Planning for South Africa: My Travel Prep + Tips for Surviving a 30+ Hour Travel Day
There’s something magical about planning a journey to a place you’ve dreamed of visiting. South Africa was not at the top of my bucket list, a safari seemed out of my reach for many reasons...cost, transportation, and fear of the unknown. I'm a fairly seasoned traveler and I thrive on traveling, always having something on the calendar. I know that a trip of this magnitude deserves both excitement and preparation.
Here are a few insights from planning my trip to South Africa, including how I booked, what I’m packing for a 30+ hour travel day, and the little things I do to minimize jet lag and stay grounded throughout the journey. Whether you're headed across the globe or just need some fresh ideas for your next international trip, I hope my insights help you feel more confident and ready.
Booking Flights: Why I Chose Expedia
There are many ways to book international travel, but when you're navigating flights with multiple legs and long layovers, I recommend using a platform that shows you your options side by side with flexible filters. I booked this round-trip flight through Expedia. It's user-friendly and allows me to compare airlines, and track pricing changes.
One thing I love about Expedia is the ability to see layover durations, aircraft details, and travel protection options all in one place. For a 35+ hour travel day (yes, you read that right!), this kind of clarity is priceless. I was able to choose flights with layovers that gave me breathing room—enough time to stretch, hydrate, and reset without rushing through terminals.
Pro Tip: Always double-check if your airline allows online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. Print your boarding passes or download them to your phone just in case Wi-Fi is unreliable at the airport.
Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind Through Allianz
As a holistic wellness advocate and travel advisor, I believe in being proactive—not reactive—when it comes to your health and safety abroad. That’s why I tend to recommend traveler’s medical insurance, especially for international trips.
For this journey, I booked my policy from Allianz through Insightful Getaways (my virtual travel agency). I chose a comprehensive plan that includes emergency medical coverage, evacuation, trip delay protection, lost luggage reimbursement, and 24/7 travel assistance.
It’s easy to think “I’ll be fine,” until you’re not—and in countries where healthcare may require upfront payment or language barriers exist, this small investment provides peace of mind.
Surviving a 35+ Hour Travel Day: What I Bring + Why It Matters
If you’ve never traveled this long before, it’s not for the faint of heart—but it can be empowering when you pack smart and plan ahead. My flight path includes multiple connections and long-haul legs, which means I’ll be on planes and in airports for well over a full day. Here’s what’s always in my carry-on for a trip like this:
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is non-negotiable when you’re flying that long. The dry air in the cabin can be dehydrating and contribute to fatigue or jet lag. I bring an empty, refillable water bottle (TSA-friendly) and fill it up after security. I also carry Celcius B-vitamin energy single-serve packets. Many airports now have bottle stations—use them!
2. To-Go Coffee Cup with My Organo Gold Mushroom Coffee
I don’t rely on airplane coffee (ever). I bring my own to-go insulated cup and pack individual sachets of my Organo Gold mushroom coffee—a blend I trust, it supports immunity, mental clarity, and overall wellness. It’s comforting and energizing, especially on those groggy layovers.
3. Protein Bars & Ginger Chews
Airport food is expensive and often lacking in nutrition. I pack protein bars to keep my energy steady and ginger chews for any nausea, bloating, or travel-induced queasiness. Plus, they’re soothing and a great alternative to sugar-loaded snacks.
Quick tip: avoid salty snacks, snacks that don’t melt, or crush easily.
4. Layered Clothing: Short-Sleeve Shirt + Cozy Sweatshirt
Plane temperatures are unpredictable. I wear a breathable short-sleeve shirt with a soft sweatshirt or zip-up hoodie I can layer over it. Comfort is queen when you're in the same clothes for over a day—and the chill from that recycled cabin air is real.
Optional bonus: Compression socks can also help with circulation and swelling on longer flights.
5. Sleep Kit: Eye Mask, Ear Plugs, Neck Pillow
Trying to sleep on a plane can be an Olympic-level event. I bring my own eye mask, foam ear plugs, and a comfy neck pillow to create a little cocoon of peace. These tools help signal my body it’s time to rest—even if I’m in seat 33K.
Combatting Jet Lag: Adjusting My Sleep Before Departure
One of the best things I’ve learned through years of international travel is how to outsmart jet lag before it hits. For this trip, I started adjusting my sleep schedule gradually over the week before departure, going to bed and waking up an hour earlier (or later, depending on the destination’s time zone).
This simple act helps your body begin the transition so it’s not a total shock when you land on the other side of the world. Combine that with hydration, light movement, and sunlight once you arrive, and you’ll feel 10 steps ahead of the game.
A Few Extras to Pack in Your Carry-On:
Travel-size hand sanitizer and wipes (for seats, tray tables, and hands)
Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds (I found wired ones so no need to charge earbuds)
Downloaded playlists, audiobooks, or meditation apps for offline use
Mini toiletry kit with facial mist, toothbrush, lip balm, and moisturizer
Change of underwear and socks in a plastic zip closed baggie (you’ll thank me later)
Chargers + portable power bank
The Mindset of the Journey: Grace + Gratitude
Long travel days test your patience—but they’re also sacred space if you let them be. I use long-haul flights as time for reflection, catching up on inspiration from audiobooks and podcasts, writing, or dreaming about the days ahead. I remind myself that the journey is part of the transformation—not just the destination.
There’s a grace in knowing that every moment—every gate change, every healthy snack/meal, every delayed announcement (8.5-hour delay out of Orlando, Florida)—is leading me somewhere beautiful. I’ve learned to pack not just the practical tools, but also the spiritual posture that keeps me grounded, even when the ground is 35,000 feet below me.
Final Thoughts: Preparing Well is an Act of Self-Love
Travel isn’t always glamorous, but it is always growth. The more intentional you are about your planning, your wellness, and your mindset, the more meaningful the journey becomes.
I can’t wait to share what comes next—from safari mornings in Kruger to the healing rhythms of nature in Marloth Park. This trip is part of my journey toward living well, traveling far, and inspiring others—and I hope it inspires you too. Be good to yourself and Be Well.
If you’ve got questions about travel planning, long-haul prep, or creating your own global adventure, I’m just a message away. And if you're ready to book your own transformational trip, Insightful Getaways is here to help.
