After all your hard work earning, budgeting, and saving, when it’s time to take a break, you want to travel to places that’ll make the sacrifice worth the effort. From stargazing to skiing, if you’re looking for travel destinations that are worth the money you’ll spend on them, here are some spots that offer something different.  

Local travel gems

People travel from all over the world to enjoy our country, so let’s start off here at home – local really is lekker.

Cape Town

Cape Town continues to rank as one of the top-value destinations for local and international explorers. Once you’ve explored the Foreshore, the City Bowl, Table Mountain and the beaches, try a few more out-of-the-ordinary activities like night kayaking in Sea Point, wine-tasting by tram in Franschhoek, or guided stargazing weekends in the nearby Cederberg. With a mix of trendy urban life, unspoilt nature and diverse cultures, the city’s a great all-rounder that still offers excellent value for money – especially if you’re flexible with travel dates.

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga offers rich natural beauty, but the adventures on offer make it even more worthwhile to save for. They include helicopter flips over the Blyde River Canyon, breathtaking canyon hikes, and even luxury glamping lodges perched on cliffs with views that feel like you’re in a dream.

If you want to make the most of the province, take a slow drive along the Panorama Route, stopping at family-run B&Bs along the way. Mpumalanga’s ideal for the whole family, with safari lodges offering kids’ activities, spa options, and guided nature walks.

International must-see destinations

Grab your passport and head off for the adventure of a lifetime in these foreign lands.

Lesotho

You may never have considered visiting Lesotho, but perhaps you should. In winter, Afriski offers a budget-friendly alternative to European skiing, and it serves as a cool mountain retreat in summer. For a unique experience, explore the Mountain Kingdom by pony trek, with overnight stays in traditional stone rondavels – you'll feel worlds away from city life.

Zanzibar

If you think Zanzibar is only for beach holidays, think again. Exploring the island’s culture and history is awe-inspiring – from walking tours of Stone Town to cooking classes with local families. You can also book spice farm tours and forest yoga retreats. Zanzibar’s range of all-inclusive resorts and boutique stays makes it ideal if you’re looking for both rest and richness in your itinerary – and you’ve always fancied the idea of night swims in bioluminescent waters.

Japan

Japan offers excellent value for money if you plan carefully. It’s one of the safest countries to explore solo and has a transport network that makes moving around easy and efficient. Whether you’re attending a lantern festival, sleeping in a monastery, or sampling ramen from a vending machine, Japan blends old and new in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

Chile

Chile is a long way to go, but it’s worth every cent. The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s best stargazing spots, while Patagonia offers glacier hikes, wild trekking routes, and otherworldly scenery. Eco-conscious travellers love the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism, with many locally run lodges and tours. Travel influencers recommend booking multi-day experiences like hot-spring routes, salt-flat bike rides, or lake crossings through the Andes – all unforgettable, and all surprisingly well-priced for what you get.

Get ready for adventure

A great holiday isn’t just about where you go – it’s about what you do, who you meet, and how it makes you feel. These destinations offer experiences that go beyond the ordinary, giving you real value for your travel budget.

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