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Traveling can be exhausting, especially if you have early mornings or late evening flights with long transit hours. Add children to the mix and your stress level might be through the roof!

As a passenger, you probably keep your fingers crossed that you’re not stuck next to someone with a child, but as a parent, you may feel the guilt and shame coming from other passengers. Nevertheless, with some advanced planning, it is entirely possible to reach your destination with all your hair firmly on your head, your sanity in tact and less reproaching looks from other passengers… well, almost.

Flight booking
Infants and toddlers below the age of two are often given a discount on most flights. This is due to the fact that they can be seated on their parents. Alternatively, you can purchase a seat for your child, but you would likely need a carrier (carseat) for safety. Your child is likely to feel more comforted (and calm) by being cradled by you, but then again, booking the seat next to you for your child, might prevent you from dealing with impatient strangers.

Seat selection
If your airline allows, select your seat online once the option is made available or with your booking agent. For parents with infants, it is better to seat infront where bassinettes can be made available. This will allow your child to sleep comfortably during the flight. Seating infront can also allow you to exit quicker while disembarking. Alternatively, you can seat close to toilets, especially if your child likes to go every 5 minutes and is also useful when changing diapers. IHowever, sitting at the very back of the plane may also be useful as you are likely to receive more help from nearby flight attendants.

Packing
Always bring more than you think you will need! This applies for diapers, formula, wipes and clothing. Load your bag with necessary items such as bottles, diapers and wipes which you can stow underneath the seat infront of you – this will prevent you from disturbing the passenger beside you by getting up often. Be sure to bring an extra pair of clothing for all the children and for yourself. Colouring books and individual packs of crayons are great for keeping little ones busy for a while. Some airlines will provide them, but just in case, pack your own toys. Other things to include can be the child’s favourite stuffed toy or book, but keep it light.

Check-in early
Some airlines offer online check-in to reduce waiting time in queues. You will simply have to drop off your luggage at a designated drop-off counter or at the check-in counter. This way you have plenty of time to double check seating arrangements and bassinet if travelling with a baby.

Before boarding
Security regulations in some countries require your shoes to be scanned so it definitely helps having shoes that are easy to slip on and off. While waiting to board, let the kids walk (or crawl) around as much as possible. They will tire themself out and will be more likely to sleep or stay quiet throughout the flight. Use the bathroom before boarding and change diapers, even if they seem to be clean.

Food
Always carry snacks! Preferably finger foods that are not sticky, crumbly or too messy. If travelling with more than one child, try to make sure there is more than enough for everyone. Liquid items are not allowed inside the airport, so if you bring juice boxes, make sure it is small and can be finished before passing through security. You can buy additional snacks once inside the departure lounge, .

Take-off and Landing
Chewing or sucking can help children and infants to equalise the pressure between their ears and the airplane cabin, especially during take-off and landing. To relieve pressure, you can breastfeed or bottlefeed your child, use a dummy or give them anything to eat, even gum works for older kids. The motion will help to pop their ears. If you can’t be amongst the first to disembark, let the other passengers off first. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, you’ll find that the ground staff are very accommodating. You might be stressed after having been in a long flight with a child so may be eager to disembark. Be sure to check the area around your seat and the hatch above in case you have not left anything behind.

Safety
Our biggest pro tip? Travel insurance! Nothing worse than something happening when you’re travelling with children. Travel insurance frees up space for you to worry about smaller, menial things. Should your child fall sick overseas, your travel insurance will cover the cost of medical attention for your child.

One last thing, flying with children is not easy, but you have paid for your children’s flight and no matter how exhausting it is, they have just as much right to be on that plane as the next person.

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Call us on 429 5000 or send an email to info@sacos.sc for more information on our Travel Insurance.

What does Emergency Medical Assistance cover under the Travel Insurance Policy?

For those who have experienced it, falling sick overseas is one of the worst things that can happen to a traveller. These can include language barriers with medical professionals, lonesome with no family or friends around and anxiety, but even worse – lack of insurance coverage!

Those who knows will tell you what a medical bill for a foreigner is like. In Seychelles, we have the luxury not to have to deal with the medical cost behind our treatment, but this disappears the moment you travel without insurance.

