The more usual way is to plan ahead a bit, thus ensuring that you won't have any unpleasant surprises. Check your passport isn't about to expire, check whether you'll need visas, organise travellers' cheques well in advance, organise travel insurance and medical insurance. Check your flight details and don't forget to confirm them – including onward connections and returns. Don't forget to order special meals on flights, or children's meals, if necessary.

Nothing can spoil a holiday more than feeling off-colour, and nothing can dull the pleasure of your holiday memories more than getting ill far from home. There are a number of health issues that you should be aware of, particularly if you're from the northern hemisphere.

However, while there are risks anywhere, South Africa has a relatively salubrious climate and our levels of water treatment, hygiene and such make it a pretty safe destination.

With a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find South Africa a very inexpensive destination. And an easy one - our financial institutions are world-class, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers.