Saving for your weekend splurge takes effort – which makes saving for a two-week holiday seem quite impossible. However, according to
Flight Centre's marketing manager, Deanne Grove, you shouldn't give up so easily.
THE PERFECT PLAN
'Decide from the beginning what you are looking for,' says Grove. Whether it is a beach holiday, a skiing trip or a Caribbean cruise, you need to work out what you want from your holiday, she says. Downtime? A busy schedule packed with sightseeing? 'Talk to people in the know,' she suggests. Both a travel agent and friends who have recently travelled will be able to help you work out what suits your budget and holiday needs, she adds.
For local travel, Grove recommends making your bookings three to four months before you leave in order to get the best rates and availability. If you are travelling internationally, bookings can be made up to 10 months in advance, she says; either way it should be done as soon as possible.
Make sure to research your destination properly, she says. 'It is important to know when is the best time to travel to a destination, what the weather will be like, what there is to do at your holiday destination and what the cost implications could be.'
SAVING SPREE
Firstly, you'll need a deposit to cover airline costs, warns Grove. The beauty of planning your holiday well in advance and saving for it effectively is that many holiday destinations will give you a discount if you book in advance, she says. Leaving your travel plans for the last minute will leave you scrambling to find flights and accommodation, she explains, which could not only leave you forking out extra cash, but also running the risk of not being able to go on holiday at all.
When saving for your holiday, says Grove, always keep in mind your spending money, sightseeing costs and travel insurance. 'Even if you are on a fully inclusive package where all meals and drinks are included, there are bound to be unexpected costs.' Don't think those extra bottles of water or outings to the market don't add up…
So, how much do you need? Grove recommends taking the amount you spend on a daily basis when you're at home and doubling it. For example, she explains, if you spend R200 per day over the weekend, budget for R400 – R500 per day while you're on holiday. Remember to always take into account the exchange rates, she says. While this amount might not get you enough Euros for your Switzerland getaway, it will be more than enough for a trip to Thailand, she explains. If your meals and drinks are not included as a part of your stay, she adds, budget for about R750 per day for your holiday.
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Always keep in mind that most countries require South African passport holders to have a visa, while some destinations require departure tax and possible inoculations and budget for this,' says Grove. Where possible, she says, your travel agent will ensure your departure tax is paid in advance, but at some airports you have to pay this fee in cash.