When asked what holds people from going on a trip to South Africa , most people mention a lack of money, time or both, as hindrances to their travel dreams, In truth, being able to travel to the rainbow nation requires investment; in funding or carving out time for it.
Thankfully, there are practical ways to navigating some of these impediments as long as travel is prioritized.
Saving Tips for Your Next Trip to South Africa
The start of the new year is usually considered the most stressful season as many people are cash strapped.
Hence, being deliberate about saving a few extra cash for an upcoming holiday is very crucial.
Here are six (6) practical hacks to use in cutting back on expenses/ saving up a bit more for your South African travels.
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Set up a Travel Fund
Having a travel fund allows you apportion a specific amount of your earnings to your travels.
Research says setting aside 10% of your monthly income to your Travel Fund is an ideal way to fund your travel goals.
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Save in Bits, Overtime
It is advisable to save in bits over a period of time towards your travel goals than taking out a lump sum from your earnings at a go.
Automating your savings is the most effective way to save towards your travel goes without fail or intervention.
Here are three easy steps on how to do automated savings:
- Decide on an amount to be saved towards your travels monthly
- Place an automated standing order on your account to sweep into your Travel Fund
- Get notified whenever the transfer is done (for accountability purposes).
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Save in Crypto, where Necessary
Saving in crypto helps you hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations and possible losses.
If your currency of earning is less valuable compared to currencies in your travel destinations, crypto is the best way to go (eg: The Nigerian Naira against the US Dollar).
Note: It is advisable to read on regulations first, as different jurisdictions may have different legislation on this.
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Set Travel Goals Based on Income in Your Travel Fund
Having a goal helps you budget and plan ahead, while also ensuring that your travel expenditure remains within the confines of your fund’s limit.
At the beginning of each year, decide a list of tourist attraction sites in South Africa/experiences you would like to have and start saving towards them.
Your bank account will thank you for it.
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Draw Up a Budget for Each Trip
Drawing up a budget for your trip enables you maintain a healthy spending habit while away from home.
Occasional splurges are totally okay however, keeping to a budget ensures that you can book your next vacation without financial strain.
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Research Great Deals
Before traveling, make sure you do your research and check out deals or packages that fit your budget first.
There are tons of package deals and special offers these days, especially with more people demanding them from travel agencies.
One of such deals are the discount rates offered for people who choose to extend their travel in South Africa.
This is a win-win situation for you. You’ll be able to save while getting to see more of the country’s most beautiful views.
Once you find the right deal, you’ll be able to greatly cut down the overall cost of your trip.
The Best Part
There are a lot of adventurous activities to do in South Africa so you will definitely enjoy your visit.
However, before you set out on your trip, you need to set your budget and make sure to always stick to it.
Happy travels!
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