Top tips on how to plan a last-minute international getaway this festive season

Festive season travel plans

While travelling overseas during the festive season typically requires a fair bit of time spent on booking flights, planning an itinerary and getting all the required travel documents in order, sometimes life calls for a spontaneous adventure.

With 2023 drawing to a close and the December holidays fast approaching, many South Africans may be considering treating themselves to a last-minute escape. With the right approach and some simple steps, you can plan a quick getaway without breaking the bank or compromising on having the best experience possible.

ALSO READ: SA ranks as one of the most affordable countries for UK investors

This comes from Sadudee Sangnil, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for UK, Ireland and South Africa, who says that the three most essential factors to consider when planning a last-minute trip are accessibility, flexibility and affordability.

Ahead of the end-of-year rush, she has some practical tips for travellers on how to make the most of a spontaneous travel experience.

ALSO READ: China will now offer visa-free entry for these six countries

1. Be spontaneous, but keep it seamless

As Sangnil explains, the first most important aspect to consider relates to ease of access to the country you have in mind, and any administrative issues that may need to be tackled before going ahead with formal planning.

This is because some of the most common bugbears that stand in the way of a seamless travel experience involves regulations and requirements such as visas.

It’s easy to understand why visa free destinations are therefore the holy grail of last-minute holidays.

ALSO READ: Which country has the World’s Best Digital Nomad Visa?

2. Flexible and budget-friendly flights

Next on the list of priorities is flexibility. Booking flights and accommodation as far ahead as possible is highly recommended, but when you don’t have the luxury of time, there are a few simple hacks that could help you save on some spontaneous time off.

Sangnil recommends being as flexible as possible around the dates of departure and arrival. Flight bookings made on the weekend typically cost far more than trips booked on weekdays. Furthermore, making a booking for a flight that leaves during off-peak hours can also shave a few rands off your flight booking. 

ALSO READ: The 107 countries South African passport holders can visit visa-free

Another way to save on the cost of your flights is to be flexible around your first point of arrival. You may find when booking a flight to Thailand for example, that flying to a major city like Bangkok may work out cheaper than flying to an airport in an outlying area. Once you’ve found the most cost-effective airport to land at, you’ll be able to plan your activities from that point onwards.

ALSO READ: Here are the best countries to visit in 2024, according to Lonely Planet

3. How to keep your adventure affordable

Short-notice getaways can prove expensive, especially when it comes to planning an itinerary and especially over the festive season. One way to avoid spending too much money on activities is to book special promotional packages that offer bundle deals or pre-arranged itineraries that will allow you to have the most fun-filled experience without paying a higher rate.

“There are several tour operators in South Africa who have explored the country extensively and can offer packaged travel experiences that capture all the best sights and sounds, while keeping the individual costs from adding up.” Sangnil explains.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY SUNDEEKA MUNGROO