Bear in mind that our scenic towns don't deal with this influx on a daily basis.
So...
BE EXTREMELY PATIENT: We know you are used to major traffic, but it's different here. It's hot, people are on holiday and so don't want to wait. But wait you will, especially trying to get to the shopping centres, and while looking for parking at the main beaches. Plan ahead. Make sure your air-con is working.
TAXIS: The behaviour of the drivers is unpredictable at best. Usually they thunder along, breaking as many rules of the road as possible. But on the coast, some crawl along at a snail's pace if the mood strikes. They can, and often do, stop suddenly at the most unexpected of places.
MATRICS: For some reason, December times can see the 'young bucks' out to prove their driving prowess on the roads, usually in Dad's car. This is often at night, and possibly after a few beers, so just be alert.
POLICE: Our police come alive at this time of the year. While it may appear they are after Joburg cash, the honest truth is that they just want it to be as safe as possible on the roads. Don't give them a hard time at the roadblocks you will definitely encounter.
SHOPPING: If you plan to do Christmas shopping, go to the malls very early in the morning or much later in the evening. Traffic isn't too bad then.
THE HIGHWAY NEAR SHELLY CENTRE: Obey the rules. Resist the urge to avoid traffic/paying toll fees while heading north on the highway near the Shelly Centre - and then illegally turning right, across the highway. There have been some truly horrific accidents caused by people doing this in the past.
KEEP TO THE SPEED LIMIT: We know upcountry drivers are used to gunning it... but if a South Coaster goes 80km/h in a 60km/h zone it's fast. Remember we have many pensioners living here. Just so you know. On the flip side, don't do 30km in the 80km zone. While we appreciate you being here and taking in the scenery, some of us do need to get to work.
SPEED TRAPS: Look out for these in the Scottburgh/Park Rynie area. They come at a stage in your trip where you can 'taste the ocean', but they'll be there. Probably more than one. Definitely more than one. You've been warned.
Travel safe.
