Travel On A Budget This October Holiday

The October school holidays are coming up, and that means families all over the country are getting ready for a quick break. The only problem? Prices tend to shoot up when everyone’s on the move. The good news is you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy a fun holiday. With a bit of planning, you can make your money stretch and still have a proper adventure.

________________________________________

Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel

Here are some easy ways to save:

• Travel mid-week: Flights and accommodation are often cheaper on Tuesdays or Wednesdays than weekends.

• Be flexible: If you can, take your trip just before or after the official school holiday. You’ll avoid the rush and save cash.

• Pick cheaper places to stay: Guesthouses, backpackers, campsites and self-catering spots are all budget-friendly choices.

• Cook your own meals: Eating out every day adds up fast. Buy a few groceries and make your own breakfasts or dinners.

• Look for specials: Sites like Hyperli or Daddy’s Deals are full of discounted activities and stays. Loyalty cards and bank rewards can also score you deals.

• Drive instead of fly: For shorter trips, hitting the road is usually cheaper than catching a flight. Carpool with friends or family to cut costs even more.

• Mix free and paid fun: Beaches, hiking trails and botanical gardens are free or cheap. Combine those with one or two paid activities for balance.

• Get a Wild Card: Planning to visit a few national parks? A SANParks Wild Card can save you money on entry fees.

• Travel in groups: Splitting costs for petrol, accommodation and activities makes a big difference.

________________________________________

Affordable Spots to Check Out

You don’t have to go far to find budget-friendly getaways. Here are some ideas:

• Western Cape: Smaller coastal towns and quieter parts of the Garden Route can be cheaper than the busy spots.

• Eastern Cape: Go for rural escapes and smaller reserves for affordable nature trips.

• Northern Cape: October brings beautiful wildflowers, and it’s not nearly as crowded as other provinces.

• Mpumalanga and Limpopo: Look at smaller camps or lodges just outside Kruger for a cheaper safari.

• Pilanesberg: A solid option if you’re in Gauteng and don’t want to spend too much on travel.

________________________________________

Handy Tips for the October Holidays

• Book activities early. Things like safaris and whale watching get snapped up fast.

• Travel outside peak hours. Roads and airports get hectic, so try leaving early in the morning or mid-week.

• Pack for all kinds of weather. October is spring, so mornings and evenings can be chilly with the odd shower.

• Think about day trips. Staying just outside a touristy spot and driving in for the day can save you money.

• Always ask about specials. Some places hike their prices during school holidays, but others run family or off-peak deals.

________________________________________

Travel doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a bit of planning, a flexible attitude and a love for exploring, you can enjoy the October school holidays without overspending. The trick is to mix affordable activities with a few splurges, and to keep an eye out for deals. Pack your snacks, round up the family, and hit the road.