The US dollar is strong right now, meaning Americans' spending in countries with weaker currencies could go further, making it a convenient time to consider taking that impromptu trip you've been dreaming about.
The most common mistakes people make during their first safari vacation
19.11.2024 - 20:57 / insider.com
There's a lot of pressure when it comes to a safari vacation.
The average vacationer spends between $5,500 and $6,500 on a safari, according to travel company Go2Africa's 2023 safari report.
Many North American travelers who travel to popular safari destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana spend 30+ hours getting to the destination.
And trips are typically planned months — if not years — in advance.
The effort means that, naturally, there's hope the trip will go flawlessly.
While Meg van Niekerk, a safari planner for Go2Africa, said that's not always the case, she added that it's impossible not to fall in love with the vacation style.
Van Niekerk and Shaun Stanley, the owner and founder of the luxury safari planning company Stanley Safaris, shared with Business Insider some common mistakes travelers can avoid on their first safari vacation.
Travel agents help clients get to destinations all around the world, but a safari, in particular, benefits from the help of an expert. That's because planning a safari involves endless options and often confusing logistics.
Stanley said that working with a travel planner allows you to curate the best vacation for you. That might mean a trip centered on adventure and adrenaline or relaxation and over-the-top luxury.
"We don't send out a quote to a guest unless we've spent time talking to them and understanding who they are," Stanley told BI. "And that's what gives us that opportunity to really offer them that personalized service."
Beyond finding the best lodges for a traveler, travel agents know which places positively impact the surrounding communities and ecosystems and the best times to visit for specific animal sightings.
Travel agents will also coordinate transfers and work with budgets since safaris often have hidden costs, such as conservation fees, park fees, and tipping expectations.
Van Niekerk added that the travel agent's support extends beyond securing the right itinerary for the traveler.
An agent will ensure their clients don't forget any timely tasks as the trip approaches, including securing visas, booking vaccination appointments, and sharing packing guidelines.
Finally, if a part of your trip doesn't go as planned, your agent is there. Van Niekerk connects with her clients via WhatsApp, so if I flight is delayed or something goes wrong, she's just a message away.
Many parts of Africa are overpopulated with tourists. Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve increased park entrance fees to deter overtourism. Other places, like Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area or South Africa's Sabi Sands, are also experiencing overcrowding.
Not only does overtourism put negative stressors on the environment, but it's often not the ideal
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