In the summertime, there will be days and days of great weather so it’s advised to pack accordingly and be prepared for long endless days on the beach.
Pack shorts, swimming costumes, sunscreen, and towels; these are all advisable items for summer. The weather in Cape Town can however take a turn for the worse, even in summer.
Be prepared for all weather conditions and note that rain can be expected on occasion in the summer. Cape Town’s proximity to the mountains and the cold Atlantic Ocean makes for cold winds most year-round.
In winter be prepared for rain and wind, although that doesn’t mean you won’t be spoiled by sunny days most of the time through summer.
Useful International Travel Tips
Prepare Your Travel Documents
The most important tip to avoid unnecessary stress is to apply for your passport well in advance. Without your passport or a travel visa, your potential travel radius is limited significantly.
PASSPORT
This can be an oversight for some people, but a passport validity of 10 years can make people complacent, forgetting that it actually requires renewing.
Many countries may not even let you enter if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport and your request for a visa may be denied if you don’t have enough free pages in your passport.
A general rule of thumb to follow is to make sure you have a valid passport at the time you're booking your flight with at least 60 months of validity before the travel date. The process for applying for and receiving your passport can potentially delay your trip if you don't apply in advance.
VISA
You’ll need to check in advance whether you need a visa which is a document issued by the destination country granting you entry. Showing up to your flight without the necessary visa may lead to you being rejected, especially if you cannot apply for one on arrival.
US and UK passport holders can travel to quite a few countries without a visa, or they can receive one on arrival, which is the case for South Africa. However, rules vary between countries so be sure to thoroughly research the entry requirements.
Pack appropriately
Packing appropriately can simplify your trip. Packing too much, too little, or simply setting off with a disorganized suitcase can all negatively affect your experience.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when it comes to packing:
Use packing cubes: Never, ever, underestimate how much packing cubes can improve your travels. They help with organization, are space savers, and can even keep your clothes neater. Packing cubes are relatively cheap and help you keep it together - both literally and figuratively - while traveling.
Travel light: While you should always make sure that you have something for warm weather, cold weather, and rain, remember not to go overboard. Having luggage that is too heavy can make getting around miserable (especially in older buildings with no elevators!). Concerned that you may run out of clean clothes? Use a laundry service, or better yet, treat yourself and buy some memorabilia in the form of clothes!
Keep your possessions safe: This goes without saying, however, there are many different ways you can go about keeping your possessions safe. You can use a lock on your rucksack or suitcase to deter baggage thieves. Bring your important possessions (electronics, jewelry, etc.) with you in your carry-on bag. If you’re at the hotel and you’re still not at ease, keep your possessions in your room safe. Hostels often have lockers but you will need to provide your own lock.
SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW WHILE ABROAD
Protect your items from pickpockets and petty theft: A crossbody bag or fanny pack is by far the most effective way to deter pickpockets and store your phones and wallets safely. Never keep valuables in your back pocket or the outer pocket of a backpack! If you're really concerned, money belts you can wear under your clothes and theft-proof wallets are also good options.
Stay connected: Share your itinerary with friends and family members before you leave so they can keep track of your adventures. Include addresses and contact information for any accommodation. If you are from the US, you can register with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). That way, the local U.S. Embassy will know to get in touch with you in the case of a natural disaster, political unrest, or another emergency.
Consider purchasing travel insurance: Travel insurance should be a non-negotiable addition to your list of things to do before traveling internationally. From emergency evacuations to reimbursement for lost luggage, travel insurance can save you a lot of money in the unlikely event that something bad happens. Get yours HERE
Use common sense: Ask locals and staff at your accommodation for insight on which areas to avoid, if any. Always try to travel with a buddy at night, and if you go out, don’t drink too much, especially if you are alone or without people you trust. If you use apps to meet new potential friends or dates, always meet in public places. Above all, always follow your gut if a person or situation gives you a bad feeling!
Info from https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/best-international-travel-tips-for-first-time-travelers
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