Rising petrol prices do not have to put an end to local getaways.
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With a little planning, South Africans can make their travel budgets go further by choosing the right accommodation, exploring nearby destinations and making the most of available rewards. Corné Alberts, National Marketing Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, regularly travels for work and has learnt how to make every kilometre count. She shares five practical tips to help travellers reduce costs and get more value from their next trip.
1. Choose the right days to book your accommodation
When you travel can make a difference to how much you spend on accommodation. Business hotels tend to be busier during the working week, from Monday to Thursday, which can make weekend stays more affordable. Leisure properties near popular attractions often follow the opposite pattern, with lower rates available during the week. Checking the type of property you want to visit and comparing rates across different dates can help you find a better deal. The money saved on accommodation can then go towards fuel or activities at your destination.
2. Book directly with your hotel
Before confirming a reservation through a third-party booking platform, check the hotel’s official website. Some properties offer seasonal promotions, mid-week specials or additional benefits to guests who book directly. Comparing these offers could help you reduce your overall accommodation costs. Even a modest saving can make a difference when petrol is a significant part of your travel budget.
3. Discover destinations closer to home
A memorable getaway does not always require a long road trip. South Africa has plenty of smaller towns, local markets, museums and historic neighbourhoods worth exploring, many within a short drive of home. Choosing a nearby destination can reduce fuel expenses while still offering an opportunity to experience somewhere new. Travellers can plan a day trip to a nearby town, visit a local attraction or spend a night away without committing to a lengthy journey. Exploring closer to home can also help travellers discover places they might otherwise overlook.
4. Avoid peak travel days where possible
School holidays and long weekends often bring heavier traffic to popular travel routes. Stop-start driving can increase fuel consumption compared with maintaining a steady speed on an open road. Where schedules allow, consider leaving a day before peak traffic begins and returning after the main rush. Travellers should also check road conditions and plan their routes in advance to avoid unnecessary detours and delays. A little flexibility can help make the journey less stressful while potentially reducing fuel costs.
5. Make use of rewards and loyalty programmes
Before calculating the cost of a trip, check whether you have accumulated hotel loyalty points, credit card travel rewards or fuel programme benefits. Depending on the programme, these rewards may be redeemed for discounted accommodation, complimentary nights, room upgrades or fuel savings. Checking the terms and expiry dates of available benefits before booking can help travellers avoid missing out on value they have already earned. With accommodation discounts and rewards factored into the budget, a getaway may cost less than initially expected.
Make your travel budget go further
Higher petrol prices can make planning a holiday more challenging, but travellers do not necessarily have to abandon their plans. Comparing accommodation rates, travelling outside peak periods, exploring nearby destinations and using existing rewards can help South Africans enjoy a change of scenery without stretching their budgets unnecessarily.
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