Cape Town — From the result of the US election, Brexit, and a weakening rand, 2016 was an eventful year; and this has no doubt left lots of South African holidaymakers wondering where, when and how to travel this year.
Andrew Shelton, Managing Director of Cheapflights says, “Last year was an eventful one and global shifts have left South African holidaymakers wondering where, when and how to plan their 2017 escapes. Uncertainty around world events combined with a weakened Rand has led some to look for ways to minimise spend on holidays and time away from the office.
See this guide designed to show you how to play, and win, the 2017 holiday game.
SEE: This is why travel is still important!
1. Embrace the strong Rand while it lasts — Despite the recent uncertain economic cliemts, the Rand is still holding ground. On Tuesday, the Rand rose to its highest at 2% in two months, which is helpful to travellers busy planning their overseas holidays for 2017.
2. Buy right — Withdrawing local currency from a cash machine in the destination is the best value option when it comes to buying holiday money. Despite the fact that users are charged a fee, cash withdrawals from an ATM offer the highest exchange rates. Pre-loaded cash cards offer good value too and are a better option than buying currency at an airport bureau de change, or using travellers’ cheques.
SEE: Brexit tourists: SA’s rand ranked 4th in strongest gains against dollar-mauled pound
3. Double that holiday allowance – Turn 17 days paid leave into 48 days of holiday by cleverly combining public holidays, weekends and leave days in 2017.
4. Easter’s a gift – Falling later in the calendar than in 2016, Good Friday is 14 April and Easter Monday is 17 April, so book off two days of work (13 April and 18 April) and take a six-day holiday, returning to work on 19 April.
5. Destination — Swapping destinations can bring big savings, without compromising on the holiday experience. Swap Krabi (average return fares of R9 180 per person) in Thailand for Phuket (average return fares of R5 095 per person), and save R4 085. Take the long way – Taking an indirect flight with one or two layovers can significantly drop flight prices, and gives travellers a chance to explore destinations.
SEE: 2017 Public Holidays: How to score all the days for a little leave
7. Travel on a Tuesday and forget Fridays — Tuesdays are the least popular days to travel and therefore the cheapest. Friday is consistently the most expensive day to fly because of the increased demand from those trying to get away for the weekend.
8. Take flight at night — The time of flight departure can also impact flight costs; morning flights tend to be more expensive so those who have the flexibility to travel between 6pm and midnight will save.
9. The magic 50 — The best fares are advertised about 50 days ahead of departure with the most expensive being seen three days before travel.
10. Fly on Christmas day — Analysis of Cheapflights’ festive fare searches revealed that savings of up to 23% can be made to popular Christmas holiday hotspots for those happy to fly on Christmas day.
Tips and tricks
11. Delete browser history — Internet users should delete their browser history when it comes to actually booking flights. Prices can increase based on the number of times searchers revisit a particular website.
12. Use search websites — Don’t assume going directly to the airline is the cheapest way to travel. Sometimes small travel agents use flight search sites such as this one to sell off holidays and flights that people have cancelled.
13. Get appy – Download travel apps that allow for interactive price calendars and charts to find the cheapest days to fly, save favourite routes and personal details for faster booking — CheapFlights App even has a “smart value” tool to balance flight duration and price.
14. Stay ahead of the sales — Sign up to airline and comparison website newsletters and alerts so that you’re ahead of the game when it comes to flash sales, discounts and special offers.
SEE: Sign-up for Traveller24’s #FindYourEscape newsletter before 31 Janaury to stand the chance to win a R5000 travel voucher
