By Gugulethu Tshabalala
We all love a good road trip. The playlists are ready, the outfits are planned, and the destination is calling. We love booking that quick getaway when we need a break and saying yes to moments that feel like freedom. What we do not always love is the part where reality reminds us that both travel and car ownership come with costs. Those costs have a way of showing up when you least expect them.
This is not about killing the vibe. It is about enjoying the vibe without stressing about your bank balance.
Your Car Is Loyal, But It Is Not Free
Most of us budget for fuel and our monthly instalments, and then we hope for the best. Unfortunately, cars do not work like that. Tyres wear out. Batteries die. Brake pads need replacing. Windscreens pick up stones on the highway. These things are not bad luck; they are part of the deal when you own a car.
The stress usually comes from not being ready for them. Having a small car fund, even if you are putting away a few hundred rand a month, can save you from that feeling of “now what am I going to do” when something needs fixing.
Travel Costs More Than the Booking Confirmation
When we plan a trip, accommodation tends to get all the attention. But once you are on the road or in a new city, the spending does not stop there.
There is fuel, toll gates, parking, food, activities and those little extra things you did not plan for but somehow cannot say no to. It all adds up very quickly. This is why having a travel fund, even a small one, makes such a big difference. It lets you enjoy the trip instead of doing mental maths every time you tap your card.
Soft Life Still Needs a Little Structure
We love the idea of soft living, and honestly, we deserve it. But soft life does not mean we do not plan. It just means we plan in a way that does not feel like punishment. Saving can be simple. It can be small amounts. It can be those piggy bank style challenges, rounding up your purchases or sending a little money to savings every month and forgetting about it.
You do not need to do everything perfectly. You just need to start. Small habits done consistently are very powerful, even if they do not look impressive on day one.
Peace of Mind Is Also Part of the Lifestyle
There is something very comforting about knowing that if your tyre needs replacing or you decide to take that last-minute road trip, your whole month is not about to fall apart.
That peace of mind is part of the lifestyle, too. Enjoying your car and your travels feels very different when you are not worried about what is coming out of your account tomorrow.
Because Planning Is Actually Quite Cute
At XploreZA, we love experiences. We love the road, the destinations and everything in between. But we also know that enjoying these things is easier when you are not caught off guard by the costs that come with them. Planning is not about expecting things to go wrong. It is about giving yourself room to enjoy things when they go right.
So save a little. Plan a bit. And then go enjoy the journey. You deserve that.
