Enjoy your holidays without breaking the bank

A long weekend is a chance to recharge the batteries and enjoy the last few sunny days before heading into winter. Synonymous with the end-of-year summer holidays, these short breaks can however affect your pocket.

According to the fifth annual Summer Spending survey by short-term lender Wonga, as many as 78% of South Africans planned to stay at home last summer, with 47% citing affordability as one of the major factors impacting their travel plans.

“We have a few more short breaks this year to spend with family and friends, but it is important to be conscious of your spending habits during this time,” says James Williams, Head of Marketing at Wonga. “There are however ways and means to enjoy a long weekend or two if we plan and budget ahead.”

“It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. But the thrill of it is fleeting compared with the stress that comes later,” he continues. “It is possible to treat yourself to try something new without breaking the bank, whether it is a local flight, a road trip, or a staycation while keeping within your budget.”

Williams shares some tips on how you can plan for a budget-friendly long weekend:

Set up a budget

Finances are often a delicate issue while on holiday, but they don’t have to be if you draw up a budget. It is quite simple. Define how much money you’ll need, put it aside and resist the temptation to spend it. Alongside this, choose your destination and decide on the time period you will be away. With this locked in, you can then draw up a list of expenses that you will need to cover.

Plan ahead for your trip

Consider your family’s needs and preferences before deciding on what kind of trip you want to take. Be clear about how long your stay will be and your objectives for your trip – will you be going for adventure or relaxation?

Early flight bookings will help keep your costs down. By planning ahead, you can save on your ways to reach your destination. You can also take advantage of loyalty programmes such as eBucks, UCount and Vitality to cash in on a good deal on both flights and fuel.

Bring back the ‘padkos’

Cut out spending on snacks and drinks for the road by stocking up on goodies from your local grocery store. The mini packs here and there can add up to significant amounts, so be prepared.

Finding affordable accommodation

Many websites offer very attractive promotional rates for hotels. If you book your hotel at the last minute, look out for last-minute booking discounts. Thanks to the arrival of rental platforms such as Airbnb, you can rent a charming studio in the city or a villa on the beach all for an attractive price. Another great advantage is that if you decide to rent an entire property, you’ll have a kitchen and can reduce the money you spend on food by cooking your own meals.

Go somewhere unusual

Explore the charming little towns around South Africa. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also offer a deep dive into our national heritage and history. This is also a great way to support small businesses and bring back the spirit of Ubuntu. Places like the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, Paternoster in Western Cape, and Clarens in the Free State are known for their scenic beauty, culture, and friendly locals.

“It’s all about planning ahead and being smart with your money,” concludes Williams. “This will allow you to enjoy simple pleasures with your friends and family without affecting your finances in the long term.”

For more financial information and advice on how to become #MoneySmart visit the Wonga Money Academy.

About Wonga Online (Pty) Ltd

Wonga Online (Pty) Ltd is a financial services provider with a vision to pioneer the delivery of simple, fair financial products and to put customers at the centre of everything it does.

Wonga Online (Pty) Ltd offers short-term loans in South Africa. The business is regulated by the National Credit Regulator and all loan applicants are credit checked and need to pass stringent lending and affordability criteria prior to approval. This is in line with the organisation’s commitment to being a responsible lender.

As part of this commitment, Wonga Online (Pty) Ltd also offers financial literacy around saving, budgeting, investing and debt via its free online portal, the Money Academy.

In recognition of their debt relief efforts, Wonga Online (Pty) Ltd was named as the best short-term credit provider at the 2018 Debt Review Awards.

Get Connected

moneyacademy.co.za