Heading Out This Heritage Day? Here’s What to Pack

Heritage Day falls on Thursday, 24 September, giving South Africans a public holiday to spend with family and friends. Plans can range from a braai or picnic to a festival, road trip or day outdoors. Whatever is on your calendar, packing for the full day can save you from making unnecessary stops along the way.

Sunscreen comes first

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September brings warmer weather, so sunscreen is essential for a day outdoors. Pack enough to reapply during the day, particularly if you will be spending several hours in direct sunlight.

Sunglasses and a hat are useful additions, too. A wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection at a picnic, braai or outdoor event where shade may be limited.

Bring your own water

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Do not rely entirely on finding a shop or water station when you arrive. A reusable water bottle is easy to carry and useful whether you are travelling by car, sitting at a braai or walking around an outdoor event.

If you are driving for several hours, take enough water for the journey as well as the time you expect to spend at your destination.

Pack something to sit on

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A picnic blanket is useful when there are limited places to sit. It can also provide space for children, food and bags.

For larger outdoor gatherings, a foldable camping chair may be more practical, particularly if you expect to spend most of the day at the venue.

Dress for the whole day

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If you will be outside for several hours, dress for changing temperatures. Choose clothes that allow you to sit, walk and move comfortably, and take a light jacket or warm layer if you expect to be out after sunset.

Your shoes matter too. If your plans involve a festival, heritage site, market or plenty of walking, choose a pair you can comfortably wear for several hours.

Keep a small essentials bag

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A compact crossbody bag or tote can carry the things you do not want to leave in the car: your phone, power bank, wallet, keys, sunscreen, tissues, hand sanitiser and any medication you normally need.

Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving, especially if you are travelling, meeting people at a busy venue or relying on your phone for directions.

If you are braaiing, think beyond the meat

Photo: Pinterest/@Hebei Qianchi

If you are responsible for the braai setup, make a checklist before leaving home. Tongs, gloves, a sturdy grid, serving utensils, plates, cups, cutlery, napkins and rubbish bags are easy to overlook when you are focused on the food.

A cooler bag and picnic blanket are also useful when the braai is away from home. If you are heading to a public event, check the venue rules before packing food, drinks, chairs or a cooler box, as some venues have restrictions on what visitors can bring inside.

Do not forget the drive home

Photo: Pinterest/@Amy Roemer

Heritage Day falls on a Thursday this year, so taking Friday off can create a four-day break. If you are travelling, keep your driver’s licence, vehicle documents, phone charger and emergency essentials accessible.

For longer trips, check your vehicle before leaving and plan your route in advance. If you are travelling with children, pack the snacks, water, entertainment and other essentials they will need for the journey.

Pack according to where you are going, how long you will be there and what the day requires. A little preparation before leaving home means fewer things to worry about once the Heritage Day celebrations begin.