Things you should know before travelling to Mauritius - Head off unforeseen surprises with these must-know travel tips

One of the things that make Mauritius quite the tourist hotspot is its lenient visa requirements. Chances are that you do not require a visa to enter the country, which can depend on your nationality. All you need is a return ticket out of the country and a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, and you will be stamped for entry to the beautiful island nation of Mauritius for 60 days.

Preparing for your trip to Mauritius is also part of the fun, but you do not want to get all fired up and go exchange your local currency for Mauritian rupees before you get on that plane to the island. That is because you have a higher chance of getting a favourable exchange rate at Mauritius rather than at some currency exchange centre in your country. There are enough and more exchange bureaus at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, where you can easily get the job done.

All good things come with a price, and so do the posh hotels of this idyllic African island. Despite the somewhat hefty price tag, you do get a helluva bang for your buck, so it inarguably would be money well spent. The selection of accommodation choices is pretty huge, offering you a wide array of options to choose from. As a country that's popular for its stunning beaches, Mauritius resorts that are located by the beach including the likes of Anantara Iko Mauritius are a favourite choice of many tourists.

Safety is at the forefront of almost every tourist's mind, and fortunately, this Indian Ocean island has a pretty good reputation in terms of safety. In fact, it is believed to be one of the safest destinations in Africa. However, just as with any other country, petty crime is pretty common throughout Mauritius, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your valuables when you are out in public places. Apart from petty theft, all you have to worry about is walking into the sea without any warning.

Last but not least, you also do need to think about the essential items that you need to carry with you on your trip to Mauritius. As a country with nearly year-round sunshine, sunscreen and sunglasses are something that you should not forget to pack. Unless you want to spend your vacation killing mosquitoes, you do need to bring some mosquito repellents as well. Other essentials that should go into your backpack include some light clothes, swimwear, a pair of flip flops, and your camera to capture the best moments of your trip.