Let’s face it. You’re not a backpacker — but you’re also not a five-star, business class traveller (yet). You have a bit of cash to spend to travel comfortably, but you still want to get the best bang for your buck and the best experiences for your hard-won travel rands. So what’s the best compromise? Here are our 5 hacks to get the best experience for the least cash:
Many airlines, hotels and tours offer drastic discounts in the off season — keep in the know by following our Sure Travel Facebook page for flash sale announcements, or contact your nearest agency to find out about off-season specials.
Moreover, off-peak times = great weather in some destinations. Mauritius, for example, can feel like a hellish inferno in December — however, in off-peak May, the weather can’t be beat!
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Each country has a different process but it is definitely worth investigating if you can claim the taxes of your purchases during your holidays.
Look for the tax-free logo in the establishments you visit; some will require a minimal purchase expense and you will usually have to present your passport. Once at the airport to fly back home, introduce yourself at the tax return stand before checking in to complete the process and claim your tax back.
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Virgin Atlantic’s Economy Delight fares, for instance, include all the basics (in-flight food and entertainment), plus speedy airport service at the Premium check-in desks, priority boarding and first dibs on overhead storage for your carry-on luggage.
But the best part? Economy Delight offers seats with extra legroom and a 34-inch seat pitch, meaning you can stretch out and get all the sleep you need — a total luxury on most flights these days! Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency for a quote, or call 0861 47 48 49.
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A visa to some destinations can set you back a couple of thousand rands. And it’s not just the application fee that’ll chow your hard-earned bucks.
Take into account all the extra costs that come into play: photocopies and printing of your identification and documents, special passport-sized photographs, bank fees for printing your monthly statements, and the time you may need off work to submit the application at the country’s embassy or consulate.
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Some cities like London and Berlin are full of free museums — including numerous collections of art and history that are free to the viewing public.
Other cities charge a small fee for entrance into their museums — but even those places frequently offer discounts (especially if you're a senior or a student), and even free days (like Paris' Louvre). Do your pre-trip homework to capitalise on these savings.
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