There’s something special about a girls’ trip. Whether it’s a Women’s Month spa weekend or a weeks-long road trip with your best friends, it’s all about memories you’ll laugh about for years to come.
But before the playlists are finalised and the matching outfits are packed, it’s worth thinking about how much value is travelling with you.
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Take a peek inside your handbag. Chances are you’ll find a smartphone, sunglasses, make-up, and perhaps even a tablet.
Add your clothes and toiletries, some jewellery, and a few other valuables tucked into your luggage. You could easily be travelling with tens of thousands of rands’ worth of belongings without even realising it.
Your girls’ trip could be carrying more value than you think
Charmaine Mthombeni, spokesperson at King Price Insurance, says this is why preparing for a trip should include more than booking accommodation and planning the snacks.
“Most of us know exactly what to pack, but we don’t always stop to think about what these items are worth. Replacing everything in our handbags and suitcases can be surprisingly costly if they’re lost or stolen.”
And this is where many travellers are caught off guard.
The moment you take your portable items off your insured home, they’re no longer covered under your home contents insurance.
At this point, they need portable possessions cover and, depending on their value, may need to be specified individually on your insurance policy.
Check your cover before you pack your bags
Unfortunately, this is more important than many people realise. Theft of personal belongings, including handbags, phones, and valuables stolen from cars, remains one of the most common travel-related risks facing South Africans.
Also see: The mother-daughter trip: Travelling with your ageing mother
“A handbag left on a restaurant chair, a laptop visible through a car window, or luggage left unattended for a few minutes can quickly turn bliss into stress,” says Mthombeni.
“Simple habits, like staying aware of your surroundings and locking valuables out of sight in your car’s boot or securely in a safe, can go a long way towards protecting both your belongings and your peace of mind.”
Before setting off, Mthombeni suggests giving your insurance the same attention as your itinerary.
“Make sure your premium is up to date, confirm that the replacement values of your portable possessions are accurate, and check that high-value items have been specified where necessary. If you’re travelling with bicycles or other sports equipment, roof racks or bike carriers, or baby seats or prams, make sure they’re covered too.”
Don’t forget about the home you’re leaving behind
If your house will be unoccupied while you’re away, check the conditions attached to your buildings and home contents cover before you lock the front door.
Road trips bring their own risks, too. According to the Department of Transport, 1,172 crashes were recorded during the 2025/26 festive season alone; a reminder that even the best-planned journeys can take an unexpected turn.
“If you’re involved in an accident, emotions run high, and decisions have to be made quickly,” says Mthombeni. “If anyone has been injured, call the SA Police Service and emergency medical services first.
Then get a case number from the police and contact your insurer as soon as you can. It’s critical to use your insurer’s approved towing service, as unauthorised towing can create unnecessary costs and complications with your claim.”
She also recommends checking that your policy includes roadside, accident and medical assist services, particularly if you’ll be driving long distances or travelling alone at any stage of your journey.
Be prepared for the unexpected on the road
“A little planning beforehand might not add to the initial fun-factor, but it means you can then focus on making memories instead of worrying about ‘what ifs’. Because the only baggage you should bring home is your suitcase,” ends Mthombeni.
Also see: 15 Scenic road trips every South African should take at least once
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