AA Blogs

Paternoster and the Cape West Coast: seaside romance South Africa’s western coastline is dotted with scenic beaches and small towns, with Paternoster amongst the oldest and the most picturesque. Just 145 kilometres from Cape Town, it offers visitors a vision of an alternative life; simpler, prettier and in harmony with the sea. You’ll discover beaches made for strolling along and plenty of...

Despite all the stories in the news about horror crashes, motorcycle popularity is on this rise as more and more people recognise their cost-effectiveness and convenience. The truth is, motorcycle riders face great risks when riding. Here are some helpful tips for motorcyclists to commute safely. Common causes of motorcycle crashes According to the Motorcycle safety Institute of South Africa,...

Ignorance is not an excuse for not following road laws, and being a foreign driver will not give you a 'get out of jail free' card. Almost every country has its own unique set of regulations, so do some research before heading off. This should prevent any unpleasant encounters with the traffic police and could make the difference between a disaster and a hassle-free trip. First Things First:...

To mark this year’s UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2011, the FIA is launching a major update of its online guide for disabled travellers so that it is now also accessible in French, German and Italian. Click here to access the FIA Guide for the Disable Traveller. “The FIA’s guiding principle is to ensure safe, affordable and clean mobility for all. Our...

You can make your Rand go further when travelling overseas, despite the current economic climate and exchange rate. By travelling smart, you can turn that dream overseas trip into a safe, smooth and affordable reality. Following these simple tips could make your Rand go that much further. Use ATMs rather than travellers cheques You will get your cash cheaper and faster using an ATM. Just keep in...

Here are a few things to consider before buying a bag. Begin by evaluating how often you travel, the type of destinations you visit as well as the mode of transport you use. The answer to these should impact your choice. Branding Is being branded a good idea? Well-known expensive bag brands are international signs and may increase your chances of being robbed - leading others to assume you have...

Travelling light not only saves you time, it can save you money and energy too. When travelling, we tend to over-pack and often end up taking two or more suitcases with us. With many airlines now enforcing the "one suitcase" policy, another bag can force you to pay additional fees, adding unnecessary expenses to your journey. By packing light, you not only save money, you also energy -...

Planning a trip? Make sure that you're familiar with the lock requirements of the country you intend to visit. If you plan on travelling to the US, make sure your luggage locks are TSA-approved. TSA-compliant locks are now mandatory in the US. The US's Transport Security Administration (created in response to the 9/11 attacks) is responsible for screening all airline luggage passing through the...

Class 1 - Light vehicles: Light vehicles are motor vehicles, other than heavy vehicles as defined below, with or without a trailer, and include motorcycles, motor tricycles and motor cars. Class 2 - Medium heavy vehicles: Medium heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined below, with two axles. Class 3 - Large heavy vehicles: Large heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles,...

The holidays are approaching, and the country's roads are expected to get busier. Motorists need to be extra vigilant and cautious when driving during the holidays because the increase in traffic also, unfortunately, increases the potential risks of crashes. We've compiled some guidelines to help you and your family stay safe as well as ensure the safety of other travel companions and other road...

Choosing the South African Car of the Year (COTY) is a long and intricate, but often misunderstood, process. Indeed, there are many local organisations, websites and publications that run their own Car of the Year competitions, rewarding anything from affordability to popularity. In addition, these competitions are split up in so many categories that there is a winner in almost every market...