy to date another flight attendant. I do not see flight attendants and pilots dating that often.” watch?v=SMmYuQ_DmUE&feature=emb_ logo
EU DUMPS US FROM ‘SAFE’ TRAVEL LIST The European Union has excluded the United States from its initial “safe list” of countries from which the bloc will allow non-essential travel from July 1. The 27-member bloc gave majority approval to leisure or business travel from 14 countries, the Council of the EU, which represents EU governments, said. The countries on the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. China has also been provisionally approved, although travel would only open up if Chinese authorities also allowed in EU visitors.
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STEP GUIDE to cutting
COVID-19
airport hassles CLINTON MOODLEY
ARRIVAL
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Police will implement roadblocks to ensure that all travellers have the necessary documentation. You will have to provide your ID as well a letter from your business detailing the reasons for travel. The officer will issue you with a travel health form that you will need to submit to port health officials before you enter the airport. The form can be downloaded online and printed at home to fast track the process.
SECURITY
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You will scan your paperbased or mobile device-based boarding pass at the scanner at the security checkpoint. You should remove any metal and electronic items before entering the queue. This includes mobile devices, watches, jewellery, wallets, and keys. These items must be placed in the tray at the security scanner, which is sanitised by officials after every use. Physical pat-downs will be limited.
ENTRANCES
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Passengers must use the drop-and-go facilities or public transport as only passengers will be allowed into the terminal. Parking is available at the airport. You will then head to port health officials at the entrance, who will conduct temperature screenings and ask that you complete a health form. If anyone has a fever or symptoms, they will be evaluated further before being allowed to enter the airport
BOARDING
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Physical distancing decal stickers are located throughout the airport. When you are at the boarding gate, remember to follow the social distancing regulations at all times. You will scan your boarding pass at the boarding gate before heading to the aircraft. Video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_3hRun4Op5E
INSIDE THE TERMINAL
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Once inside the terminal, passengers can proceed to either self-check-in or check-in with the airport staff. Physical distancing rules will apply at the check-in counters. Travellers will then tag their own check-in and hand luggage before they proceed to the security checkpoint process.
AT YOUR DESTINATION
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Head to the baggage carousels. Physical distancing rules will apply at the baggage carousels, and crowding close to the baggage carousels will not be permitted. All trolleys are sanitised regularly.
GLORIOUS PAST
BLEAK PRESENT
GRIM FUTURE
TRAILS & Travels spent the past decade creating a business that stands for quality walking and cycling holidays, Piet Krynauw said. “The passion of our team and hospitality partners have been vital to our growth and success. “Most of our tours are four days and three nights. Seventy percent are in the Western Cape and the balance in the Drakensberg, the Kruger area in Mpumalanga and in the Eastern Cape. “Our last booking was in the middle of March. We have refunded all deposits and payments for 2020 and 2021 international bookings. During the lockdown our focus shifted to developing new packages.”
WITH the lockdown levels easing, the tourism sector is slowly coming back to life. “We are now in a phase of some tourism facilities reopening and confidence re-building,” Krynauw said. “The safety of our customers and partners is always our primary consideration, so we are negotiating the new landscape carefully. Many of our potential customers could be yearning for the outdoors and missing their favourite activities, but the regulations and risks are still very restrictive in respect of restaurants and travel.” For more information, visit: https://www.trailsandtravel.co.za.
“SADLY, we foresee very limited business this year,” Krynauw said. The scenario we are planning for is that the first phase of recovery will be domestic with interprovincial travel no later than September 1. Marketing activity will be resumed and directed at the South African market. We are hoping for some success with our tours in rural areas, over the next year.” The bulk of the business remains dependent on international flights into the country. “Our high season runs from September to March and represents 75% of our business. Even if inbound flights are allowed by September/October we anticipate that it will be too late for the high season.”
DEBASHINE THANGEVELO
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Covid-19 has impacted many travel-related businesses. Trails & Travels is one. Tour operator Piet Krynauw sheds some light on the carnage
5INTERVIEW -MINUTE
TRAVEL like NAOMI IT’S HAZMAT OR STAY HOME Campbell showcased her travel wear during her trip to New York in March. She wore a hazmat suit complete with goggles, a surgical mask and pink rubber gloves. While this might seem excessive, it’s a precaution we all should take the next time we fly.
ONLINE CHECK-IN While we’re pretty sure Campbell does not need to check in as she probably gets priority status, online check-in is a way to ensure you have minimal contact with airline staff. Airlines have incorporated self-service check-ins to limit travellers’ contact with staff.
WIPE ALL SURFACES Campbell revealed she wipes everything with antibacterial wipes, from her seat and the overhead cabins to the compact dining table. “Clean everything you touch,” she shared on her YouTube channel. A fellow passenger might look at you weirdly for being extra careful, but such precautions help minimise the spread of Covid-19.
PACK THESE ESSENTIALS Campbell’s must-have travel items include hydration packs, masks and antibacterial wet wipes. “As much as I travel, I should get sick so much more with colds and stuff, and I am blessed that I don’t. I feel like my little routine helps me.”
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been very vocal about hygiene on planes and at airports. Clinton Moodley shares some of her tips to keep safe while travelling
VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY Sunday drives in Cape Town are the best. You can’t mention coastal drives without Victoria Road. Starting at Camps Bay, the road winds around the Twelve Apostles, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, and ends in Hout Bay. It’s an easy drive made for stopping at intermittent lookout points. You’ll want to pull over and take in the panoramic seascape views across the peninsula.
