So that long-awaited vacation is finally in sight? And which place have you chosen? You have chosen a spot of heaven – with an exquisite blend of mountains, beaches, and villages. A place with lots of greenery and music. You have chosen Cape Verde.
This small island country in the Central Atlantic Ocean lies about 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) off the western coast of the African continent. It consists of ten volcanic islands – each with its own bounty of natural beauty. Since the early 1990s, the country has been one of the more stable political and economic nations of Africa, with a strong focus on tourism and foreign investment in the service sectors. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to purchase Cape Verde travel insurance or travel medical insurance in case of any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Cape Verde Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A mishap can strike you at any point. While Cape Verde has its share of hospitals and qualified doctors, don’t expect the facilities to be at par with those in Europe or the U.S. Treatment can be expensive, more so if evacuation becomes necessary. It’s much better to protect yourself with travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Cape Verde?
You aren’t legally required to buy Cape Verde travel medical insurance. However, it’s always advisable to buy health insurance before taking an international vacation.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Cape Verde?
Nothing can be worse than an accident or illness ruining your vacation. You might fall sick due to insect bites or overindulgence in the gastronomic delights. Hiking and swimming might also cause mild to severe injuries. Medication and treatment in private facilities will cost you a lot of money. So, it would be sensible to buy Cape Verde travel medical insurance so that you can enjoy the vacation without undue worries.
Cape Verde Travel Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Trip cancellation can happen due to several reasons, including but not limited to the death of your traveling companion or someone close, bad weather, any kind of unrest at the destination, etc. It results in a financial loss as the advance payments are mostly non-refundable. That’s why it’s important to have Cape Verde trip cancellation insurance.
Why buy travel insurance for Cape Verde?
Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses you put down before your trip, as long as you cancel for a covered reason as listed in your policy’s certificate wording. Be sure to read the fine print to learn what situations are and aren’t covered.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Cape Verde?
The trip cancellation insurance covers most of the common reasons that might necessitate you to cancel your trip to Cape Verde. Before buying, do have a proper idea of the reasons covered. But be sure to buy Cape Verde travel insurance to stay protected financially.
Things to Do for Travelers in Cape Verde
Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, presents captivating sights to behold – with its indigo-blue seas, white beaches, and rugged mountains. There is also a lot of greenery and lush plantations. The windswept dunes and the volcanic landscapes of Fogo and Brava are sure to get you hooked.
Take a Hike up the Pico De Fogo
This is the highest point in Cape Verde (2,829 meters, or 9,281 feet). This is a volcanic mountain, although dormant. It would be a treat for adventurous souls to take a walk up its slopes. Depending on your fitness levels, the time taken will vary. But it’s a visual treat as you keep climbing, with breathtaking views of the landscape all around. But do make the hike with a guide.
Do Some Bird Watching
You would get to see some rarer breeds of African birds like swifts, warblers, and sparrows in Cape Verde. Various seabird colonies and land bird sites are also visible here. Many endemic Cape Verde avian species are on the endangered list, but the government has taken steps for their safety and proliferation.
Relax by the Sea in Sal
Sal is the sunniest island of Cape Verde. It has miles and miles of white beaches by the stunning ocean. Spend some relaxing time on these beautiful beaches. Swim, take a walk, or simply lie down with a book and have a great time all by yourself. You could also go scuba diving to check out the underwater wrecks and reefs. Hit the restaurants and bars in the evening for some cool drinks and lip-smacking local cuisine.
Heritage Trip in Santiago
The island of Santiago is characterized by the diversity of its landscape. Check out the Cidade Velha, one of the earliest European settlements in the country. The ruins of an old fort still remain. Take a visit and along with a slice of history, you can also get awesome cliff-side views of the Atlantic. Lots of festivals also take place here, especially in the summer months.
Sing and Dance in Sao Vicente
The city of Mindelo, Cape Verde’s prettiest, lies on this island. It is the cultural capital of the nation, hosting the Baia das Gatas music festival every August that thousands frequent. You’ll get to hear foot-tapping live local music here. Put on your dancing shoes and groove the night away!
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Cape Verde
It’s most unfortunate if anything untoward happens during a much-awaited vacation. So, it’s better to stay safe and adopt the necessary precautions.
Cape Verde is a fairly safe and peaceful place, with most locals being warm and friendly. However, with the increase in tourism, some criminal activities have started to occur. So you need to be on your guard.
- Malaria and dengue fever, while not frequent, do occur on the island. Take the requisite precautions against mosquito bites.
- Pick-pocketing occurs in crowded areas or beaches, so keep your purse, mobile phone, and other valuables safe. Don’t carry too many valuables with you outside the hotel.
- Avoid desolate areas of the towns after dark and also the secluded corners of the beaches. Muggings and sexual assaults, though infrequent, might occur in such areas.
- Be careful while swimming in the seas. While sharks don’t pose too much of a threat, rough sea conditions do. Currents and tides are strong around the islands. Please respect the red flags and safety instructions.
- If you go hiking in remote locations, do so with a guide or in a group. Always leave a message with your hotel regarding your plans for such an event.
Before You Travel to Cape Verde...
Before your travel, be sure to:
Keep soft copies of your passport, visa, and other travel documents.
Go through the travel advisories for the destination.
Opt for Cape Verde travel insurance. Enter some basic travel information, compare a wide variety of plans, and select the one that best fits the needs of your itinerary, destination, and budget.