With the warm Indian Ocean as its panorama, and the lush verdure of KwaZulu-Natal as backdrop, Durban is always a major draw for many. And with its myriad of things to do, friendly people, and gorgeous beaches, the city continuously lives up to its reputation as the warmest place to be.
And if you’re reading this, you might be off to Durbs in the near future. So – and because we all love the jetsetter life here – let’s talk about the first step in a good travel itinerary: what to pack.
With Durban as the destination, we need to think about the region’s legendary heat and humidity, the sun’s power when you hit the beach, and the kinds of clothes that’ll keep you the most comfortable. But the trip starts with the journey, and we have some ways you can make that more comfortable, too.
So, from the plane to the beach, here’s what to pack for Durban.
The Essentials
When packing for your flight to Durban, there are a few key items that you’ll need to make sure you have in order to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essentials:
For the flight
Entertainment
Lanseria to Durban is a relatively quick jaunt – It’s more or less one hour and fifteen minutes in total that you’ll be spending among the clouds. Still, some entertainment for the plane will help the flight go by even quicker. So, if you’re flying during the day, make sure to bring something to keep you entertained – a book, some magazines, your laptop or tablet. And don’t forget to bring the same for the kids – an hour journey to the sea can seem a lifetime to them.
Pack your identification for boarding.
It is always encouraged to check in online and print or have your boarding pass on your phone.
Snacks
It’s always a good idea to have some snacks on hand, in case you get hungry during the flight. Choose something that won’t make you feel too full or bloated – think dried fruit, nuts or seeds. And again, don’t forget the kids – they’ll need their treats.
For the trip
Sunscreen
Don’t forget your sunscreen – there are few pieces of advice more important than that. Durb’s tropical clime is the reason for its beautiful and hot summer days, and mildly temperate winter. However, it also means that the sun loves Durban as much as we do. So, pack that sunscreen, and keep it applied. And remember, even on the cloudier days, in the winter months, too, the sun’s power in Durban is still extra intense.
What to wear
Lastly, we need to get the threads in check. Dressing for Durban is pretty straightforward – as long as you have ample light and breathable fabrics, to keep the humidity at bay, you should be ok. But here’s a quick checklist:
- Swimming costume
- Hat
- Shorts, skirts and sundresses
- T-shirts, vests and tank tops
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops for the beach
Like we said, Durban prides itself on being the warmest place to be, but in the cooler evenings, and perhaps if you travel a little more inland toward the mountainous Drakensberg, there may be a need for some layers – particularly if you’re on a winter trip. So, if you’re staying near the coast and things get cooler, a few light jerseys, or long-sleeved tops should keep you cosy.
If you’re on a winter trip and plan on some mountain viewing, some warmer gear may be called for. Here’s a winter clothing checklist:
- Long pants
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Jerseys and jackets – fleece is a great temperature regulator in this case
- Scarf and hat
- Gloves
- Closed, waterproof walking shoes
And there you have it – everything you may need in your bag for a fun and exciting trip to sunny Durbs. So, now that you’re packed, Lanseria, Johannesburg’s most convenient airport is ready and waiting to help get you there.
As you prep for your trip, for more travel information like baggage, security and mobility assistance, contact Lanseria now. Happy flying!