According to Flight Centre’s 2025 Global PR Survey, 97% of South Africans say getting the best value for money is the single most important factor in their travel plans. And our appetite for adventure is only growing: more than two-thirds of us intended to spend more on travel this year than we did in 2024 (with no sign of slowing down into 2026). Average budgets are climbing too, with the average local traveller setting aside just over R50,000 for their next trip.
At first glance, these amounts might seem daunting, especially if you’re picturing swiping your card in one go. But the secret is in the savings. Split up over 12 months, even the most dazzling holiday can be as easy on the pocket as a gym membership – or cell phone contract.
The best part is that you don’t have to cross continents for a memorable escape. There are incredible, affordable dream holidays within South Africa and right across Africa – beaches, bush, mountains, food capitals, and colourful cities – just waiting to be discovered. With the right monthly savings plan, your next #holidaygoal can move off the wish list and onto the calendar. And there’s nothing better than a holiday to look forward to!
Expert savings tips from Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre SA
- Create a dedicated holiday fund: Open a separate savings account just for your trip and treat it as your ‘holiday piggy bank.’
- Automate savings: Set up a monthly debit order that transfers your chosen amount straight into your travel fund. Out of sight, out of mind, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to book.
- Take advantage of package holiday value: Packages bundle flights, accommodation, and often extras like meals or activities, saving couples money, time, and stress. All the perks without the admin!
- Consider all-inclusive options: An all-inclusive resort means meals, drinks, and activities are covered up front, making it easier to budget and freeing you up to enjoy spontaneous moments together.
- Go off-peak: Savvy travellers know that off-peak bookings offer unbeatable value. Combine these deals with Flight Centre’s early-bird specials for the best rates of the year.
- Use a Travel Expert: Flight Centre’s Travel Experts can give you access to exclusive deals and offer personalised recommendations while helping with flexible payment options.
- Turn windfalls into wanderlust: Any extra cash, like bonuses or unexpected savings, can go straight into your holiday fund, helping you reach your goal even faster.
Big adventures without the big international bill
You don’t have to jet halfway across the globe to unlock ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ memories. In fact, many South Africans are uncovering that the world’s most diverse and affordable escapes are right here at home or just a short regional hop away. For every bucket-list overseas dream, there’s a local or regional alternative, and often with less admin and lower costs.
- Maldives dreams? Swap them for Mozambique’s beaches or the wild beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape coastline. Just as Instagrammable with a fraction of the faff.
- Swiss Alps more your style? The Drakensberg delivers those jaw-dropping peaks, crisp air, luxury lodges, and hiking thrills with zero jet lag!
- Craving the Mediterranean? Explore Zanzibar or even Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts on the Turquoise Coast for amazing value, rich culture, blue-flag beaches, and plenty of package deals that’ll stretch your rands even further.
And if you’re keen on a short and sweet escape, you’re in luck – Flight Centre offers plenty of incredible deals for those save-your-sanity getaways.
Our mid-week holiday packages deliver exceptional value – like family fun at the Sun City Cabanas Hotel at Sun City Resort from just R1,682 per person sharing for a two-night stay, or bonding time at the Wild Coast Sun with bonus Wild Waves Water Park access from R1,267 per person sharing for two nights,” says Turner.
Start saving, start planning – your dream holiday awaits
Why wait for “one day” when you can start the countdown right now? Visit www.flightcentre.co.za to explore the latest holiday packages, letting Flight Centre’s Travel Experts guide you every step of the way.