Travel on a budget this Christmas
JOBURG - Summer holidays are a time to kick back and relax in a peaceful spot far from the city... but you didn't book your usual seaside chalet six months ago, so is it too late to escape Johannesburg?
All those rural idylls will be fully booked, won’t they? Or they’ll charge a term’s school fees for peak season accommodation, right? Think again. With a few thrifty moves, it’s possible to get your summer break without breaking the bank.
First, do your accommodation research. For the adventurous, camping is easiest on the pocket, and allows access to some remote and picturesque natural locations. But for those who find no comfort in a tent, there is an online treasure trove of budget B&Bs. Smaller, lesser-known places may have more space and offer better rates, but read up on reviews to avoid sacrificing comfort for price. Try travel sites like www.tripadvisor.co.za, which score locations according to other travellers’ experiences.
Consider a privately-owned flat instead of a hotel for cheaper, cosier space that is more practical for large groups or families. You’re also more likely to find accommodation at short notice. Visit www.airbnb.com to browse a wide variety of rooms, flats and houses.
As for location, get off the beaten track. Joburgers head beachwards for Christmas, so go in the opposite direction and pick a farm or small game reserve. You’ll get the double benefit of avoiding inflated holiday prices and polite beach conversations with semi-strangers.
Travel itself is costly, so if you’re with a group, make it a road trip. You’ll save money and be free to explore hidden gems along the journey. Don’t feel you need to travel across the country to relax, either. Staying closer to Johannesburg will shorten travel time, saving petrol and frayed nerves, and maximising time by the swimming pool.
Food can be a formidable expense, so rather than eating out, book self-catered accommodation, stock up on groceries, and reintroduce yourself to the art of the rustic picnic. When you do eat out, be smart. Share a starter and a dessert to spare Christmas calories as well as rands.
Last minute holidays are the stuff adventures are made of, so get out that sunblock, pick a new spot on the map and travel safely!
