Commonly asked travel questions
Are you a first time traveler or an experienced traveler in need of some travel advice to these commonly asked travel questions?
Is it important to check in online?
We do recommend it to select your seats and avoid long queues at the airport as then you can just drop off your bags.
At MTG We always try pre seat you, but a lot of airlines are now charging for this service, so should you not be willing to pay an additional amount for pre seating, checking in online allows you to select your seats.
Another benefit is should there be any last-minute changes or delays you will be notified directly.
Some airlines also over book their flights, so should you be checked in online, the chances are much lower that you will be bumped from your flight.
Please always remember regardless of us pre seating you or you are choosing your seats when doing an online check in, the airline always reserves the right to change them.
Should you not be able to get the seats you want always ask at the airport at the desk. They may be able to shuffle some things around and accommodate you. You don’t ask, you don’t get.
When can I check in online?
It depends on the airline, but it would be between 72 to 24 hours before the scheduled time of your flight
Do I need to notify the bank I am travelling?
Yes, you do. Most places around the world accept visa and MasterCard so you can use your card when travelling. However, if you don’t notify your bank, they will view it as fraud and block your card.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Some visa’s require insurance for your visa application so then it is compulsory. However, if not compulsory we do highly recommend it. Should an unforeseen occurrence happen on your trip you are usually looking at thousands of rand in medical bills, so it’s always better to have it. You never plan for bad things to happen, but rather be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Don’t I get free insurance if I pay with my credit card?
Yes, you do, but it’s extremely limited. We still recommend you discuss top up cover with your bank or take out an alternative policy. Depending on your card most banks only cover a small amount towards medical and illness related expenses, whereas a policy covers a much higher medical and illness related expense as well as lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Lost or stolen documents, journey cancellation and some policies even cover visa denial.
Always consult with your travel agent about the different types of cover.
Do you recommend all-inclusive (all meals and drinks) or just booking breakfast?
It depends on the destination but for places like Mauritius, Zanzibar and Maldives we generally always recommend all-inclusive.
Maldives only has one hotel per island so it’s not like you can pop on over to other bars and restaurants to enjoy a meal and hotels can be very pricey. Therefore, in the long run it will always be better value for money to be on an all-inclusive basis
Same with Zanzibar- the hotels are spread out and there is usually not much else around the hotel so you will mostly be enjoying your meals and drinks in the resort. Although situated in Africa, the resorts charge in US dollars so for our exchange rate the prices can add up.
For Mauritius depending where you stay half board (breakfast and dinner included) could be an option if you don’t drink very much, as then it allows you to go out and explore during the day. However, keep in mind even if you aren’t a big drinker or an alcoholic drinker, a coffee can cost R 90 and a coke R 60 so I would always budget how much you think you will spend on lunch and drinks to decide if it will be worthwhile for you.
With destinations like Bali and Thailand there are hotels that offer all-inclusive, but we usually recommend breakfast only as you are mostly out and about in the day (and sometimes evenings) exploring. Therefore, it’s a good idea to evaluate if you want a relaxing holiday by the pool or if you want to explore a lot. This will help us recommend which meal plan will suit your needs and budget best.
Some destinations don’t offer any other meal plans besides breakfast or room only so always let us at My Travel Guy know what type of holiday you are looking for so we can recommend which destination is best suited to you.
Can you book breakfast only for half the stay/a few days and all-inclusive for the other days?
Unfortunately, not. Hotels require that you are on the same meal plan for all your days of stay as well as everyone on your booking be on the same meal plan.
In Europe is it better to travel between countries by flight or rail?
As experts in the field we will always check both options. Often, it’s cheaper to travel by rail as low cost European carriers don’t include luggage, so by the time you have added on the additional expenses, flight travel can get pricey. However, depending on where you are travelling to rail trips can be very long and if you don’t have a lot of time it may not be recommended. We will assess both options based on your destinations and advise which is best based on your circumstances.
Is business class worth it?
Yes! It can be big jump in price but if you can afford it, we recommend it. Or else keep an eye out for specials. If possible do it, even if it’s just once in a lifetime for the experience. Let us help you book your flights as we can recommend which aircraft is newer and has better business class or which airline has the best prices and value for money.
Or else register for the loyalty programs with airlines as then you can upgrade to business class when you have enough miles, or if the airlines ever do offer free upgrade, they always consider loyalty members first.
Some airlines also offer a discounted price to upgrade to business class when checking in online, should they have availability.
What time is check in and check out?
Usually check in is 2 or 3 pm and check out is 10 or 11 am.
Should you require an early or late check out let us know and we will always request it from the hotel free of charge but they will never be able to confirm/guarantee it until the day before as it’s subject to how full the hotel is if they can accommodate you. The only way to guarantee it is by booking an additional night or if the hotel allows it, paying a half day rate.
Should you not be willing to pay an additional amount and the hotel cannot accommodate you, just ask for them to keep your bags safely and then go out and explore for the day. Some hotels also make provisions for a day room you can freshen up in.
What if I have any allergies or special meal requests?
Always let us know. We can book you a special meal on the aircraft and advise the hotel so they can make provisions for you.
If you have any other questions that are not covered in this blog please feel free to contact an experienced member of My Travel Guy who will gladly help you with all your travel questions.
