TRAVEL SMART
“ With thoughtful planning and a clear budget, it’ s possible to explore the world without compromising your financial goals.”
With domestic and inbound tourism continuing to thrive, savvy travellers are discovering that memorable experiences don’ t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Whether you’ re exploring South Africa’ s diverse landscapes or welcoming friends and family to discover the country’ s hidden gems, thoughtful planning can make every journey more affordable.
These six tips from Lisa Sebogodi, Director of Batsumi Travel, can help you stretch every rand while still getting the most from your trip.
1. THINK AHEAD, BUT STAY OPEN Early planning almost always brings better deals on flights, accommodation, and excursions. But being flexible, whether around your travel dates, departure days, or even your destination, can unlock unexpected savings. It’ s all about finding the balance between structure and spontaneity.
2. EMBRACE OFF-PEAK MAGIC Travelling outside of peak holiday periods can significantly reduce costs, from airfare to hotel rates. Beyond the savings, off-peak travel often means quieter experiences, shorter queues, and more meaningful interactions with locals.
3. SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT It sounds obvious, but it’ s often overlooked. A travel budget should go beyond rough estimates. Include clear allocations for accommodation, transport, meals, activities, and a buffer for unexpected expenses. Budgeting apps, or even a simple Google Sheet, can help you stay on track throughout your journey.
4. SLOW IT DOWN The trend toward“ slow travel”, spending more time in fewer places, can be better for the environment, local communities, and your pocket. Staying longer in one place cuts transport costs and allows for more authentic, affordable exploration.
5. USE LOYALTY AND REWARDS PROGRAMMES Whether it’ s airline miles, credit card points, or hotel rewards, loyalty programmes can stretch your budget significantly. It’ s worth taking the time to understand how to combine points, take advantage of bonus offers, or redeem travel perks meaningfully.
6. PRIORITISE VALUE, NOT JUST PRICE Cheapest isn’ t always best, and sometimes it can end up costing more in the long run. Look at inclusions, cancellation policies, reviews, and hidden fees when making bookings. A wellinformed decision may mean paying slightly more upfront for better value overall.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
• Check cancellation policies
• Compare midweek and weekend rates
• Look for hidden resort or service fees
• Read recent reviews
• Check what is included in the price
• Keep proof of bookings and confirmations
National Savings Month encourages better money habits, and that includes how we approach the things we love, such as travel. With thoughtful planning and a clear budget, it’ s possible to explore the world, or simply a new corner of your own country, without compromising your financial goals.
Travel doesn’ t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Sometimes, the smartest trips are the simplest ones, planned with care, clarity, and purpose. IB
JULY 2026 / INBOUND SA 45