Experiencing Europe in its summer season is arguably one of life’s greatest pleasures. You see yourself walking through cobblestone streets, golden hour at 9pm, gelato in hand with nowhere urgent to be. But getting there and moving through airports at the peak of the travel season is an entirely different story. Navigating record-breaking crowds, currency headaches and the particular chaos of a busy international departure hall can take its toll. The gap between a stressful trip and a smooth one often comes down to how well you’ve prepared.
Judging by the numbers, South Africans are heading abroad in a big way. Capitec clients’ international lounge visits have more than tripled between December 2025 and May 2026, so you’re not alone in catching that long-haul flight. The good news is that Capitec’s partnership with Dragonpass means you have more tools than ever to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Dragonpass is an all-in-one pass to over 2,500 travel and lifestyle experiences across more than 145 countries. Airport lounges are just the beginning, think airport dining, Fast Track security lanes to skip the queues, eSIMs to stay connected the moment you land, and access to thousands of gyms and fitness studios at home or away, with no memberships or long-term commitments. Whether you have a layover in London, transiting through Dubai, or squeezing in a workout between flights, Dragonpass connects every part of your journey, not just the departure gate.
“We’re seeing more South Africans travelling internationally and looking for ways to make every part of the journey simpler and more rewarding,” says Francois Viviers, Group Executive: Marketing and Client Experience at Capitec. “Travel should be about the fun experiences, not navigating airport chaos. Through our partnership with Dragonpass and benefits like zero currency conversion fees when clients pay with their cards overseas, we’re helping clients enjoy a smoother journey from departure to arrival.”
Here’s how to get the most out of Euro summer without letting peak-season stress steal the show.
Make the airport work for you, not against you
The pre-flight experience is where most travel stress begins. Before the long queues, limited seating, overpriced terminal food and the sensory overload of a packed departure hall, it’s worth ensuring you get the best benefits from your tickets. When booking your flight ticket using a Capitec credit card, the lounge access through Dragonpass offers a genuine escape. July and August are consistently among the busiest months for European airports, with hubs like London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt regularly processing hundreds of thousands of passengers per day.
Once you are through security, you can step into a space designed for comfort rather than throughput. Dragonpass review data shows that food and a hot buffet are the primary reason most travellers visit a lounge, featuring in roughly 70 to 80% of in-lounge service reviews. Comfortable seating ranks second, cited in around 30 to 40% of reviews, followed closely by beverages, reliable WiFi and shower access for those on long-haul routes. If the lounge isn’t conveniently located near your gate, simply use a dining voucher at a restaurant of your choice.
For Capitec credit card clients, this is a built-in benefit. With Dragonpass access included, you can skip the terminal scramble and actually enjoy the start of your trip. The Bidvest Premier Lounge at Cape Town International is currently the single most-visited outlet among Capitec clients, with over 1,100 visits recorded, suggesting that travellers are catching on.
On that note, lounge access through Dragonpass is designed with social travel in mind. Travellers can receive up to 12 local and 12 international lounge visits a year. Whether travelling with a partner, family or friends, the benefit extends to your group, making the pre-flight comfortable and convenient for everyone.
Practical tips to travel smarter this summer
Beyond the benefits themselves, a little strategic thinking goes a long way during peak season. When travelling, it’s worth thinking about the full journey arc. Flying mid-week, typically Tuesday, tends to mean fewer crowds at airports, while Friday currently offers the best prices for flights according to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks report. Booking accommodation that is centrally located reduces the need for expensive transfers and gives you more time in the places you actually want to be. Having a lounge to decompress in before a long flight or using zero-fee spending to manage your budget confidently from day one, smooths out the parts of travel that tend to cause the most friction.
“The best travel experiences start long before you board the plane,” says Viviers. “By combining practical benefits that help clients save money and reduce travel stress, we’re making it easier for South Africans to focus on creating memorable experiences abroad.”
Euro summer is worth every bit of planning it takes to get right. With the right tools in your corner, the adventure starts well before you touch down.
