After the recent Budget Speech and the news that South Africa is in a recession, consumers are tightening their belts. But while the news about the economy is a bit grim, that needn’t necessarily end our travel plans.
“It’s just a matter of planning it right. This includes choosing how and when you travel, as well as matching your destination to your budget,” says Shaun Pozyn, head of marketing at kulula.com.
He explains: “Work-life balance is essential and it’s been proved that those who take regular holidays are healthier and have more fulfilling relationships and careers. So, it’s good to see travel not only as a chance to experience the world around you, but also a gift to yourself and an investment towards a more balanced lifestyle.”
To prevent the tough economic climate from ruining your travel plans, Pozyn suggests the following:
1. Plan your travel in advance and book early
The earlier you book, the less you pay. Many elements of travel – accommodation, flights and care hire – work on the basis of supply and demand. So the earlier you book, the lower the demand will be and the lower the price. Pozyn’s tip: subscribe to a database like Kulula fanmail for early alerts on special deals.
2. Travel off-peak
Time your travels to avoid holidays – school, public or national – as well as major sports events or festivals, all of which boost demand for, and thus the cost of, booking.
3. Go for freebies!
Choosing accommodation that includes breakfast means there’s one less daily meal to budget for, so you can spend more on fun activities like visiting museums, a comedy show, concert, or bungee jumping if you’re an adrenalin junkie. Hotel buffets are also a boon for families with hungry, growing youngsters.
4. Eat and shop locally
Take a break from big-name restaurants and look around for affordable markets frequented by the locals, especially if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation or a B&B. Not only will you save money, but you’re likely to discover more exciting and authentic flavours to enrich your travel experience. Carrying a goodie-bag of snacks and water will also help avoid splurging on fast-food for hangry kids.
5. Talk to the Locals
When making your way around the beautiful place you’re visiting, take a leap of faith and get some valuable local knowledge about the best hangout spots, and where to get the best value for your money on food, clothes and local tour guides. Side note: For safety’s sake, always verify the information you find online or at your accommodation.
6. Consider travel stokvels
Financial saving schemes in South Africa are informally known as stokvels, where group members pay a specific amount for an agreed time to gain monetary or non-monetary returns. Travel stokvels are a buzzword at the moment. You simply deposit money each month so you can travel later in the year. Expert tip: Make sure you join a reputable group, where you can monitor and retain control of your savings.
7. Plan group trips
Travelling with loved ones or friends can be pretty cost-effective. Typically, when you book as a group, you get a discount on flights and accommodation and sometimes on group holiday activities.
8. Go where you know people
Traveling to destinations where there are people you already know can enrich your holiday experience. They might offer to be your tour guide to cool spots with the best, most affordable food and have insights into local culture. Show your appreciation for their generosity with a small gift.
9. Consider a travel package
Choosing a travel package can generally help you save and it makes planning a lot easier. When flying with kulula.com, for example, you have a couple of options to package your dream holiday deal. Some combine flights with car-hire and/or hotel accommodation.
If you’re struggling to find accommodation or don’t entirely trust the online reviews, selecting holiday packages from credible service providers can help remove the guesswork. You can also specify parameters like whether you’re travelling solo, with a family, or looking for a perfect honeymoon spot.
10. Save, save, save!
There’s no better way to prepare for travelling than setting a budget aside and saving. If you plan on taking international trips, you also need to consider the local currency and other expenses like visas.
Pozyn concludes, “Travel is always possible and in the words of regular vagabonds, ‘Work. Save. Plan. Travel. Rest. Repeat.’”
Notes to Editors
kulula.com is a privately-owned low-fare airline operated by Comair Limited. In 2020, this adventurous brand celebrates its 19-year anniversary and has since inception revolutionised air travel in South Africa, making it the go-to place for anyone looking for affordable travel options in and around South Africa.
The airline is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) compliant and maintains the highest standard of safety at all times. In recent years the airline has won numerous awards and accolades. Some of these include being rated as the best South African low-fare carrier in the SA Customer Satisfaction Index (2016), Best Low-fare Airline in Africa and the Middle East by AirlineRatings.com (2015, 2016 and 2017), Best African Low-fare Airline at the Business Traveller Africa Awards (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) and Best Domestic Business Airline (2015 and 2018) in the Sunday Times Top Brands survey to name a few.
kulula operates more than 410 flights a week across 14 domestic routes. Currently, it has entered into Codeshare agreements with Kenya Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Etihad to provide more choice for its customers. Since 2015, the airline has had Interline agreements with Virgin Atlantic (VS), Hahn Air and more recently in 2019 it entered into agreement with Delta Airlines.
South Africa’s longest serving low-fare airline offers more than just flights. kulula also offers holiday packages, hotel accommodation and car rentals.
For more information about kulula view their brand video, download the kulula app, like them on Facebook, follow them on twitter or visit their website.
Writer: William Smook
