A change of scenery does us all a power of good. But planning family vacations after paying school fees, buying groceries and dealing with day-to-day expenses can make that dream holiday feel like a far-flung fantasy. Luckily, with the right combination of creativity and expert knowledge, you can create priceless family memories at an affordable price.

The key to maximising local travel value requires understanding how to extend each rand through knowledge of available options in our region. Here we’ll explore travel tips that help families explore more while spending less.

Get the timing right

The traditional summer months aren’t the only time when South Africa offers pleasant weather, since different regions have pleasant conditions throughout most of the year. By timing your trip and destination right, you can save up to 40% on accommodation costs!

If you can, try to get away right before or after the official school holiday times. The overlap between school holiday periods from different private institutions also presents an opportunity to find cost-effective travel deals.

Think about it. Cape Town in May is pure magic – and half the price of December.

Accommodation: Explore different options

Self-catering is your secret weapon. You can choose between apartments for holiday use and guest houses equipped with kitchenettes, depending on your preference and budget.

Luxury camping presents a better alternative to traditional camping and provides an outdoor adventure without requiring you to handle any difficulties. Family packages at Magaliesberg Canopy Tour and Wilderness Southern Drakensberg provide adventure opportunities at prices below hotel rates.

There are also amazing options available off the beaten track. For instance, a guest farm located 20 minutes from your destination will set you back only half of what city hotels cost while providing you with double the value.

And don’t rule out a local cruise! Cruise holidays offer all-inclusive deals with loads of on-board activities and no accommodation changes. The trip is also paid for upfront, which helps with budgeting. There are often specials like “buy 1 & get 50% Off the Second Guest”, so keep your eye out for any deals with reputable travel agents like Harvey World Travel.

Transport: Getting There for Less

With the cost of fuel, sometimes it may actually be more cost-effective to fly. The key to affordable domestic flights lies in being flexible about departure dates. For example, Tuesday flights tend to be less expensive than weekend flights. Local airlines like FlySafair also often run specials that make it worthwhile to take to the air instead of the road. 

If you are driving to your destination, you can save by fuelling up strategically. Users of a Fuel Finder app can identify the most affordable petrol stations that lie on their travel path. The small difference in fuel prices becomes significant when driving between provinces.

National road tolls can be avoided by taking scenic paths through smaller communities. Your toll savings and discovery of local treasures and cultural immersion will provide a complete South African experience on the way to your final destination.

Once at your destination, instead of driving, try unconventional forms of travel such as tuk-tuks, bicycles or hop-on-hop-off buses. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy the scenery from a different point of view.

Activities: Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Every major South African city has incredible free activities. In Cape Town, you can enjoy incredible sunsets on Signal Hill, opt for a historic Bo-Kaap tour, hike up Lion’s Head or take a walk through the Company Gardens. Johannesburg’s Zoo Lake and Neighbourgoods Market on weekends are a must-see and in Durban, the Botanical Gardens and Valley of 1000 Hills all offer experiences money can’t buy.

Also, look for combination deals to save. The Two Oceans Aquarium and V&A Waterfront frequently provide bundle promotions. Gold Reef City gives discounts to people who reside there. There are family-friendly packages available at many nature reserves, which include wildlife viewing and educational activities.

In short, ask about family packages and resident rates – the response could be either yes or no.

Food: Eat Well Without the Restaurant Bills

Holidays and good food go hand in hand. But the cost of eating out can quickly add up, and sit-down restaurants aren’t necessarily the best way to experience your destination’s best food. Consider:

• Visit local markets: The entertainment value of local markets exceeds shopping since they provide both dining and entertainment services to their visitors. The Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town and the I Heart Market in Durban and numerous craft markets, provide cost-effective food with entertaining activities for children.
• Eat In: Self-catering does not require you to prepare food for every meal. Plan dinner at home and explore the day with lunches that you prepare beforehand. You will save money by cooking at home while enjoying dining at local restaurants during breakfast or lunch.
• Picnic in style: The perfect weather in South Africa makes outdoor dining an excellent choice for eating out. Purchase gourmet snacks at Woolworths or Pick n Pay, then eat with breathtaking views that surpass all restaurants. Many wine farms in the Western Cape offer on-site picnic options that allow you to visit top tourist spots at a fraction of the usual cost. Along the Garden Route, Luka Vineyards is worth a visit. 

The most valuable family vacations do not depend on expenses but on quality time spent with each other. Your children will not remember whether your accommodation was at a five-star hotel or a guesthouse. They will always remember the moments when Dad got lost once again or when Mom tried to catch her first fish. Let us help you plan your next family adventure – it could be more affordable than you think.