When To Go... When you plan a trip, weather often plays a major role. It is not always possible to travel at the "best time" so bear in mind that while your experiences may be different according to when you travel, the rewards will be many. Here are some suggestions of when (and when not) to travel to certain areas: Place: Best Time: (and when NOT to go) Average Temperature: Argentina December and January June: 14C/58F January: 29C/84F Bahamas December to April. (Hurricane season: June to November) 26C/78F - 31C/87F Cuba December to April. (Hurricane season: June to November) 26C/78F - 31C/87F Egypt October to February. (Sandstorms: March and April) Cairo: 19C/66F to 23C/73F Guatemala December to April. 26C/78F (year round) India October to March. (Monsoons: June) Delhi: 21C/69F to 40C/104F Kenya December to March. (Rainy season: April and May) 21C/69F to 31C/88F Mongolia June to August. 0C/32F to 22C/72F Peru May to September. 19C/66F to 28C/82F South Africa September to April. (Kruger National Park: July to October) 21C/69F to 30C/86F South Pacific April to November. (Cyclone season: December to March) 29C/84F Thailand November to February. (Monsoons: May to October (west) and October to April (east).) Bangkok: 31C/87F to 35C/95F Vietnam November to February. (Rainy season: May to November) (Typhoons: July to November) 22C/72F to 35C/95F United Kingdom June to August. London: 21C/70F

Before You Go... So, you've bought your ticket and booked your hotel. You're all ready to go, right? Wrong! Here are all the other things you still need to consider before you leave home. Insurance: Don't leave home without it! Imagine you are in the jungle in Borneo or the wilds of Africa when you slip and break your leg. How will you continue your trip? How will you pay for the extra seats on the plane that you will need to keep your leg raised? Never fear - insurance is here! Whether you are traveling near or far, accidents can (and will) happen. Take the worry out of travel for about a dollar per day. Visas: Please make sure you verify all visa requirements before you leave home. Trying to enter a country without the correct documentation can be costly and frustrating. Some visas may take two to three weeks to issue so make sure you allow sufficient time when booking your flights. Currency: Some countries regulate the amount of local currency that can be brought in and out. Certain currencies may not be available overseas but where possible, purchase local currency in advance and in small denominations for immediate expenses such as taxi fares and tips. Medical: Health regulations change frequently so please contact your local traveler's medical clinic for the most up to date information. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. What to Pack: Not sure what to take with you? www.travelite.org will give you ideas on how to pack light but still have enough clothes to see you through all possible scenarios.

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How to Pick a Safari... There are many things to consider when selecting a safari. For instance, how much time do you have for your trip, and what is your budget? In order to pick the perfect tour, some other points that should be considered are: Where   do you want to go? The main safari areas are East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), South Africa (Kruger National Park) and Southern Africa (Botswana and Zimbabwe). If you are planning to extend your vacation after your safari, this will be a factor. From East Africa, several tropical islands can be reached, whereas from South Africa you may wish to go on to Madagascar. What do you want to see? The Big 5 are best seen in savannah regions such as the Masai Mara of Kenya and the Serengeti of Tanzania. On the other hand, the dry woodlands of the Kruger National Park are home to these plus more of the big cats. The desert areas of Namibia provide great viewing of the big cats and ostrich. Bear in mind, too, that the annual migration of the wildebeest and zebra from the Masai Mara south to the Serengeti occurs around October or November, with the animals returning in May or June. July through September is breeding time in the Masai Mara. How do you want to travel? Overland truck, small 4x4 vehicle or private plane? The large, customized vehicles used for overland travel are equipped with all basic essentials but are not designed with comfort as their main priority. The smaller vehicles are able to get closer to the animals as they are less noisy and threatening. Private plane is the ultimate way to see the animals and may allow you to cover a wider area in a short space of time, but can take away the thrill of seeking out the animals. What kind of accommodation would you prefer? Safaris can generally be broken down into 3 categories: camping, lodge and hotel-based. Camping can be full participation (erecting one's own tent), limited participation (traveling with a team of crew who perform all camp duties), or luxury (permanent tented campsites.) The limited participation sites generally include camp beds and may offer shower facilities. The luxury tented camps offer fine dining and private hot shower facilities. When will you travel? The best time to travel to East Africa is January/February or June through October. March to May is the rainy season and best avoided. The Kruger in comparison is cool and dry from July to October, with rain and thunderstorms prevalent November to March. How much do you want to be involved with the daily running of the camp? Full participation camps mean just that. Everyone erects their own tent, and assists with other camp duties such as washing dishes and preparing meals. Most camping trips will involve some degree of participation, with the exception of the luxury permanent tented camps where meals are fully catered and waiter service is provided.

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