Cheap travel - South Africa
With the current economic crisis, many families opt to take “stay-at-home-vacations” instead of travellling - doing fun family things such as going to the local pool, going camping, taking bicycle trips and going hiking are choices families are making to save money.
Families can afford to travel for vacation if they choose their destinations, accommodations, and transportation wisely. Vacationing closer to home makes vacations more affordable because transportation is less costly.
Families can also travel to far-away getaways if they shop for deals, taking advantage of package deals that include meals with accommodation, and saving money by booking accommodation and transportation online. There are many additional money saving strategies:
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Families who travel to vacation destinations during the vacation spot’s off -season can save money. Off-season vacation spots are less crowded as well.
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If families opt for airplane travel, check flight dates around the date you are planning to travel, if you have some flexibility.
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Families opting to drive to their vacation destination, providing that the destination is within a comfortable driving distance, can save on transportation costs. If driving is a choice, families are wise to travel in a fuel efficient vehicle. Packing lunches or snacks to eat during the drive, rather than stopping at restaurants along the way, can save on food expense during the road trip.
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Families who don’t want to drive can opt to travel by Greyhound bus or by Shosholoza Meyl train, both of which are usually more affordable options than flying.
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One way to reduce food expenses is to cook when on vacation. This, of course, would require accommodation with a kitchen. It’s wise for families to avoid hotel breakfasts (unless included in the package). A cheaper alternative is to leave the hotel and walk to a café or some lesser expensive alternative than the hotel breakfast. It’s also wise to eat more at lunch than dinner. Items on the lunch menu are cheaper than items on the dinner menu. Families should opt for eating big breakfasts and lunches and lighter dinners. This will save money in the long run.