Holiday travel: what many Kenyans forget to plan for

Is it just me who always knows there is something I am forgetting before a trip, and usually don’t remember until I am on the trip? It got so frustrating that I eventually had to create a travel checklist containing the most common things I forget, especially my glasses case. Very often, these things aren’t even the most important things to the trip, but they could make your experience a little less comfortable.

Travelling during the holidays is exciting, but many Kenyans focus so much on tickets and accommodation that they overlook small but important details. These missed steps often lead to delays, extra costs, or unnecessary stress. This simple guide highlights the things most people forget to plan for, so your holiday trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Also read: Best ways to send money to Kenya for Christmas and New Year celebrations

Health and safety

May the universe forbid you from catching a bug on your holiday trip. But until that happens, you will not truly understand how relevant it is to plan for your health and safety.

• Get necessary vaccinations and prophylaxis: Before travelling, consult a doctor about recommended vaccinations such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Yellow Fever, and consider malaria prevention, especially in safari areas or coastal regions.
• Secure appropriate travel insurance: Ensure it covers potential medical needs in your destination, including emergency evacuation.
• Be aware of security risks: Stay informed about the general safety and security situation in your destination and take necessary precautions.
• Don’t forget your medications and reports: Pack your routine medications, as well as relevant OTC medications such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion-sickness tablets.

Also read: How Kenyan freelancers are building global careers from home

Bookings

I am the type of trip planner who tends to underestimate the late-minute rush during the festive seasons. I often put off booking for transport and stays until later, and I pay dearly for it.

• Book early: Especially for popular destinations like safari lodges, booking well in advance can secure better accommodation and prices.
• Consider local logistics: Plan for local transport, which can be costly and logistically challenging, particularly in rural areas.
• Book direct flights: If possible, book direct flights to minimise layovers and potential disruptions.
• Activity tickets: Beat the queue for your planned activities by booking earlier. There might be a lot of rush during the peak holiday season, and tickets can sell out early.

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Road safety measures

This is not to scare you. But if you are travelling by road, note that festive periods see a surge in road accidents due to speeding, overloading, and drunk driving. Amidst all of the mishaps you can or cannot avoid, don’t forget basic safety checks. Inspect tyres, brakes, and lights before long drives. Insist on belts for all passengers and avoid night travel to reduce risks. Download emergency apps like NTSA for real-time alerts if you are travelling within Kenya.

Packing the essentials

One more thing about me: I end up packing the things I don’t need and leaving out the things I need. You might find yourself overpacking for a trip while not packing what you’ll really need, especially people like me who pack more books than they’ll ever read on a trip. Have a checklist of weeks including your bodycare products, chargers, power banks, cameras, etc. Choose weather and activity-appropriate gear, e.g swimming trunks.

Plan for connectivity and documentation

Staying online is very crucial to your trip.

• Internet connectivity: Find out how you can access the internet before you set out. Some embassies provide e-Sims. Roaming is usually too expensive. Buy a local SIM or eSIM at the airport.
• Documents: Pack your valid IDs, accommodation bookings, international passports, and other relevant travel documents. It is advisable to have digital copies of tickets and IDs on cloud storage.]

Also read: Grey vs. local banks: The best currency exchange method in Kenya

Payment plans

You might set yourself up for a frustrating experience if you do not plan for payment when you arrive at your destination. It is advisable to know which payment options are available so you can plan accordingly. Relying on international ATMs and airport and hotel exchange services might be too expensive. Your local Kenyan card might also not work in other countries. While carrying some cash can be great, you cannot carry too much cash because of local restrictions and safety reasons. This is why a multi-currency account that lets you hold USD, GBP, and EUR in one place is your best bet for holiday travel.

Travel anywhere with Grey

One thing you must not forget on your holiday trips is travelling Grey. Users enjoy seamless international transactions at low charges and competitive exchange rates. Grey’s virtual USD debit card also makes it easy to pay for online services and purchases. You can also link the card to Google or Apple Pay for swift, contactless payments where available.

Get started with Grey today to complete your travel checklist.

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