Want to travel like a pro? Jo-Ann Strauss shares her best travel tips - from packing light to making the most of airport lounges. Learn how to upgrade your travel game with her, Discovery Bank and Vitality Travel.
They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, and with her history as an international media entrepreneur, public speaker, and art connoisseur, Jo-Ann Strauss has racked up enough hours to be a master of global travel!
As a proud Discovery Bank client and a Vitality Travel expert in her own right, we caught up with her to share her top tips - so you, too, can travel like a pro.
1. Prepping for your trip: Get the essentials sorted
It sounds obvious to check the entry requirements of the country you want to travel to, but people sometimes assume they'll qualify, don't account for visas that may be required at a connecting airport, or don't realise their visas may expire by the time they actually travel. "Make sure your passport and any required health checks are valid long before you travel," Jo-Ann advises. "Visa applications can be especially time-consuming, so don't leave them to the last minute."
2. Book smart and save on flights
Jo-Ann knows that finding the right flight can make or break a trip. "Booking flights through the Discovery Bank app is a game-changer," she says. "I recently got the full 75% discount off an international flight with Vitality Travel - so it's well worth making sure you hit all your targets to get the maximum discount.
Discovery Bank tip: Remember, you need to book at least six weeks in advance to secure your Vitality Travel discount.
3. Packing hacks from a frequent flyer
Travelling light is an art, and Jo-Ann has mastered it. "I aim to travel with hand luggage only, even on longer trips," she shares. She swears by a travel capsule wardrobe: simple, swappable, versatile items that can mix and match. "I always pack a really stylish pair of sneakers, which can be dressed up or down. And I love a beautiful scarf that can be draped in different ways, and that also doubles as a blanket on the plane."
4. A stress-free airport experience
With Discovery Bank, travel starts on a high note. "The Lounge makes a huge difference to the full experience of a trip," says Jo-Ann. "It's so nice to relax before a flight, and I love being able to invite guests. I can create and send vouchers in my banking app so my crew can join me in The Lounge - perfect for when we're creating content on the go."
Discovery Bank tip: Black and Purple? Discovery Bank clients can also skip queues at select airports with Priority Fast Track.
5. Surviving long flights: Comfort is key
"Compression socks are a must! I had no idea how much of a difference they make until my husband suggested them," Jo-Ann says. She also recommends drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and help circulation. "I avoid binge-watching movies and try to sleep as much as possible, especially if I'm crossing time zones. Sometimes just putting on relaxing music does the trick."
6. Exploring like a local
Jo-Ann loves immersing herself in the local culture. "I always ask locals for restaurant recommendations - that's how you'll find hidden gems off the tourist track." She also researches local galleries and theatre shows before landing in a new location: "I've discovered incredible South African artists in Bangkok, for example, and recently saw operatic soprano Pretty Yende perform in Munich."
Discovery Bank tip: If you're shopping and sightseeing abroad, Discovery Bank's Forex Accounts make it easy to manage your foreign currency needs. Simply set up a virtual Forex card in the Discovery Bank app and enjoy seamless spending wherever you go.
7. Make every trip an adventure
"Sometimes people pack too many activities into a trip, but I find the best moments can happen when you do nothing," Jo-Ann reflects. "But I love finding a café, sitting back, and just people-watching. Long, early morning walks in big cities like Paris are my favourite - you get to see the city wake up before the crowds arrive. I don't stress about getting lost, I just enjoy the freedom of walking wherever my whim takes me, and then I catch a taxi back to my hotel."
Ready to travel like a pro?
Want to follow Jo-Ann's lead and travel smarter, lighter, and more luxuriously on your next adventure? With Discovery Bank and Vitality Travel, you can unlock premium travel benefits that make every trip effortless. Book flights, access lounges, and manage your Forex all from the ease of your banking app, or visit Vitality Travel to get started.