Here is what is covered under the Emergency Medical Assistance with your travel insurance policy:

Medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad

This covers the cost of your treatment if you fall sick during your overseas travel (exclude pre-existing illness). There are different coverage plans depending on your area of travel or for more comfort, you may take the ‘Worldwide’ plan which provides you with coverage in any country you visit, with the exception of Seychelles. The coverage limit on the Worldwide plan is EUR100,000 meaning that we will cover your medical expenses up to that EUR100,000. The other plans include ‘Africa/Asia’ – USD15,000, ‘Europe Basic’ – EUR30,000 and ‘Europe Plus’ – EUR80,000. The ‘Africa/Asia’ and ‘Worldwide’ plan levies an excess of USD50 for outpatient treatment, whereas the Europe Basic and Europe Plus plan levies an excess of EUR50.

Emergency medical evacuation in case of an illness or accident

There may come a point where you will likely need to be evacuated for broader or more extensive treatment. In the event of such a need, your travel insurance policy will cover the costs of your evacuation, which would include airfares and other associated costs. All the plans will cover the real expenses associated to the evacuation, with the exception for the ‘Worldwide’ plan which cover the expenses up to a limit of USD35,000.

Emergency dental care

Unfortunately it has happened that travellers’ dental conditions worsen during their overseas trip. Instead of enduring the pain until your return, however long your trip is, the emergency dental care will cover dental treatment up to a limit. Keep in mind that this does not cover the cost of cosmetic treatment and pre-existing conditions.

Repatriation of mortal remains

Sadly, for whatever reason, some travellers come upon their untimely death while on overseas travel. It is usually left for your parents or family to bear the burden of the cost of bringing your body back home, as quickly as possible. This burden may be too huge for most families to bear because on top of that, they have to make arrangements for your funeral service back home. It would minimise the financial burden off your family if you could provide for such an eventuality.

Emergency return home following death of a close family member

The death of a close family member when travelling is actually quite a common occurrence. Unfortunately, many people struggle to cover the cost associated with returning home especially if alternative travel means have to be made, having already spent a substantial amount on the overseas travel for accommodation, airfares and other expenses. With a travel insurance policy, this cost will be covered under your plan and for the same class ticket you initially booked.

Compassionate Emergency Visit

Indeed falling sick overseas can be lonesome and having a family with you can help you in dealing with the anxiety and depression from your illness. Your travel insurance policy allows one of your family to accompany you during your hospitalisation. The policy will cover the cost of airfares, accommodation and a subsistence allowance for a maximum of 10 days for the visiting family, conditions apply.

Do not waste any more time!. For more information on our travel insurance, contact us on 429 5000 or send an email to info@sacos.sc.

Have you ever heard the story of the tourist in Sri Lanka that needed hospital treatment after a coconut fell on her head? Apparently she was reading a book under the shade of a palm tree when gravity played a cruel trick on her: coconut, meet head. Yes, it sounds dangerous and she could have been seriously hurt… But it does sound a little bit funny, doesn’t it? And you know what? Her insurance company covered her medical expenses!

The point is, in order to be able to laugh about silly accidents and funny encounters you need to feel safe. And this is what travel insurance does: it provides security. Which is why Sacos has recently upgraded its travel insurance policies to give you more benefits! Just recently, we saw a situation where a Seychelles Citizen was kidnapped and held for ransom in South Africa. As much as you never want to believe that these things can happen to you, you must always be prepared for the unexpected.

Our new policy cover now includes:

• Hijack in Means of Public Transport
• 24 hours assistance services
• Delivery of Medicines (services only)

 As well as:

• Medical Expenses & hospitaliSation
• Emergency medical evacuation in case of Illness or Accident
• Emergency Dental Care
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains
• Repatriation of Family Member travelling with the insured
• Emergency Return Home Following Death of a close Family
• Compassionate Emergency

 As a sensible person, we’re sure you will take any preventive measures you can. But most of these things are beyond our control. Travel insurance is just another sensible measure to take so you can enjoy your vacation and, every comical moment in between – worry free!

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Pay us a visit at our new location in town or call us on 429 5000 or send an email to info@sacos.sc for more information on Travel Insurance!

When I first got my credit card, I vowed I would never use it unless I absolutely had to. Let’s take a moment to laugh at my naiveté. Let’s be honest, a credit card is like having a license. It allows you to drive, and even when you know the speed limit, sometimes you tend to go over. We’ve all heard the horror stories; people who shopped themselves into insurmountable debt, and the eventual financial ruins that comes with debt.

