Clothing: wind-resistant layers above all else

Rule one for a Cape Town bag: wind, not heat, is the real challenge. Even on a perfectly sunny summer day (November-March), the strong southeaster "Cape Doctor" wind can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature suggests. Always pack a light windbreaker, plus layers you can add or remove. In winter (June-August), add a real rain jacket, since rain is heavy and frequent this season, unlike dry-wintered Johannesburg. Don't forget swimwear if you're planning on the warmer Fish Hoek beach, and an extra layer if your trip includes Table Mountain, where temperatures run several degrees colder than at city level.

Essentials not to forget

Comfortable, sturdy shoes for long walks (Cape Point, Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain), sunglasses and strong sunscreen (sun exposure is intense even on cloudy days due to the ocean proximity), a Type M power adapter, and a good camera, since the landscapes here rank among the world's most beautiful. If your trip includes the Winelands, no special clothing is needed, but if it extends into the Garden Route, pack as if for a real road trip — comfortable, versatile clothing.

Budget: what do you actually need?

Cape Town is slightly pricier than Johannesburg, especially in peak season (December-February, when European tourists arrive in force), but it remains very reasonable compared to similarly beautiful destinations worldwide. As a rough estimate (always check the current exchange rate): a mid-range traveler might spend $90-160 a day, including a good hotel, meals, and local transport. These figures rise noticeably in January and February and drop in winter (June-August), when prices are better and crowds thinner.

Items that need a separate line in your budget

Table Mountain and Robben Island tickets (always book these in advance), the Cape Point and Boulders Beach tour (renting a car or joining a group tour is cheaper), and a Winelands trip if it's part of your plan. These three activities combined often represent the largest share of the whole trip's activity budget.

Save smart

Book the cableway and Robben Island ferry online in advance — rates are better and it guarantees a seat during peak season. Have lunch instead of dinner at upscale V&A Waterfront restaurants, since prices are often cheaper midday, and use Uber instead of traditional taxis for short trips around the city.

Before takeoff

Make sure your passport is valid for six months, keep a copy of your bookings, and check the weather forecast a couple of days before your Table Mountain trip specifically, to avoid a surprise wind closure.