July marks South Africa's National Savings Month. This is a timely reminder to revisit how you can manage your money, set financial goals, and make intentional spending choices across all aspects of your life. And while travel may seem like a luxury in an era of close economics, it doesn't have to come at the expense of your financial well-being.
In fact, travel is fulfilling and economically sustainable with proper thinking and clever planning.
Lisa Sebogodi, director of Batsumi Travel, gives us six clever ways to make travel planning more budget-conscious without compromising the experience.
1. Think about what's ahead. But please leave it open
Early planning will mostly bring better deals on flights, accommodation and excursions. But being flexible can unlock unexpected savings, whether your travel date, departure date or destination. Finding the balance between structure and spontaneity is all about.
2. I embrace the off-peak magic
From airfares to hotel rates, travelling outside of peak holiday periods can significantly reduce costs. Beyond savings, off-peak trips often mean quieter experiences, shorter queues and more meaningful interactions with locals.
3. Set a travel budget (and actually stick to it)
It sounds obvious, but it is often overlooked. Travel budgeting should exceed cost estimates. You should include a clear allocation of buffers for accommodation, transportation, meals, activities and unexpected expenses. Tools like budgeting apps and simple Google Sheets can help you stay on track throughout your journey.
4. I'll slow it down
The trend towards “slow travel” to spend more time in less places is great not only in the environment and community, but also in the pocket. Staying in one place for longer will reduce transportation costs and allow for more authentic, affordable exploration.
5. Make the most of your loyalty and rewards programme
Whether it's airline miles, credit card points, or hotel rewards, loyalty programs can significantly increase your budget. It's worth spending time combining points, taking advantage of bonus offers and understanding how to meaningfully redeem travel perks.
6. Prioritize value, not just price
The cheapest ones are not always the best. It can be even more costly in the long run. See inclusion, cancellation policy, reviews and hidden fees when booking. An informed decision can mean paying slightly ahead of time for something that is much more valuable overall.
National Savings Month encourages you to develop better money habits. That includes how we approach things we love, like travel. Thoughtful planning and clear budgets allow you to explore the world (or your country's new corner) without compromising your financial goals.
Travel doesn't have to be luxury for it to make sense. Sometimes the cleverest trip is the simplest trip, and is done with caution, clarity and purpose.
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