Travel smarter, not harder – explore multiple destinations in one cheap trip.
South Africans are booking long holidays. According to research by the South African Aviation Center, the number of travel days increased from 14.7 days from 1 December 2023/2024 to 31 January 2024 to 16.2 days in the 2024/2025 holiday season.
While many people practice 'slow travel' and choose to stay in one destination to truly relax and unwind, it's also important to pack as much excitement into your trip as possible to get the most bang for your buck. Some people are taking advantage of the opportunity to increase their limits. If you love visiting different new destinations all at once, keep reading.
“Multi-destination travel promises many perks, including the ability to experience the highlights of multiple locations at a much lower price,” said GM Supply, South African Airways Center Travel Group, Pricing and Marketing. , said Sue Garrett. “Whether you want to refresh and explore a city during a long-distance trip, or plan an adventure filled with a variety of attractions, a well-planned multi-destination trip is a practical and world-class journey. It's a refreshing way to see more.
Ready to master the art of multi-city travel?Flight Center South Africa's travel experts explore why these bespoke trips are the future of choice, and offer practical tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free. We share tips and recommend some multi-city itineraries to consider for a well-rounded vacation.
What is a multi-destination itinerary?
Simply put, a multi-destination itinerary combines stops in two or more locations into one seamless trip. This means you'll be exploring multiple regions instead of flying to one location and staying there.
There are many different ways to approach this type of travel.
A classic multi-destination adventure: Visit iconic hotspots across several destinations in one trip. Explore Stopovers: Turn your layover into an unforgettable mini-vacation. Regional combinations: Combine nearby locations for a packaged trip (e.g. Tanzania and Zanzibar, Zimbabwe and Botswana).
Think of it as a way to optimize your travel time, expand your horizons, and make your trip part of the thrill.
Why plan a multi-destination itinerary?
Here's why multi-destination travel is smart travel.
Make the most of your travel time: Save on multiple international trips by visiting more destinations during one vacation. Break up your long-haul flight: Splitting up your trip with one or two stops in nearby areas can help you avoid fatigue. Diversity and Diversity: Immerse yourself in contrasting experiences. Every city and destination has something unique to offer. Cost-effective: With proper planning and the help of a trusted travel advisor, a multi-city trip can be cheaper than booking separate trips to the same destination. Family-friendly: Perfect for families with children, as the flight distance is short and the exciting stops along the way help keep kids focused and rested.
Practical tips for traveling seamlessly across multiple destinations
Want to avoid problems on your trip? Read our top tips to make your itinerary as smooth as possible.
Plan with purpose: Define the main purpose of your trip: Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, or a combination? This will help you pair destinations that offer complementary experiences. Consider smart bundling options. Rely on our travel experts to book deals on combined flights and accommodation for maximum savings and convenience. Watch your timing: Allow enough time for each destination so you don't rush. Allow at least three days for highlights and a week for full immersion. Pack strategically: Pack light to make traveling between destinations easier. Pack for different climates. Be especially careful if you mix beaches, city skiing, and safaris. Simplify complexity: Processing visas, transportation requirements, and on-site activities can be difficult. Therefore, it is best to leave the arrangements to a travel professional.
Recommended multi-destination itineraries for South African travelers
Mauritius + Reunion Island
Combine the beaches and luxury resorts of Mauritius with the adventure and natural beauty of Reunion Island. These two gems of the Indian Ocean are just a short distance apart.
Start in Mauritius and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. Then, take a 1-hour flight to Réunion Island to see volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and dramatic coastal views.
Tanzania + Zanzibar
Enjoy an epic safari in Tanzania (consider planning from July to October, when the Great Migration is at its most awe-inspiring), or for a more tranquil forest break this Please consider visiting during non-peak periods). Afterwards, spend some blissful time on the beach. Dump it in Zanzibar.
Maldives + Seychelles
It combines two paradises in the Indian Ocean, each offering a picture-perfect, unique and special experience, perfect for honeymooners and couples looking for the ultimate in luxury.
Thailand + Bali
After exploring the energetic streets of Bangkok, the beaches of Phuket, and the temples of Chiang Mai, head to Bali for tranquility and culture. Budget-friendly options allow you to have an interesting adventure at an affordable price.
UAE + Oman
Combine the modern luxury of the UAE with the culture and landscape of Oman for an Arabian adventure like no other. Explore glamorous shopping malls, record-breaking skyscrapers, and desert safaris with departures from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Then, take a 1-hour flight to Oman and experience the contrast of ancient forts, souks, beaches, and the dramatic Hajar Mountains.
Namibia + Botswana
Combining the deserts of Namibia with the wildlife-rich wetlands of Botswana, a Southern African safari experience is a truly unforgettable journey.
Start in Namibia, where you can admire the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the wildlife of Etosha National Park, and discover the unforgettable beauty of the Skeleton Coast. Then, take a 1.5-hour flight to Botswana to experience the Okavango Delta, spot big game in Chobe National Park, and visit the salt flats of Lake Makgadikgadi.
7. Maldives + Kenya (Masai Mara)
Combine the ultimate luxury of a Maldives overwater villa with the excitement of a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara.
8. London + Paris
Combining two of Europe's most iconic cities is an absolute bucket list experience. Eurostar trains make it easy to travel between cities, making this itinerary seamless.
9. Sydney + Queenstown
Start your journey below Sydney and visit legendary landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge and Bondi Beach. Then, take a 3-hour flight to Queenstown, the jewel of New Zealand's South Island. A must-see for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, Queenstown offers adventure activities such as bungee jumping, jet boating, and hiking.
10. Mauritius + Perth
For South Africans with loved ones in Australia, a multi-destination trip combining Mauritius and Perth offers a balance of relaxation and reconnection. Your journey begins on the sunny beaches of Mauritius, where you can take your time and soak up the island's Creole charm. After recharging in paradise, hop on a direct flight to Perth, the gateway to Western Australia, where you can explore city life, picturesque coastline, and catch up with family and friends. .
After all, with the right support, planning a multi-destination itinerary isn't that difficult. Make 2025 the year you see more and do more while spending less.
