A traveller on a plane waiting for his flight to fill up for take off. Picture: Unsplash
Times are tough and saving up for a trip can seem like an impossible task.
According to Chaiwat Tamthai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai for the Middle East and Africa, 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. 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,” said the travel expert.
Here are some tips from Tamthai on how to prep like a pro for that international trip even if you’re on a budget.
Choose a visa free destination
Tamthai highlighted that one of the biggest hidden costs of travelling internationally is the cost of a visa. He said that 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,” said Tamthai.
Connect with a travel agent
He also noted that 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,” said Tamthai.
He advised that if possible, choose a travel agent that offers payment plans on their bookings, and use credit to free up some much-needed cash.
Book flight tickets early
The travel expert said that 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,” he said.
Tamthai also added that apart from sidestepping exorbitant flight prices, there are also a number of added benefits as 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,” he said.
Cash in on free attractions and activities
According to Tamthai, the travel expert said 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.
He said that these countries are those that typically have beautiful natural scenery and environments that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature walks and bird watching.
“When it comes to activities that are 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,” he added.
Eat local
Food is an important part of travel, and when travelling, eating out at restaurants can easily rake up the costs. Tamthai said that 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,” he said.