Pre-Trip Checklist for Your Festive Road Trip

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It’s an age-old saying so well-known that it’s become a cliché: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

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You want your holiday to be memorable for all the right reasons, and that can only really happen if you take care of the following things before setting off: packing essentials, car safety, tech and route prep. 

Packing Essentials

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Don’t let the excitement of the drive home cloud your senses, you’ll need to keep your wits about you when preparing for the trip. 

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Here are some nood belangrik (NB) essentials to take with you.

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• Cash.

We’re not talking about bags and bags of money; you’re not part of the cartel *laughs nervously*. Take some cash with you in case you encounter toll gates, you’re in an area with no ATMs or any other situation where your card or Apple Pay might not be a viable option.

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• Documents.

Ensure your driver’s licence and car disks are valid to avoid an unpleasant run-in with traffic officers waiting between your current and final destination. Your licence also serves as a form of identification, but take your green book or card as well. Lastly, insurance. Comprehensive coverage doesn’t just protect your car, it gives you immeasurable peace of mind with every passing kilometre.

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• Emergency kit.

One of our Pineapple employees spent 2 days stuck in the wilderness with nothing but her husband, poor network and buckets of anxiety. Long story short: store a roadside emergency kit in your boot. 

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Like this one from Takealot* comes with 

1 x 200A Jumper cables

1 x Foldable reflective triangle

1 x Tow rope

1 x Emergency window hammer with seatbelt cutter

1 x Basic first aid kit

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*No, this isn’t paid promo.

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You can also buy tyre puncture kits. They won’t fully repair your tyre but should give you enough steam to reach the nearest petrol station.

• A spare tyre.

Ensure you have a spare tyre that’s in working order. You might also want to upskill yourself on how to change a tyre, just in case. If you have an active insurance policy, ensure you have updated roadside assistance numbers on hand. If your insurance does not include 24/7 roadside assistance, perhaps it's time to reconsider your insurance. GET A QUOTE WITH PINEAPPLE.

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• Warm weather gear. 

Your summer-ready care package should include the 3 S’s: sunscreen, swimsuits and sombreros (hats). The December heat is no joke, and heatstroke is not a laughing matter. Remember to also bring comfortable clothing suited for the warmer weather. However, one jersey won’t hurt, especially if it gets cold in the evening. 

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• Snacks.

What road trip is complete without food to fuel your journey? Bottled water, biltong and a bag of baby carrots should keep you energised for the long trip ahead.

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• A road trip buddy.

Not only are they there for the company, but a licensed road trip companion can share the driving duties, making the long drive more manageable. However, if you are planning on alternating drivers, inform your insurance so they are in the know should there be an accident.

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• A (working) phone charger.

Whether it’s a power bank or a car charging port, you should always have a solution to a low cellphone battery. That, and airtime, in case you have to make a call should you need help along the way. Or, simply to update your loved ones of your location and ETA (estimated time of arrival).

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• Toilet paper.

We’re serious. Call us dramatic, but there’s truly nothing worse than needing the restroom and finding out there’s no tissue on site. That, or getting charged R2.00 for a few sheets of papery, one ply toilet paper. 

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Use this as a starting point, and really take the time to consider what you’ll need when making the great trek to the EC.

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Car Safety

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We at Pineapple are so passionate about car safety that we’ve written zero articles on the topic. But don’t let that deter you—we know our way around a car. 

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Ensuring your car’s safety is as simple as asking the petrol attendant to check your tyre pressure and oil levels while filling up at the station (not the police kind). If there’s anything amiss, they’ll not only let you know but help you get it fixed ASAP.

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So, before you hit the road, hit up your nearest petrol station to check that your vehicle is in mint condition. 

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Also, check that you have a spare tyre, a jack and a warning triangle packed in your car’s boot. That, as well as the emergency kit we mentioned earlier.

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Plus, if you're travelling really far, some extra petrol can be a life saver. It might be difficult to know which fuel stations will be open or available, therefore it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Tech Prep

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Of all the best festive holiday road trip tips we have, we can’t stress enough just how crucial this next one is. Check your tech before you embark on your festive journey.

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For those of us whose cars don’t have charging ports and pads… Are the power banks fully charged? 

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We can’t imagine anything worse than a dead phone during a long road trip. Avoid stressing your loved ones unnecessarily by having an option to charge your phone’s battery.

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Have you downloaded the offline version of a map? Better yet, bring a physical one. Yes, it’s ancient, but it’s also extremely practical, and that’s what really matters.

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Most importantly, do you have the right playlist ready? Nothing ruins a good vibe faster than s#*@%# music. Maybe you prefer a good podcast instead. 

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Either way, we are good with anything that keeps you from fidgeting with your radio or searching for music while driving (which is very dangerous, by the way).

