Sunshine, seatbelts, and common sense
A successful holiday is one from which you return safely, carrying memories rather than regrets. Mariana Balt reflects on some important stuff to remember on top of the excitement.
Going on holiday is one of lifeβs small triumphs. It represents the pause we all crave, the reward for getting through months of routines, responsibilities, and the familiar rhythm of home. Yet every holiday carries its own blend of joy and risk, starting long before you unpack your bags at the destination.
The journey itself tells a story, especially if it involves a long road trip across South Africaβs busy highways or quiet country roads.
There is something deeply cheerful about pulling away from home with the car packed, snacks ready, playlists queued, and spirits high. The anticipation builds with each kilometre.
Road trips have a way of creating their own holiday mood. You watch landscapes shift from city bustle to open fields and distant hills. You chat, listen, sing, and dream of the days ahead. It feels like freedom.
Still, the road has its own hazards. Fatigue creeps in on long stretches, especially when the sun sinks, and the light turns hazy. Traffic can be unpredictable, and the festive season often puts more vehicles on the move than the roads can comfortably carry.
A moment of impatience or distraction on the part of any driver can change a cheerful journey into a frightening experience. Potholes, stray animals, speeding, and sudden weather changes all demand full attention.
The excitement of the upcoming holiday should never overshadow the need for calm and careful driving. Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all.
Once at the destination, a holiday usually brings that sense of release that only new surroundings can offer. The sea becomes your soundtrack, the mountains your backdrop, and the holiday home your temporary kingdom. Yet even amid this enjoyment, it is easy to forget that holiday activities come with their own risks.
Take the sea, for example. It draws people in with its promise of cool relief and simple pleasure. Swimming during the summer is almost a tradition. The water looks gentle enough, yet the ocean has moods that change without warning. Rip currents can pull even confident swimmers off course. Waves that appear playful from the shore can turn rough in seconds.
Many people underestimate the strength of the current or overestimate their stamina. A safe swim is not only about watching the water but also about choosing beaches with lifeguards, respecting flags, and knowing when the tide is turning.
Mountains offer a different kind of thrill. South Africaβs landscapes invite hikers, trail runners, and curious walkers to explore. A climb to a lookout point can feel like a victory, but the risks are often hidden in plain sight. Weather shifts quickly in mountain areas. A sunny morning can turn misty by midday. Rocks loosen without warning. Slopes that seem simple from a distance can turn out to be more demanding than expected.
Many hikers forget how tiring the descent can be or how easy it is to lose the path. Planning, proper shoes, enough water, and a clear route are all part of enjoying a safe climb.
Active holiday sports come with similar delights and dangers. Quad biking, cycling, kayaking, and even beach games look harmless until someone takes a chance or skips basic safety steps. Helmets feel unnecessary until the moment they are not. Life jackets seem optional until the water becomes deeper than planned.
Most accidents come not from dramatic mistakes but from small moments when enthusiasm outruns caution.
Despite all of this, the joy of a holiday remains powerful. The trick is balance. With a little mindfulness, the risk does not overshadow the pleasure. Instead, it sharpens the experience and makes it more meaningful.
Ultimately, the best holiday is the one from which you return safely, carrying memories rather than regrets.
Hence, make your holiday a reminder that life is rich, unpredictable, and worth protecting. The road, the sea, the mountains, and the adventures all offer their gifts. Let us simply meet them with respect, patience, and a touch of common sense.
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Mariana Balt
Mariana Balt
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