Take A Few Days off and Plan a Last Minute Break

For those who suddenly realise they need a break before a new year of working starts, here are some smart tips to book a last-minute break.

20/12/2022

 

 

 

 

Need a few days off?

 

 

It’s that time of the year when even the work diehards among us are yearning for a break. You may not have planned a getaway in advance, but you may suddenly realise you absolutely need a few days away from the grind of working life. While finding available accommodation could be tricky at this time of the year, try these tips from travel experts to secure a last-minute place to stay.

 

 

 

 

 

Try lesser-known areas

This time of the year the popular holiday spots will be booked up. Search for towns or villages that are off-the-beaten track but will still provide the tranquil break you’re after. According to local online booking platform Jurni, rural stays are on the rise for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

“The new generation of travelers is looking for authentic experiences. They want to stay in places where they can interact and connect with locals. They’re seeking to add meaning to their experience by eating locally sourced food and doing things that make them feel like locals themselves,” says Tshepo Matlou, Jurni’s Head of Marketing and Communications. “Rural travel is one of the quickest ways to be able to deep-dive into this travel trend, and you’ll often find that the owners of the small B&Bs and guesthouses, with their passion for hospitality, will form part of your unique travel experience.”

 

 

 

 

Be flexible around dates

Another tip is to be flexible on your dates, advises Matlou. ”High season is always a tricky and expensive time to find last-minute places to stay, but if you’re open to a mid-week booking, it could help secure one. Some establishments also offer better mid-week prices than the weekend, so consider being flexible about the time you want to go away. For example, make your check-in date a Sunday rather than a Friday or Saturday. The start of a weekend is always fully booked then on weekdays , thanks to people wanting weekend getaways, so if you're willing to compromise on those nights, it could help you find a place to stay.”

By moving your check-in day to Sunday, you can potentially save up to 29% of the hotel rate compared to doing it on Thursday which is the most expensive day for stays, adds Laure Bornet, GM, KAYAK EMEA, which manages Cheapflights.co.za.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re booking in an area where accommodation is in high demand, consider dropping a star in rating in your accommodation choice. If you’re willing, for example, to go from a four-star to a three-star establishment, it could knock money off your bill.

Being flexible with the days that you fly is also a great savings travel hack. Flying in the middle of the week - on a Tuesday or Wednesday for example - will generally deliver the cheapest prices. You can take this as a general rule of thumb when searching for flights.

With Christmas and New Year around the corner, the date that you choose to fly to your celebration destination can impact how much you pay for your flights. “Be aware of the increase in flight prices over the New Year. Flying to Cape Town will cost around R3,539, but to Durban, it decreases to an average of about R1,915, which could support efforts by the east coast to bring SA travellers back to its Indian Ocean shores. And if you’re travelling to Johannesburg for New Year, the flight price will also increase to around R2,613 on average.”

 

 

 

 

Enjoy a day-cation

Of course, you might not be able to get away due to lack of leave days, family commitments or other sets of circumstances. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel as though you are on holiday. Squeezing in a quick break, even if just for a day, can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.

If you’re looking to indulge, you can always treat yourself to a luxury daycation at a local hotel. For example, there are many things that you can do at a Radisson hotel without checking in. Go online to find the location of your local Radisson hotel where you can book to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a luxurious spa treatment, or summer cocktails while you take in breathtaking views of the city.

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget the other details

In your haste to book a last-minute getaway, don’t forget all the other details that need to be taken care of, such as organising a pet sitter, arranging someone to water your plants, and ensuring your home is safe while you’re away. Lock away valuable possessions, jewellery and important documents. And don't forget to unplug your sensitive electronic appliances to protect them from power surges that may occur due to loadshedding.

“If you need to check into a hotel over the holidays, make sure that it has the amenities you need, such as one that provides a safe space for children to play under supervision while parents enjoy a stress-free afternoon,” advises Yusuf Jinoo, Head Concierge,Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront.

If you’re driving to your destination, do a quick check of your car to make sure all vital fluids like oil and water are topped up, and that your tyres, brakes, lights, and battery are in good working order. It may seem like a hassle to do, but these checks can save you from a breakdown or worse, says Keletso Mpisane, head of car insurer, MiWay Blink. “The only memories of a holiday road trip should be the good parts - snacks, playlists and good conversation - not breakdowns or accidents. Don’t let a faulty car component mar the excitement of getting to your destination.“

Above all, remember to have fun. As much as trying to organise last-minute travel can be stressful, it can also be rewarding. The spontaneity of the moment, coupled with the joy of experiencing something new, could see you not only relaxing, but having a thoroughly good time doing so!