THIS LAND is OUR LAND Advanced level 3 of lockdown gives us great opportunities to explore gems in South Africa that rival global attractions
BABYLONSTOREN Situated in Klapmuts, off the N1 highway, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Western Cape. Not yet fully operational under lockdown regulations, the farm stall and picturesque garden are open for day visits. What makes Babylonstoren unique is its botanical diversity that stretches as far as the eye can see. Entrance fee: R20 per person, R10 per child. Visit: babylonstoren. com
MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS & CLINTON MOODLEY
WALKER BAY NATURE RESERVE Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the Overberg region now allows day visitors under strict control measures. Not all trails are open yet, except for the Beach Walk, which allows 100 visitors a day. Booking is essential. Fee: R30 for children, R50 for adults. Visit: www.capenature. co.za
TALA GAME RESERVE Tala Game Reserve spans 3 000 hectares in KZN, encompassing a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and wetland. It has more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland. The Camperdown attraction is open for selfdrives from 7.30am to 5pm. Prices start from R50 for pensioners and children and R80 for adults. There’s also an R80 conservation fee per vehicle. Visit: www.tala.co.za MODDERFONTEIN RESERVE Modderfontein Reserve is a 275-hectare reserve criss-crossed by relatively flat hiking and cycling trails. There are four mountain biking routes from 10km to 40km, an 8km hiking trail and shorter walks. Picnic areas are closed under level 3 but hiking and cycling trails are open. Conservation fee: R30 per adult, R15 per child. Visit: https:// modderfonteinreserve.co.za
HLUHLUWEIMFOLOZI PARK Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a Big Five haven, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, in one of the oldest proclaimed reserves in Africa. The two-and-a-half-hour journey from Durban provides hectares of lush scenery with wilderness, rolling hills and magnificent wildlife taking centre stage. Enjoy a self-drive safari as you take in nature around you. Visit: www.kznwildlife.com
DINOKENG GAME RESERVE The Dinokeng Game Reserve in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, known for its ecotourism, is opened for self-drive routes during level 3. Self-drive permits will be required to use the route and can be bought at the reserve gates. Picnic sites remain closed until further notice. Open from 6am to 6pm. Conservation fee: R80 per adult, R50 per child under 12 years old. Visit: www. dinokengreserve.co.za
EVENING ESCAPES City of Cape Town Instagram page Where: Camps Bay Photo: @craighowes
MORNING CHAT SANParks Instagram page Where: Addo Elephant National Park Photo: @amandabaldie
SHIPWRECK Secretsouthafrica Instagram page Where: Cape Agulhas Photo: @p_m_bauer
WANDERLUST Curated travel images celebrating South Africa
Send your images to clinton.moodley @inl.co.za
GLORIOUS SUNSETS N Cape Tourism Instagram page Where: Khamkirri private game reserve in Kakamas Photo: @lolli_lauren_101
EXPLORER SA Tourism Instagram page Where: Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape Photo: @gophari
EDITOR’S CHOICE
The mask is another essential item to pack when you travel on your next trip. With wearing of masks mandatory in public spaces, especially at the airport and during flights, choosing the right one is essential. Here are our top 6 travel masks to check out
TROPICAL WONDER (R155) If you’re going on a tropical escape, it’s best to stick to the theme. These triple-layer masks come in a pack of four, so you always have a spare during a busy holiday.
BUY NOW PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN (R65) As many South Africans will travel within the country before they venture abroad, why not wave the flag high with these Proudly South African masks? These Relate SA Flag pattern masks come in a pack of two.
BUY NOW
KEEP IT SIMPLE (R38) If you want something sophisticated, then an elegant black mask is perfect for your adventures – and it goes well with any clothing. This three-layer fabric mask with hydrophobic treatment is water-resistant.
BUY NOW
SOMETHING FEMININE (R150) These masks are sassy, stylish and sexy. The three-layered masks offer added protection and are designed especially for women. Available in white and a floral print.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
CLASSIC WITH A TOUCH OF HOLIDAY FUN (R155) If you are looking for something classic, this mask is ideal. The mask not only protects against any virus (it captures droplets expelled and acts as a barrier to others’ coughs and sneezes), it also looks great. These triple-layer masks come in a pack of four.
A POP OF COLOUR (R329) If you have a colourful personality, you should definitely get these double-layer cotton canvas masks, which comes in a pack of four in charming shweshwe prints.
Planning that post-lockdown holiday? Clinton Moodley is on hand with his top 5 tips to save for that much-needed getaway
5
WAYS TO SAVE
for that first postlockdown trip
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SHOP FOR DISCOUNTS Before you book that luxury escape, look out for specials offered by accommodation, tour businesses and restaurants. You might find the discounts offer more value for money than your first or second choice.
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HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND? The first thing every traveller should do when planning a holiday is create a budget. Deciding on the amount you want to spend keeps one disciplined and helps determine the kinds of activities and accommodation that will suit your budget. No one wants debt after a wonderful holiday.
SET DAILY SPENDING LIMITS Set daily spending limits that stretch throughout the day. The limits might exclude hotel accommodation or pre-booked tours. Be realistic with amounts. Try not to overindulge or be frugal. There should be a balance to suit your pocket.
LOOK OUT FOR FREE TOURS, ACTIVITIES Whether you stay in Durban, Cape Town or Joburg, there’s always something to do for free. Don’t feel obliged to do something adventurous if it will make a hole in your pocket. Rather plan similar free or inexpensive experiences.
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PLAN A SPLURGE DAY Yes, this statement might sound controversial, but treating yourself to a day of splurging (in moderation) will ensure that you are disciplined throughout your trip. Enjoy a splurge day towards the end of your trip to avoid overspending.
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Travel makes one modest, you see what a small place you occupy in the world – Gustave Flaubert
SRI LANKA
