With the current global economic outlook clouded by trade wars, inflationary pressures and political uncertainty, the one thing we can be sure of is this: waiting to book your December holiday will likely cost you more!
So, if you’re dreaming of sipping mulled wine in Vienna, wandering fairy-lit Christmas markets in Germany, or escaping to Portugal for a Mediterranean-style Christmas, now is the time to start planning.
With the global economy still reeling from recent disruptions — rising interest rates, trade tensions, war in Europe and financial market uncertainty — South African travellers are justified in thinking twice before committing to big-ticket expenses like international year-end travel, especially travel to Europe where the Rand shrinks against the Euro…
In this kind of volatile environment, booking now may not seem immediately logical (because who really knows what’s going to happen in the next six months!). But booking early can actually shield you from financial risk during turbulent economic times. Here's why:
The rand has shown some stability in recent weeks, but history tells us this may not last. Just a single international event — like a change in US Federal Reserve policy, renewed conflict in global hotspots or a shift in local political dynamics — can send the currency into a tailspin. In this context, locking in your travel package at current rates can save you significantly.
For example:
By securing your trip now through a reputable operator that fixes the package price at today's Rand rate, you’re insulated from these currency shifts.
Top Tip: All Trafalgar Tours packages are Rand Priced Guaranteed – the price you see at the time of booking is the price you pay.
Travel operators typically adjust prices upwards closer to the festive season due to higher demand and rising supplier costs. Early bookers benefit not just from better availability, but also from lower, fixed prices.
Think of it like buying flights:
The same logic applies to land packages and tours: the sooner you book, the more potential value you unlock.
There is, however, an exception to this rule: last-minute booking deals! Travel suppliers – from airlines to car rental companies, hotels and tour and cruise operators – will often drop prices if they don’t have enough “bums on seats” a few weeks out from the departure date. So if there is high demand for flights, hotel rooms, tours, car rentals, etc. the price will skyrocket the less availability there is closer to departure date.
Bottom line: If you’re not the gambling type and want to plan around a fixed-price guaranteed holiday in December, booking early is the logical way to go.
Many premium travel operators understand travellers are cautious right now. That’s why they're offering low-deposit options — sometimes as little as R3,000–R5,000 — to hold your booking at going rates, while giving you time to pay off the balance in structured instalments.
This means you can:
You can also be protected if your circumstances change if you book with a travel operator with flexible booking policies, such as the ability to:
This way, you’re not locked into rigid terms but still benefit from early planning.
Top Tip: Trafalgar Tours will secure your booking at Rand Priced Guaranteed rates for a deposit of only R3,000, plus you can pay for the trip over time totally interest free. And, to give you full peace of mind and more time to make decisions about your future travel plans, Trafalgar allows you to change your travel plans up to 60 days before your trip.
Knowing your travel plans are sorted early — and that you won’t get hit with surprise costs later — offers something especially valuable right now: peace of mind.
Rather than scrambling to plan at the end of the year when the Rand may be weaker, flights are full and prices are high, booking now allows you to enjoy the lead-up to the holidays without financial anxiety. Because in unpredictable times, early planning isn’t just smart — it’s strategic.
Once your budget’s sorted, the fun begins — choosing your destination. Here are a few unforgettable winter escapes to consider:
From Nuremberg to Cologne, experience the festive charm of Europe’s most iconic markets. Expect twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts and warm spiced glühwein in the crisp winter air.
Go Here With Sure: Book early and save with Trafalgar Tours’ 7 Night German Christmas Markets package, priced from R40,460 pps. Package includes: return airport transfers; 7 nights hotel accommodation; 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners; transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach; an expert Travel Director guiding the tour; all hotel tips, charges and local taxes; all porterage and restaurant gratuities; must-see sightseeing and surprise extras. Full package details here.
Discover the timeless beauty of Prague, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest — that dazzle in winter with fairy-tale architecture, rich history and festive traditions. Think snow-dusted palaces, baroque concert halls and riverside Christmas cruises.
Go Here With Sure: Book early and save with Trafalgar Tours’ 9 Night Imperial Europe package, priced from R46,070 pps. Package includes: return airport transfers; 9 nights hotel accommodation; 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners; transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach; an expert Travel Director guiding the tour; all hotel tips, charges and local taxes; all porterage and restaurant gratuities; must-see sightseeing and surprise extras. Full package details here.
Prefer milder weather and a relaxed atmosphere? Portugal offers the charm of decorated town squares, coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto, not to mention mouth-watering holiday dishes like bacalhau com natas.
Go Here With Sure: Book early and save with Trafalgar Tours’ 10 Night Best of Portugal package, priced from R48,600 pps. Package includes: return airport transfers; 10 nights hotel accommodation; 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners; transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach; an expert Travel Director guiding the tour; all hotel tips, charges and local taxes; all porterage and restaurant gratuities; must-see sightseeing and surprise extras. Full package details here.
For something unique, Turkey blends East and West with its own take on the festive season. Explore Istanbul’s mosques and markets, take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and indulge in rich Ottoman cuisine — all with fewer tourists and lower off-season prices.
Go Here With Sure: Book early and save with Trafalgar Tours’ 13 Night Best of Turkey package, priced from R54,810 pps. Package includes: return airport transfers; 13 nights hotel accommodation; 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners; transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach; an expert Travel Director guiding the tour; all hotel tips, charges and local taxes; all porterage and restaurant gratuities; must-see sightseeing and surprise extras. Full package details here.
Lock in your European adventure today — and beat the economic blues before they beat you! Speak to your Sure Travel Agent about Trafalgar Tours’ European holiday deals, which include classics like:
7 Night German Christmas Markets tour, priced from R40,460 pps. Package includes accommodation, selected meals, sightseeing, transport, dedicated Travel Director, gratuities and more. Full package details here.
9 Night Imperial Europe tour, priced from R46,070 pps. Package includes accommodation, selected meals, sightseeing, transport, dedicated Travel Director, gratuities and more. Full package details here.
10 Night Best of Portugal tour, priced from R48,600 pps. Package includes accommodation, selected meals, sightseeing, transport, dedicated Travel Director, gratuities and more. Full package details here.
13 Night Best of Turkey tour, priced from R54,810 pps. Package includes accommodation, selected meals, sightseeing, transport, dedicated Travel Director, gratuities and more. Full package details here.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to enquire/book, or email tickets@suretravel.co.za.
