So World Cup fever has taken hold of you and you’ve decided to get to South Africa and check out a couple of games. Obviously, since none of your friends know about this soccer thing, there’s probably plenty of hotels available and lots of tickets available. (Yeah, right.)
Anyway, when we saw this list of travel tips from WorldNomad.com, we asked them if we could print them.
They said: “Sure thing.”
So here is some pretty sound advice for where ever you may go and specifically South Africa, with our thoughts added next to them — note, we have edited a couple of their tips simply for 
length, WorldNomad.com can be a little wordy and professional.
1.Visit your doctor
Visit your local doctor one month prior to your intended trip departure date. Discuss your travel plans, accommodations and potential health concerns or risks at your destination country. That is if you have a doctor. Or you can always just wing it and die of malaria.
2. Get your immunizations up to date
To go to South Africa, you can get Measles/Mumps/Rubella (get the MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (two more shots, DPT, Bostrix), Polio, Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid so you may want to get those vaccinations. Yeah, you’re a pin cushion, it happens.
If you’re traveling to the north part of South Africa, grab some anti-malarial medication from your doctor.
Information can be found at the CDC website or the Travel Doctor
3. Consider a Flu Vaccination
Don’t be a douche, just do it. A dead hipster is never much fun at parties.
4. Pack insect repellent
Take DEET insect repellent to keep away the flying insects which may carry dengue fever and malaria. Ensure you wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn which is the time most flying insects are out and about. This all makes sense and welts are never attractive.
5. Pack a first aid kit
Pack a first aid kit or Travel Emergency Medical Kit which includes sterile dressings, gloves and with medication for diarrhea. Corks also work, but are not nearly as comfortable. A small kit, however, can easily be packed in a quart-sized ziplock bag.
6. Carry your medications in your hand luggage
Carry enough of your medications for the duration of your trip and another two weeks supply in case of unexpected circumstances. Keep your medication in the original packaging. Be sure to follow security guidelines at all airports. Always take a letter from your local doctor listing the medication you are carrying and that they have been prescribed for your use. Some medications may be prohibited in some countries so it is recommended that you contact the South African consulate or embassy and ask. We’d crack a joke, but it’s kind of serious.
Carry your medication in your carry on board bag.
7. If you get sick, see a health care professional
If you develop a fever and diarrhea you should see a health care professional as soon as possible. Hotel room medicine is not fun and, well, you could die.
8. Drink bottled water
Take care with your food and water; always wash your hands before eating. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Don’t drink from fountains or tap water and avoid ice cubes. Remember it is safe to eat if you can cook it, peel it or boil the food before you eat it. While we don’t always follow this rule ourselves, we advice you to.
9. If it’s not on it’s not on!
Always observe safe sex practices, this means always use a condom and/or dental dam. HIV infection rates are known to be very high in South Africa, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases. Sure, that slutty Brazilian girl looks really hot, and if she’s sleeping with you tonight, the odds are she did the same thing with someone else last night, you’re not all that. So enjoy, but wear a raincoat.
10. Take out travel insurance
Don’t forget to take out Travel insurance before you go as you never know when you may need it and medical costs overseas can be expensive. Make sure you keep a copy of your policy on you at all times. World Nomads Travel Insurance medical assistance companies have a toll free number and can also receive collect call. Why do you think they let us run the tips? They are trying to sell something, but with so many recent events happening that can affect travel, we’re starting to lean a little more toward having some insurance. More to come on that, though we have not used World Nomad Travel Insurance, so we cannot recommend it or not recommend it yet.
Photos from & YasSseR & on Flickr.