Of course, we don’t believe in telling people how to spend their money. But we’re convinced that a little sensitisation goes a long way! With a bit of know-how, anyone can use a credit card in a practical, non-destructive way. Here are our identified pros and cons to shopping with a credit card:

The Pros

Emergency protection: Emergency fund is just that: money used for emergencies! A credit card can help you juggle unforeseen expenses when your account has been depleted. Or prevent it from getting there!

 Purchasing power: Online, in-store, overseas, at your local market, your credit card gives you purchasing power worldwide! It is especially handy when you’re overseas and do not have cash on hand.

Buy now, pay later: Credit cards let you buy now and pay later. If you are making large purchases on your debit card, once that money is gone, it’s gone. Buying now and paying later is a great way to keeping your account intact. And with a credit card, you also have the option of gradual repayment, so you’re not out of pocket.

 The Cons

 Interest:  A credit card’s interest rate is the price you pay for borrowing money. A high interest rate can drag you deeper and deeper in debt if you don’t pay off your balance quickly. You can avoid paying (high) interest on purchases if you pay your balance in full each month by the due date.

Ease of spending: You may be thinking that this should be up in the pros section, but having a credit card make it a little too easy to spend money. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to pretend like you’re not spending real money when you’re not paying with cash. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to fall into suffocating debt. It all comes down to being careful with your money.

Destroy credit: What the credit card giveth, it can taketh away. Missing payments, going over your credit limit, or having too many credit cards can quickly put you in financial debt!

For some people, credit cards can be destructive. So long as you can use cards wisely, it is a very handy tool to have on hand, especially as you don’t know when you will need it the most.

Has your mobile phone ever rung, and you see an international number you don’t recognise flashing on the screen? Chances are it was a scam attempt with the intention of collecting personal financial details from you. Whether it’s by email, phone or social media, fraudsters have found ways to gain access to personal information, which can be detrimental to your finances.

Below we explore some of the tactics that have been used, and what you can do if ever you find yourself in a similar situation.

1. Be wary of voice phishing 

Voice phishing or “vishing” are calls made from someone usually claiming to be from your bank or a reputable company who wants you to divulge personal information about yourself or your account. Some calls may be automated. The intent is to get you to divulge your account details by claiming that they need to verify suspicious activities on your account, or they need to make a refund to your account.

What you should do

Your bank will likely never attempt to contact you and ask for personal account details over the phone. Put the phone down when they ask for your payment or bank account details. Don’t share this information over the phone. If you accidentally share your details, call your bank immediately. If you are unsure of the authenticity of the call, contact your bank to confirm that the caller is an affiliate of their institution.

2. Look out for phishing emails 

Phishing emails usually come from what looks like a genuine email from a reputable person or company claiming that you have won something. The email will ask you to click a link for further information, or to claim your prize. You’ll most likely be asked to download something – typically, this will be malicious software (malware) masquerading as something, which will allow fraudsters to access your details, and access to your financial information.

What you should do

Unless you actually participated in a lottery, it will be quite unlikely that you will suddenly be a winner of a big international lottery iprize. You should always be sceptical about suspicious emails. Always check the sender’s email address. Some email addresses appear to have the same domain names as those you are familiar with in your contact list. Always double check for small inconsistencies in email addresses. Block the sender and delete the email straight away. Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software are up to date, and your firewall is strong. Do not click on links or download attachments. Schedule frequent scans on your computer.

3. How to spot smishing messages

As silly as it may sound, smishing is a real threat. Think back: have you ever received a text message from a number you didn’t recognise with a link, or asking you to call a number you don’t know? That’s smishing text messages!

What you should do

Don’t click on any links, and check any numbers with your bank. If the number isn’t genuine, delete the text message from your phone.

4. Protect yourself on social media 

How many times this year has a friend posted on their facebook wall that so and so’s facebook has been hacked or duplicated and asking you not to accept any new friend request under their name? Fraudsters have been known to hack social media accounts and impersonate the account owners. Once in, they make contact with the owner’s friends and family, and convince them to part with their money or bank details by pulling on their heartstrings. You could be contacted by someone you know, who suddenly and desperately needs money, asking you to transfer money to an account, or to share your bank details with them. Sound familiar?

 What you should do

If it is someone you know personally, speak to that person directly to see if their request is genuine, as the message could be coming from a hacked account. If it’s from someone you do not know, report the incident to the social media mediators. To prevent your account from getting hacked, avoid clicking on facebook links you are not familiar with, especially those prompting you to log in. Change your password frequently. Activate double security for your facebook account.

When it comes to fraud protection, remember prevention is always better than cure. Always check before you share.