BY Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi
The New Year has started off on an interesting note for many of us. For some, there are feelings of anxiety and uncertainty over what the year has in store for us and for others, there are feelings of hope and optimism for amazing prospects that we can all expect in the dawn of 2021. The previous year has taught us that there are some things that are not in our control, however, we can all agree that we control the perception we have towards the challenges we face.
As the year begins, a clean slate needs to be established and new habits need to be developed. Healing and a new start are the order of the day, and for a lot of us and one of the best ways to experience this is through the discovery of our nation’s best kept gems. Local travel has become not only a form of therapy in the midst of a pandemic, it has ensured that the travel and tourism industry allow South Africans to experience the country’s beauty in a safe and affordable way.
As someone who has travelled far and wide and experienced the richness of South Africa, I can attest to the diversity of our country’s offerings. Each province boasts offerings that will leave the traveller in awe, from safari game experiences, to beautiful beaches, to the big city life or the lavish luxury experience in vineyards; there is an experience for everyone. Each province has its own story to tell and a unique encounter that will leave you wanting more. The variety of offerings accommodate different travel tastes and various budget tiers, all of which allow all of us to have our fun in our own way.
We have to be honest though, travelling and experiencing various places in the country is still a huge luxury for most people and there is more that can be done to accommodate a wider spectrum of travellers. Organisations such as SANParks, SA Tourism, provincial tourism authorities and various content creators have been working tirelessly to instil travel confidence in people and assure them that SA is ready to travel again. In retrospect, I have taken some time to share a few travel tips that will assist you to experience South Africa in the most financially savvy way.
Before I get into the crux of these travel tips, I must remind you: You don’t always have to go far away in order to have a great time. Some places are just around the corner. Start by xploring the beautiful gems in your backyard and you will be surprised by how much your neighbourhood has to offer. Let’s dive into the tips.
Travel tip number 1:
Start by deciding on a destination or location that speaks to your travel needs and budget. Considering the state of our economy at this point, it is important for all of us to be most frugal with our extracurricular and recreational activities. Your destination will also inform a number of factors like the transport you will use and how much all of this will cost etc.
Travel tip 2:
Prepare a strict budget that you will follow while you are on the trip and DO NOT spend a cent more. Listing every expense like food, accommodation, activities etc, is important as it will give you a forecast of what you can and cannot afford during your trp. This also helps you to find more affordable options that will still make your trip worthwhile.
Travel tip 3:
Decide if you want to go alone or with company. We are not all built to travel with company but I have learnt that group trips will always save you so much money. There is a quote that says if you want to go somewhere fast, go alone, but if you want to go somewhere far, take someone with.
Travel tip 4:
Airbnb is not always the cheapest option, so you will need to ask around and do your research properly if you want to get the best value for your money. Here is something to take into consideration, accommodation is always cheaper during the week. I definitely take advantage of those specials when I do #AlphiExplores. Make sure you pay attention to online reviews and hear what others have to say about the place.
Travel tip 5:
We don’t realize the importance of an itinerary until we arrive at our destination. An itinerary ensures that you experience your trip on tight budget and allows you to explore all the places you want to see while you are on your chosen location. An itinerary will also keep you accountable with your time so that the experience is wholesome and worthwhile. Social media is a great tool to inform your itinerary. Click on geolocation tags on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see the interesting activities people get up to. Check out #21Days21Destinations on all social media platforms to see super cool places and activities across the country.
Travel tip 6:
Check the weather before you leave! And always know which clothes to pack. The last thing you need is to end up buying clothes because you were negligent. I prefer to pack light; heavy bags are a mission to carry around.
Travel tip 7:
Find a local. They usually know all the best spots and if you are really nice you could even experience some places for free. Remember though, safety first!
Travel tip 8:
Food? I don’t eat hectic meals when I do #AlphiExplores. I would rather spend that money on skydiving or snorkelling. However, it is important to try out the local cuisine at your chosen destination. I know some of you might disagree, but there really is no need for caviar oysters.
Travel tip 9:
Transport? Be smart! If you can save money by being on the road, then don’t fly. But if you decide to fly, try using small airlines and booking flights well in advance or look out for specials. Upon arrival at your destination, request an Uber instead of renting a car, this works in the pocket’s favour. Make sure you carefully weigh your options.
Travel tip 10:
Don’t forget to notify a next of kin about your trip. Especially the ladies! Please keep safe, ALWAYS! We are going through a pandemic, so it is wise to keep your vitamins, mask and sanitizer on you at all times.
@alphi_sipho #AlphiExplores
