Plan the perfect holiday

ADVERTORIAL

Cape Town - It could take you cutting back on just 2 cappuccinos a week to save up for the perfect holiday at the end of the year.

Cost your holiday

You’ll need to draw up a special holiday budget to get a realistic idea of how much it will cost you. Include transport and accommodation costs, spending money and other holiday expenses such as insurance, visas and vaccinations. Make sure your usual monthly expenses at home are covered too.

Start saving

It might mean breaking some habits to save. Cutting out 2 cappuccinos a week could save you R40 a week, or almost R2 000 in a year. You could also consider switching to a new bank to reduce your bank fees and save even you more. You can switch to Capitec Bank in 3 easy steps.

Be cash smart

Consider your payment options. Traveller’s cheques are inconvenient while currency cards cost you money. Some banks, like Capitec Bank, have a debit card that can be used to draw money overseas, and there’s no extra charge for the currency conversion. You also won’t pay transaction fees for card, online or SA-based cellphone app purchases.

Keep it local

We live in a beautiful, tourist-friendly country, so you don’t have to go overseas for a holiday. From backpackers’ lodges to luxurious hotels, there’s something for everyone’s budget.  Don’t forget camping – once you’ve invested in the equipment you can enjoy budget-friendly breaks at campsites around the country.

Consider a holiday loan

If you’re offered a once-in-a-lifetime special and don’t have time to save up or need cash fast to pay for, you can always consider an unsecured short-term loan. Capitec Bank offers a range of personalised credit plans.

Bargain hunt

Don’t go on holiday during peak times (i.e. school holidays) if you can as you’ll save with cheaper, off-peak rates. Leaving a week before school holidays start can mean big savings.

Free and easy    

Visit an art gallery or museum, have a picnic in one of the country’s many parks or spend an afternoon at the beach. Some South African tourism sites offer specials – for example, you can get a free trip up Table Mountain on your birthday, and every year South African National Parks gives SA citizens free access to national parks for a week.

Go online

Websites like Home Exchange and Airbnb let travellers organise non-hotel accommodation across the world. Also keep your eye on group-buying sites such as Groupon, which often offer good deals for local and international accommodation, and TripAdvisor, which not only provides reviews but also offers regular travel specials.

* This article is an advertorial from Capitec.