Plan your evening out

Setting out a plan for your evening means less chaos and more fun, even if you plan on spending it alone.You can schedule games and activities in between dinner time that are both adult and child-friendly. If you are planning to go out with a bang by going to an event or a party, make sure that your phone is charged and that you have a designated driver who will not be drinking that night.

Handle food with care

Food glorious food! During this time, food forms a central part of any gathering. Be it a braai or a cooked meal, one thing to remember is to ensure that you handle the food with care. Heat your food and makes sure that it is covered to avoid the possibility of getting food poisoning. Eating before you leave for a night out can also help metabolise any alcohol that you may consume to avoid having a hangover the next morning. The trick is to snack throughout the evening and avoid binge eating, which can make for an uncomfortable experience later.

Drinking

December is infamously known as a silly season for a reason. Not only is it the time where people are more laid back than ever, but it also means that alcohol consumption peaks during this time.

If you are planning on drinking, make sure that you have a designated driver who will be consuming no alcohol during this time to ensure that you arrive safely to and from your destination. Have water in between sips to stay hydrated and avoid having a hangover the next morning.

Make sure to keep your drink covered or take your drink with you wherever you go to avoid having it spiked. Excessive drinking can increase your risk of getting into an accident. Furthermore, It can also cause your claims to your life cover to be denied if the accident proves that you had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol.

Navigating your way through crowds

Year in and year out, one thing remains constant about New Year's Eve, it will be packed. Therefore, knowing how to navigate your way around crowds at home or an event is essential. Leave any valuables you have at home. If you are planning on carrying your phone, place it in a small bag that can be tightly strapped to you or hanging in front of you.

Remember that you are always stronger in numbers. Travel with a group of friends to reduce your risk of being singled out by thieves or someone who may want to take advantage of you. Having a set time and meetup spot that is safe and is well lit is also convenient when you need to go home, instead of spending a lot of time looking for each other.