Surviving tough economic times usually means putting non-essential spending on hold, but just because you’re feeling the pinch doesn’t mean you have to ignore the call of your wanderlust. With some careful budgeting, pre-planning and a bit of flexibility, you can pull off that long-awaited international trip and let your rands take you all the way to the runway.
Travelling on a budget is not impossible, but it does require a little bit more legwork than a usual trip. The key is planning, planning, planning. There are many moving parts to consider when preparing for an international trip. Hidden expenses beyond your control can add up quickly. This is why pre-planning how you’re going to meet the upfront expenses that are within your control is so important.
Weighing in with these 6 tips on how to prep like a pro – even when money is tight – is Chaiwat Tamthai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai for the Middle East and Africa:
Be an early bird on your flight booking
When it comes to booking flights to international destinations, the earlier you can book, the better. Flight prices escalate significantly in the months and weeks leading up to the actual travel date, so when you’re travelling on a budget, it’s best to be an early bird. Apart from sidestepping exorbitant flight prices, there are also a number of added benefits – by booking early, you’ll have the chance to book the best seats, whether that’s extra legroom or a coveted window seat. Booking early will also give you a date to work towards and more time to plan all the variables.
Book your flights – but be flexible
Another secret that frequent travellers bank on is inputting a flexible date range when selecting flights (or letting your travel agent know that you’re travel date is flexible). This could work in your favour as flights leaving on weekdays and during off-peak hours are often cheaper than those on weekends. Even if you’re not willing to budge on your departure date, you could consider choosing a return flight that’s during an off-peak time – or vice versa. At the very least, by being flexible, you’ll have more choice in terms of times and routes, which may end up being more convenient.
Make your visit visa-free
One of the biggest hidden costs of travelling internationally is the cost of a visa. Depending on the country you choose to visit, applying for a visa could cost up to R3000, which can make a significant dent in your budget. Thankfully, there are a few countries South Africans can visit without a visa, and Thailand is one of the most popular.
“South African citizens can enter Thailand for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism purposes. All you need is your passport, which must be valid for a minimum of 6 months, and a return ticket. The accessibility of Thailand to South Africans is in fact one of the main reasons people choose to visit. Not only is it more cost-effective, it also makes the travel booking experience simpler and faster, so you can free up valuable time to plan your itinerary,” says Tamthai.
Connect with a travel agent
It’s a misconception that booking everything yourself is always cheaper than working with a travel agent. In fact, the opposite may be true. Travel agents often offer package deals that include your departure and return flights, accommodation options and even certain activities, at a cheaper rate than booking everything separately. If possible, choose a travel agent that offers payment plans on their bookings, and use credit to free up some much-needed cash.
Cash in on free attractions and activities
The best way to travel on a budget is to avoid countries with expensive tourist traps and instead, opt for a country that offers a wide range of activities you can do for free or at a nominal fee. Typically, these kinds of countries are those that have beautiful natural scenery and environments that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature walks and bird watching.
As Tamthai explains: “when it comes to activities that are very affordable for South Africans, Thailand has so much to offer. You could explore the limestone cliffs and caves of Chiang Dao, visit the Grand Palace, spend some time at the Khao Yai National Park, pop in at the Bangkokian Museum or browse the sprawling night markets.
These activities will give you a well-rounded experience that includes learning a bit about Thai history, discovering some of the country’s cultural landmarks, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, retreating into nature and bartering for some souvenirs, at very little cost.”
Eat local – street food is a winner
“Everyone loves sampling traditional cuisine when travelling, but dining out can come with a hefty price tag. Although eating at a restaurant – or two – may very well be a part of the travelling experience, you can save money by occasionally eating local street food. Not only does this give you a more authentic taste of the culture, but it can also help stretch your travel budget further,” says Tamthai.
If you’re in a place like Thailand, street food is readily available and is relatively cheap compared to the food you’ll find at restaurants. If you want to mix up your experience of the local food and culture, you could visit one of Thailand’s many night markets, where vendors fry ready-to-eat dishes like moo ping (grilled pork skewers), khao mun gai (steamed chicken on rice) and pad thai kung (noodles with shrimp).
