Need a holiday — now? There’s no need to spend an arm and a leg. While most people think travel planning is best done as early as possible, there can be benefits in procrastinating until a few weeks or days before you’d like to travel. So whether you had good intentions to book far in advance (but life threw you a few curve balls), or you just love living life on the edge, these 10 last-minute holiday hacks will save you time, money and stress.
Plus: save big on these beach getaways to Mauritius, the Maldives or Thailand when you book and pay before 30 September with Sure Travel and Thompsons Holidays!
Take care of the big ticket items first — sure, flights might be cheap but if you’re paying peak season prices on accommodation or car rentals, you might need to re-evaluate your destination of choice. Look for no-pressure options with free cancellation and changes.
Last-minute deals are gone in the blink of an eye, so advance preparation is going to be half your battle. Make a packing list, put some outfits aside (to avoid having to do laundry the night before you leave), and do your errands early. The more you can do ahead of time, the easier it’s going to be to pick up and head to the airport when the right trip comes along.
Travelling with others is always fun — but only if your companions are as committed to spontaneity and quick decision making as you are. Travelling independently allows you to take advantage of split-second opportunities without having to consult others. So unless you're taking advantage of low-cost family or couples' deals, you might want to travel solo if you're taking a last-minute trip.
One of the easiest ways to save on a last-minute trip is to be flexible about the destination. Identify the type of experience you’re looking for. Are you craving time to relax at the beach or pool in a warm climate, or schedule a golf tee time with friends? To hike up a storm, eat your way through the best street food markets, or learn a new skill or language? Once your purpose is clearly defined, research lesser-known spots that deliver on your needs and wants, without the tourist throngs or the hefty price tag.
All-inclusive packages with flights, accommodation, car hire, shuttles, food and drinks are the most convenient (and often, best value) way to save on last-minute travel. We’ve asked independent travellers to research the cost of booking each individual component of a package themselves online vs. booking a package through a Sure Travel agent and the savings equalled tens of thousands of rands every time (along with countless hours!).
Here are some of our favourite package options for last-minute travellers looking for a relaxing beach holiday (including a few for families!). Book and pay by 30 September to make the most of these last-minute deals to Thailand, Mauritius and the Maldives:
Bangkok, Thailand
5 nights at the 3-star W22 by Burasari
From JHB: R9,514pps (including taxes)*
Valid for travel from now to 31 October 2019 (book and pay by 30 Sept)
Phuket, Thailand
7 nights at the 4-star OZO Phuket
From JHB: R14,033pps (including taxes)*
Valid for travel from now to 31 October 2019 (book and pay by 30 Sept)
Mauritius Family Special
7 nights at the 4-star Ravenala Attitude
From JHB: R25,193pps (including taxes)*
Two kids (aged 7-12) sharing with adults pay reduced prices
Valid for travel between 5 to 20 December (book and pay by 30 Sept)
Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
7 nights at the 4-star Adaaran Select
From JHB: R33,865pps (including taxes)*
Valid for travel between 1 November and 23 December 2019 (book and pay by 31 Oct)
Airlines and booking websites are known to track consumers online and raise prices if they see interest in a particular flight or hotel. Try using Chrome’s “incognito tab” when searching for travel deals, clear your cookies and cache often, and swap devices to get the best rates without the markup.
In some regions (like Europe), you can save thousands of rands by landing or departing from a different airport (and travelling on days like Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday when there are fewer business commuters flying into meetings). Flights to Frankfurt, for instance, tend to be cheaper than flying into Berlin (just make sure the train ticket or car rental is worth the added time it’ll take you to head north).
But be careful: when buying tickets for low-cost airlines that fly into smaller, regional airports, make sure your taxi, train, bus or uber to and from the airport won’t set you back more than the cost of a ticket to a bigger hub.
Don’t add the unpredictable bureaucracy (and expense) of visas and immigration applications to the mix if you’re trying to book a last-minute trip. Stick with countries like Thailand, Mauritius, Brazil or Ireland where South Africans travel visa-free, or destinations where you can secure a visa upon arrival (or apply for an e-Visa online beforehand) without much fuss.
Want first dibs on unbeatable travel deals? Keep an eye out for flash sales advertised on social media, or sign up for email newsletters that deliver last-minute deals straight to your inbox.
A good travel agent is worth his or her weight in gold. Our expert Sure Travel agents work with preferred travel partners to get you the best deals — long in advance or last minute. We have access to seats that don’t show up on airlines’ websites, and we know how to get you out of a jam when weather turns sour, your bag gets lost, or the unexpected happens. Plus, we only work with companies we trust, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting what you paid for when you book with us.
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Prices are from a starting price per person sharing, subject to change, airfare increase, currency fluctuations and availability. Taxes are estimated and based on the current exchange rate and are subject to change. Advance purchase, peak season surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply. Please note that airport taxes, fuel levies & surcharges are approximate and subject to change, the exact amount will be confirmed at time of booking. Valid for dates as specified. Group rates available on request.