The festive season is a popular time for South Africans to hit the road, visit family or explore a new destination. But with fuel, accommodation, food and activities all competing for your holiday budget, costs can quickly add up.
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According to Engineering News, with fuel prices under pressure, planning is particularly important this year. Petrol prices increased by R1.34 a litre in September, while diesel increased by almost R3 a litre, depending on the grade.
Here are practical ways to enjoy a festive season road trip without putting unnecessary pressure on your finances.
Set your budget before you leave
Start by working out exactly how much you can afford to spend.
Break the amount down into fuel, toll fees, accommodation, food, activities and emergency expenses. Keeping these categories separate can make it easier to identify where you can cut back.
It is also wise to keep an emergency amount aside rather than spending your entire holiday budget.
Choose your destination carefully
You don’t have to travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy a memorable getaway.
Consider destinations closer to home to reduce fuel and toll expenses. Compare accommodation prices in different towns and look beyond the most popular tourist hotspots, particularly during peak festive-season dates.
If your schedule allows, travelling a day earlier or later may also help you avoid the busiest periods.
The Automobile Association (AA) has previously advised holidaymakers to plan their routes, consider travelling outside peak periods, and keep alternative routes in mind.
Share the costs
A road trip with friends or family can help reduce the cost per person.
Instead of taking multiple vehicles, consider travelling together where practical. You can split fuel, tolls and parking costs between passengers.
Agree on how expenses will be shared before the trip to avoid misunderstandings.
Work out your fuel costs
Fuel should be one of the first expenses you calculate.
Check your vehicle’s average fuel consumption, work out the distance you’ll travel and leave some room in the budget for detours or additional driving.
With fuel prices currently elevated and further increases being projected, checking prices and calculating your expected fuel requirements before travelling can help prevent unpleasant surprises.
Pack snacks and drinks
Petrol stations and restaurants can become expensive when you’re travelling long distances.
Pack water, snacks and simple meals for the journey. A cooler box can be useful if you’re travelling with perishable food.
You don’t have to prepare every meal for your entire holiday, but packing food for the road can reduce unnecessary stops and spending.
Compare accommodation options
Accommodation can take up a significant portion of a festive-season budget.
Compare hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation and campsites before making a booking. For families or groups, self-catering accommodation may also provide an opportunity to save money by preparing some meals yourself.
Booking early is particularly important when travelling during busy periods.
Look for free activities
Your holiday itinerary doesn’t need to be filled with expensive attractions.
Research beaches, hiking trails, parks, markets, scenic viewpoints and other free or low-cost attractions at your destination.
A picnic, beach day or scenic drive can be just as memorable as an expensive activity.
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Check your car before the trip
Saving money should never come at the expense of safety.
Arrive Alive suggests that before leaving, check your tyres and tyre pressure, including the spare wheel, brakes, oil, coolant, lights and windscreen wipers. Arrive Alive recommends checking that your vehicle is roadworthy before departure and taking regular breaks during long journeys.
A vehicle problem on the road can also turn into an unexpected and potentially expensive expense.
Plan your route and rest stops
Planning your route can help you avoid unnecessary kilometres, tolls and fuel consumption.
Arrive Alive recommends taking a break every two hours or 200km, while the AA also advises motorists to take regular breaks during long journeys.
Don’t feel pressured to complete a long journey as quickly as possible. If you’re tired, stop and rest or consider breaking the journey into two days.
Avoid unnecessary holiday spending
It’s easy to overspend when you’re on holiday.
Set a daily allowance for meals, entertainment and extras, and track your spending throughout the trip. Decide beforehand which activities are priorities and which ones you can skip if money gets tight.
Leave room for emergencies
Even a carefully planned road trip can come with unexpected expenses.
Keep some money separate for emergencies such as a puncture, mechanical problem, medical expense or an unexpected change in accommodation.
The goal isn’t to have the cheapest possible holiday — it’s to enjoy your trip without returning home with unnecessary debt.
With a realistic budget, careful route planning, affordable accommodation and a few cost-saving choices, you can make the most of the festive season while keeping your finances on track.
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