Complete your travel checklist with the AA
Are you travel ready? Before you head off for the festive season, make sure that you are fully prepared for your trip – whether you are planning an exotic overseas experience, or exploring our beautiful country.
For many South Africans, the December summer break means road-tripping along one of our national highways. It’s one of the busiest times on our roads and by default, one of the most frustrating times for motorists. As thousands of people embark on their well-deserved Christmas holidays, congestion escalates and impatience mounts, leading to irritation, road rage, reckless driving, and ultimately road accidents.
Plan your trip properly, prepare your vehicle for you and your family’s safety and, most importantly, have the right attitude when you are driving.
1. Don’t forget to book your holiday
Get out there again with AA Travel! Book a holiday and save on exclusive travel packages for AA Members.
AA Quality Assured provides you with the best guest experience, plus world-class accommodation that meets your expectations. Choose from a variety of local, quality assured accommodation.
If you’re going to travel internationally, don’t get left behind! Get your international driving permit (IDP) with the AA and go where you want to.
Local or international, remember that the AA can give you peace of mind with travel insurance – covering you wherever your next location may be.
You can also sign up via the AA Armed Response app. Available on IOS. Android and Huawei
2. Get protection for when you’re not at home
AA Armed Response provides you with protection, even when you’re travelling. Get the peace-of-mind knowing the AA is looking after you and your loved ones for R35 per person/dependant. AA Members pay R25 per person. You can also subscribe on behalf of your loved ones and gift a subscription to show you care.
You can now also get a panic button for quick access when you’re on the move. Mount the button on a keyring, bicycle, car, or even on clothes or backpacks to ensure easy access of the button no matter what the situation.
3. Don’t get stuck next to the road
Go further with the AA for R8 per day! Your safety on the road and peace-of-mind when travelling are as important to us as they are to you. That’s why we provide with the most comprehensive on-the-road services. Our patrol services are all about getting you back on the road quickly and without fuss. So we come to you wherever you are.
Why Get an AA Membership?
- ✓ Tyre, locksmith & mobile battery services
- ✓ Roadside Rescue
- ✓ Towing services
- ✓ Emergency medical rescue
- ✓ 10 litre out-of-fuel rescue
- ✓ Car hire or accommodation cover for long distance travel
- ✓ AA Mobility Benefits including fuel discounts
With add-ons of:
- ✓ AA Licence Renewals
- ✓ Fine Payment Assist
4. Avoid the rush
Look at the planning of your trip and avoid the rush days when there is bound to be heavier traffic on the roads. If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later. Do the same for the return leg of your journey.
5. Make sure your car is in good shape
If your vehicle needs a service, book it in as soon as possible. Don’t risk your holiday plans by having a towed vehicle break down due to bad planning or non-servicing.
6. Check your tyres
Inspect tyres (including the spare tyre) and make sure they have sufficient tread for the road ahead. Tyres are a key safety feature on vehicles; they are the only thing between the vehicle and the road, and because of this, ensuring their continued good condition is vital. Any tyres that are bald, or under or over inflated, can be dangerous.
7. Check your gear
Make sure you have all the necessary tools to change a tyre if needed, including a red warning triangle. This includes tools for a tyre change on any vehicle you are towing.
8. Buckle up
This includes all passengers, including toddlers under three who, legally, must be in a child restraint, and children 1.3m or shorter who also need to be in booster seats.
9. Rest, refuel, and refresh
Plan your route, including stops, and ensure you make provision to stop every 200kms or every two hours to rest, refuel and refresh.
10. Ensure you are covered
We come to your rescue with medical assistance and advice – wherever you are!
In a medical emergency, when speed and quality of service make all the difference, we provide 24-hour Emergency Medical Rescue for emergencies in your car, at home, at work or on holiday, and will arrange for your emergency medical transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
Your spouse and your dependants aged below 25 are also covered if they are travelling with you. In the event of an emergency at home, and if they are living with you, they are also covered at no additional cost.
You also get 24/7/365 telephonic medical advice!
