These April long weekends are a welcome break, allowing you to enjoy the last few sunny days before winter takes over. However, using these long weekends to recharge the batteries while not breaking the bank is the trick.
More and more, South Africans stay home over the summer holidays, claiming affordability as one of the major factors impacting their travel plans.
James Williams, Head of Marketing at Wonga shares six tips on how you can plan for a budget-friendly long weekend:
1. Set up a budget
It’s quite simple.
Define how much money you’ll need, put it aside, and resist the temptation to spend it. Alongside this, choose your destination and decide on the time period you will be away. With this locked in, you can then draw up a list of expenses that you will need to cover.
2. Plan ahead for your trip
Consider your family’s needs and preferences before deciding on what kind of trip you want to take. Be clear about how long your stay will be and your objectives for your trip. Are you keen on relaxation or adventure?
Early flight bookings will help keep your costs down.
You can also take advantage of loyalty programmes such as eBucks, UCount, and Vitality to cash in on a good deal on both flights and fuel.
3. Finding affordable accommodation
If you book your hotel at the last minute, look for last-minute booking discounts. Thanks to the arrival of rental platforms such as Airbnb, you can rent a charming studio in the city or a villa on the beach all for an attractive price.
Another great advantage is that if you rent an entire property, you’ll have a kitchen and can reduce the money you spend on food by cooking your own meals.
4. Keep it simple
Keeping things simple will limit unnecessary spending, guide you on your destination options, and determine which activities you can afford to do.
Opt for eco-cabins or self-catering accommodation to minimise your dining-out costs. Look at your Pinterest boards for menu ideas that are fun and interactive, such as a pasta-or pizza-making night with the kids or homemade pancakes for breakfast.
5. Bring back the ‘padkos’
Cut out spending on snacks and drinks for the road by stocking up on goodies from your local grocery store.
6. Go somewhere unusual
Explore the charming little towns around South Africa. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also offer a deep dive into our national heritage and history. Places like the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, Paternoster in Western Cape, and Clarens in the Free State are known for their scenic beauty, culture, and friendly locals.
Pictures: GettyImages
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