It’s that time of year when South Africans start planning for their long-awaited holidays. Indeed, you’ve probably already started scrolling through various airline websites or thumbing through travel magazines in search of your dream destination.
Whether it’s the first time that you’re travelling outside Mzansi or you’ve got thousands of Voyager Miles under your belt, it’s exciting and fun to think about where in the world you can go.
However, a glance at the prices of international flights and accommodation these days might stop your excitement in its tracks.
Don’t let this dampen your enthusiasm, though! Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations abroad that you and other South Africans can visit without breaking the bank.
STRETCH YOUR RANDS AT THESE BUDGET-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS
To satisfy your wanderlust (without putting a dent in your wallet), book your holiday to one of these budget-friendly locations:
1. BALI
Nicknamed “the Island of the Gods”, Bali is a heavenly island paradise. Thanks to the favourable exchange rate between SA and Indonesia, you can make yourself comfortable at chic beachside resorts or charming guesthouses.
You can also fill up with filling food, be it at street market stalls that offer grilled skewers and fried rice or at warungs (small, family-owned restaurants) that serve meals like soups, noodles and chicken satay. Activity-wise, you can’t go wrong with hiking, swimming with manta rays or traipsing through the Tegallalang rice terraces.
2. CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is a haven for history lovers. Located in Eastern Europe, this country boasts an impressive architectural heritage – from its castles to its cathedrals, it’s a stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements.
This place is great value for money, with many of its picturesque holiday accommodations falling beneath the R1 000-per-night threshold. For meals, you can expect a lot of hearty, meat-based dishes, sweet pastries and soups. As for drinks, it’s famous for its Moravian wines and its beer culture.
Whether it’s admiring the architecture, visiting the National Museum in Prague, exploring the forests of Bohemia or relaxing at a spa resort, your budget will take you far in the Czech Republic.
3. HUNGARY
Similar to the Czech Republic, Hungary is also another Eastern European gem. It boasts scenic vistas and attractions, namely its lakes, thermal springs and caves.
As such, it’s well worth exploring its castles, cruising on the Danube River, sipping on world-class wines and indulging in the springs.
Hungary is home to affordable hostels, bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses. You can also dine out at restaurants or stop by local grocery stores for foods that mainly feature meats, seasonal vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
4. PORTUGAL
Hot summer getaways without spending exorbitant amounts of money are what Portugal is all about.
According to Thompsons Holidays, Portugal features “picture-perfect villages, meandering coastlines and flower-covered hills.”
Indeed, old-world charm meets new-world wonders as you visit the mediaeval churches and contemporary art galleries by day and dance away to Portuguese music at beachside bars by night.
Many of its hotels, including those rated at three stars, are modern and offer bang for your buck. As for food, seafood dishes are popular, featuring codfish, clams, mussels and octopus, among others.
5. THAILAND
Thailand is South Africa’s go-to holiday destination, purely because it never disappoints. The rand tends to be stronger than the Thai baht – this means you can enjoy a lot of the hotspots without forking out too much money.
“The Land of Smiles” is the perfect way to describe the island nation’s friendly residents. Also, stepping out onto the pearl-white beaches, going on safaris, diving and snorkelling, or shopping at local malls are sure to make you grin for days.
There are many affordable holiday villas and beach resorts for you to check into. There is also no shortage of street food stalls and restaurants, which offer rice dishes, curries, noodles, stir-fries and shaved ice.
6. TURKEY
Straddling both Europe and Asia, Turkey is where East meets West. There is a wide range of hotels, villas and holiday bungalows, many of which are situated near the sea or offer idyllic views of the mountains.
Turkey is famous for its hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia at sunrise. You can also tour ancient Greco-Roman ruins, soak in a Turkish bath, admire Istanbul’s Byzantine architecture or shop away at the bazaars. Be sure to try foods like doner kebabs, baked bread, gourmet cheeses and Turkish delight.
7. VIETNAM
Vietnam is a country known for its natural beauty. For South Africans seeking fun days in the sun, lush greenery, warm blue waters and a vibrant culture, Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, you can explore the ancient temples, trek through rice paddies, try riding a moped or dine on the finest Vietnamese delicacies, from noodle soups and spring rolls to grilled pork and fish fillets. As for accommodation, mid-range hotels, budget hotels and hostels have got you covered.
8. ZANZIBAR
Finally, right here on the African continent, you can jet off to the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is famous for its postcard beaches, dhow boat sailing tours and Arabic-influenced historic buildings. You can wile away the hours in Stone Town, where there are mosques, bazaars and curio shops aplenty. On the tropical side of things, you can go snorkelling with dolphins, partake in safaris or embark on historical walking tours.
Against the Tanzanian shilling, the rand is relatively strong. That means you can splurge on the best of local cuisine without spending too much. Try the marinated skewered kebabs, octopus curry, deep-fried pastries and pilau – just be mindful of the heavy spice content!
There is an array of budget-friendly accommodations. Many of the beach bungalows, lodges and hotels hover around the R500 range. Plus, many of these offer amenities such as free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and, of course, access to the pristine beaches.
HIT THE HOLIDAY JACKPOT WITH THESE LOW-COST DESTINATION OPTIONS
As you can see from these destinations, you don’t need to sacrifice quality in the pursuit of cost-conscious options. Indeed, these locations define the term “holiday jackpot”.
South Africans love to find ways to stretch their rands, especially when it comes to summer getaways. With these budget-friendly locations, you can be assured that it’s time and money well spent.
Happy travels, folks!