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Know the Drive

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Whether you’ve made this drive hundreds of times before or never at all, you should study the journey before setting off.

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Use online resources or traffic apps like Waze to check the road conditions of the route you’ll take. Driveable roads can make the journey smoother (literally).

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Also, plan your trip out so that you know exactly where you’ll stop for fuel, top up on your snacks, stretch and relieve yourself and find safe resting spots along the way.

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Scenic Overnight Stops – Splitting Your Journey

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Make the most of your road trip by adding stops like Bloemfontein, Graaff-Reinet, Aliwal North Maletswai, and Queenstown. Not in this order, of course.

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One of the leading causes of car crashes is falling asleep while at the wheel. So, avoid drowsy driving by stopping to rest along the way.

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Bloemfontein

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A stop in South Africa’s judicial capital, also known as the city of roses, gives you a chance to experience some of our country’s most exquisite scenes.

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Fun and affordable things to do in Bloemfontein include:

• Taking a trip back in time at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
• Enjoying a quick little picnic at the Botanical Gardens.
• Grabbing a bite at one of the renowned eateries, namely New York Restaurant or De Oude Kraal. 
• A stop at the Naval Hill Planetarium, the first digital planetarium in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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If you’re considering an overnight stay, accommodation options can include a family-friendly B&B, a budget guesthouse or, for the tech-savvy, an airbnb.

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Graaff-Reinet

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As the oldest town in the province of the Eastern Cape, Graaff-Reinet has an endless list of attractions, activities and experiences.

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Delight your eyes with a picturesque pitstop at the Valley of Desolation (it’s happier than the name would suggest), or stretch those legs and enjoy the quiet rural charm of the town’s centre on foot. 

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Or, take a tour of Camdeboo National Park for a picnic, braai stop, hike trails, and more.

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You will surely enjoy this gem with its historic architecture and stunning mountain views.

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Maletswai

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A nice stopover can be found in the sleepy town of Maletswai, formerly Aliwal North. We have it on good authority that this quaint town is a great middle ground between the two provinces. 

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Actually, we asked this one girl at the office. 

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But, according to Eastern Cape Info, [Maletswai]’s best activities include “the Kerkplein Museum, San Rock Artwork, Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort, Buffelspruit Nature Reserve,” so she might be on to something. 

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So, consider taking a dip before continuing your trip by stopping at one of the available guesthouses with spa facilities.

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Queenstown

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The area officially known as Komani offers a selection of decent R&R (rest and relaxation) locations, like the Queens Casino and Hotel, which accommodates those travelling either solo or with the whole family.

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Or, take a turn into the charming Ruth Lock Shell Art Gallery for a quick art tour and history lesson in one.

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Whatever you do, try and squeeze in a trip to a local market or two.

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Festive Safety and Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey

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As a responsible driver, you probably already know the safety drill: wear your seatbelt, obey the rules of the road and take breaks to help you stay alert.

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Now, for the fun festive tips, here’s how to make your road trip 100% hassle-free:

• Sunglasses, because squinting causes wrinkles.

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• Staying hydrated, because dehydration also causes wrinkles.  But, don’t go overboard; a bathroom break on the side of the road is never fun.

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• A festive season playlist with all the Christmas classics will surely get you in a cheerful mood.

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To truly enjoy your drive, try to leave either earlier in the day to avoid busy roads. You’d also do well to avoid hitting the road after a public holiday or other similar celebration, as there could be more than a few drunk or hungover drivers.

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When you’re zipping through the country, the last thing you should worry about is, “What would I do if something happened to my car?”

If you were a Pineapple client, the answer would be our affordable, comprehensive car insurance.

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Every Pineapple policy comes with an optional add-on for credit shortfall cover. 

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This is beneficial if your car is currently being financed. Should your vehicle be stolen or written off, having shortfall cover means we’ll cover the amount you still owe the finance house after Pineapple has settled the claim.

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And that’s on top of protecting your ride against fire, theft and/or hijackings, accidental damage, third-party incidents and weather (including hail) damage for as little as R570 per month.

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Plus, up to 30% of your premiums back for every month you drive 300km or less.

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Get a quote here; it’ll take just 90 seconds.

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Make the Journey as Memorable as the Destination

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Wherever you go, whatever you do, we will be right here rooting for you. Make the most of your trip because the drive is so much more than a means to an end. 

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And who said a pitstop can’t be exciting? 

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Kill two birds with one stone by taking a much-needed break and enjoying some of Mzansi’s best sights.

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Most importantly, drive safely and enjoy your time on the road with Pineapple’s comprehensive cover. Our insurance is the best Passenger Princess/Shotgun Shawty around!  

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Click here for an obligation-free quote in just 90 seconds with Pineapple.
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Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.

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Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.

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