Wanderlust is like a healthy fever that can enrich your life with new experiences and glimpses into unfamiliar cultures. But being bitten by the travel bug can have a downside – indulging in your globe-trotting habit could have a negative effect on your financial health.

Luckily, there are smart ways to reduce your travel costs, so they don’t put an unhealthy strain on your budget. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant modern nightlife, lazy days of golden sands, sun-kissed beaches, and panoramic views, or you prefer to explore the brooding mysteries of an ancient city soaked in history, here’s how you can make your travel dreams come true without racking up major debt.

Join travel savings and rewards programmes

Travel savings and banking rewards programmes offer discounts, cashback, and other rewards that reduce the cost of flights, accommodation, and travel essentials. With Greenbacks and Avo Travel, for example, you can get up to 30% off flights with selected partners.

Reward programmes partner with airlines, hotels, and retailers to give you reward points for every rand that you spend, and they also offer exclusive discounts. Credit card travel perks, airline loyalty programmes, Greenbacks, Avo SuperShop, and the American Express Membership Rewards programme all offer ways to stretch your travel budget further.

• Look for rewards programmes that align with your travel habits.
• Sign up for multiple programmes to maximise your rewards from different brands.
• Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points on everyday spending.
• Book directly through the programme if it offers bigger discounts than you’d get elsewhere.
• Save points for high-value rewards like international flights.
• Don’t let your points expire – check programme rules to ensure your rewards don’t go to waste.
• Explore programme partnerships – many programmes offer extra points if you buy through their partner networks.
• Combine loyalty points with discounts and cashback offers.
• Take advantage of sign-up bonuses – many programmes offer large welcome bonuses.
• Check for exclusive deals – for example, Greenbacks and Avo offer special travel discounts.

Timing is optional, but travel insurance is a must

To spend less on travel, you don’t have to survive on 2-minute noodles and cereal in a crowded hostel dorm. If you plan it right, your holiday can be both comfortable and affordable. The secret is to travel in off-peak periods and to be flexible with your dates. If you book at the right time, you can take advantage of the best deals.

Work around the cheapest flights and accommodation bookings – and look for accommodation with free upgrades or meals included. Most tourist spots have hidden treasures, so do some snooping on social media to see where the locals think the best places are, and you can skip overpriced tourist traps.

However, skipping travel insurance to save money is like refusing to pack a jacket just because the sun is shining – it’s fine, until it isn’t. A missed flight, lost luggage, or an unfortunate medical emergency abroad can turn into a financial nightmare. Instead of risking it, look for affordable coverage or use a travel-friendly credit card that offers travel insurance benefits.

Watch out for hidden costs

When you compare flights and accommodation, make sure that you’re comparing like with like. For example, cheaper accommodation might not work out that cheap if it’s for accommodation only, compared to a place that offers dinner, bed, and breakfast.

Airlines and hotels can also apply hidden compulsory fees, like baggage charges, resort fees, seat selection surcharges, and service charges. Ask to have all costs quoted upfront, and budget for some unexpected extras.

Travel cards are a great forex option

You can arrange to keep your South African cards active while you’re abroad to make payments simpler, but foreign transaction fees and currency conversions can add up. Make sure you read the fine print of your account terms and conditions and check what the costs will be before you choose this option, to avoid any costly surprises later.

A foreign travel card is a much more affordable option. You can load it with up to 8 foreign currencies before your trip to lock in exchange rates and avoid extra expense if the rand weakens against those currencies while you’re travelling. You won’t have to carry lots of cash or pay further forex transaction fees. A foreign travel card can make spending while travelling easier, safer, and often cheaper. 

Make your travel dreams come true

Enjoy amazing holidays for less by taking advantage of the travel benefits offered by Nedbank, American Express, and SAA Voyager credit cards. Visit Avo Travel regularly to see the latest discount travel deals.