Africa-Press – South-Africa. Travelling overseas or even locally can be extremely expensive, but there are some destinations that offer great value for money.
This is according to Nedbank, which stressed the importance of careful planning, budgeting and spending for South African travellers.
“If you start to plan and save early, you can make your holiday a breeze,” the bank told Daily Investor. “Saving takes discipline, and it is tempting to spend a few rand here and there when you have extra cash just sitting in your account.”
Fortunately, there are several easy and accessible ways that South Africans can make travel more affordable for themselves.
Some methods include taking advantage of bank rewards, using a notice savings account, where savings cannot be withdrawn on impulse, and booking holidays with a credit card.
“Credit cards get a bad rap when used irresponsibly, but their benefits can make travel easier and more comfortable,” the bank said.
“You get free travel insurance, airport lounge access and travel discounts when you pay with your credit card – and if you pay the full outstanding balance every month, you pay no interest.”
Booking holidays early in the year, when agencies typically offer significantly discounted deals, is another easy way to save on traveling.
To get the best price, Nedbank also urged South Africans to look for options that allow kids to stay for free when going on a family holiday, and comparing deals.
“Do not just book the first deal you find. Compare travel deals with different service providers. Also look at what the cost would be if you booked directly with the hotel instead,” the bank said.
However, all of this careful planning may still feel wasted where the holiday location itself does not offer good value for money.
“After all your hard work earning, budgeting, and saving, when it’s time to take a break, you want to travel to places that’ll make the sacrifice worth the effort,” Nedbank said.
There are, fortunately, many excellent destinations both in South Africa and overseas where the rand will take South Africans far, and be worth spending.
Below is Nedbank’s list of local and international travel destinations which offer great value for money and a range of tourist attractions.
Cape Town
“Cape Town continues to rank as one of the top-value destinations for local and international explorers,” Nedbank explained.
Top destinations include Foreshore, the City Bowl, Table Mountain and the beaches, but there are many other sites to enjoy, too.
“Try a few more out-of-the-ordinary activities like night kayaking in Sea Point, wine-tasting by tram in Franschhoek, or guided stargazing weekends in the nearby Cederberg,” the bank said.
“With a mix of trendy urban life, unspoilt nature and diverse cultures, the city’s a great all-rounder that still offers excellent value for money – especially if you’re flexible with travel dates.”
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga offers rich natural beauty, but Nedbank said the adventures on offer make it even more worthwhile to save for.
“They include helicopter flips over the Blyde River Canyon, breathtaking canyon hikes, and even luxury ‘glamping’ lodges perched on cliffs with views that feel like you’re in a dream,” it said.
“If you want to make the most of the province, take a slow drive along the Panorama Route, stopping at family-run B&Bs along the way.”
According to the bank, Mpumalanga is ideal for the whole family, with safari lodges offering a range of activities for kids, spa options, and guided nature walks.
Lesotho
“You may never have considered visiting Lesotho, but perhaps you should,” Nedbank said. “In winter, Afriski offers a budget-friendly alternative to European skiing, and it serves as a cool mountain retreat in summer.”
“For a unique experience, explore the Mountain Kingdom by pony trek, with overnight stays in traditional stone rondavels – you’ll feel worlds away from city life.”
Zanzibar
Although many tourists may believe Zanzibar is only for beach holidays, Nedbank explained that the island has much more to offer.
“Exploring the island’s culture and history is awe-inspiring – from walking tours of Stone Town to cooking classes with local families. You can also book spice farm tours and forest yoga retreats,” it said.
“Zanzibar’s range of all-inclusive resorts and boutique stays makes it ideal if you’re looking for both rest and richness in your itinerary – and you’ve always fancied the idea of night swims in bioluminescent waters.”
Japan
Nedbank said Japan offers excellent value for money for those who plan carefully. “It’s one of the safest countries to explore solo and has a transport network that makes moving around easy and efficient,” the bank said.
“Whether you’re attending a lantern festival, sleeping in a monastery, or sampling ramen from a vending machine, Japan blends old and new in a way that leaves a lasting impression.”
Chile
Finally, the bank said that even though Chile is a long way to travel – with flights typically starting at 15 hours – it is worth every cent.
“The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s best stargazing spots, while Patagonia offers glacier hikes, wild trekking routes, and otherworldly scenery,” it said.
Nedbank added that eco-conscious travellers love the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism, with many locally run lodges and tours.
“Travel influencers recommend booking multi-day experiences like hot-spring routes, salt-flat bike rides, or lake crossings through the Andes – all unforgettable, and all surprisingly well-priced for what you get,” the bank said.
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