We spoke to a group of seasoned South African travel advisors to uncover the most common booking blunders this can lead to, and the deceptively simple decisions that can trip you up. Before you hit “book now”, arm yourself with these expert tips to make your next trip smoother, safer, and far more memorable.

MISTAKE #1: Booking Through Third-Party Sites

Click, pay, done? Not quite. Many South African travellers use search engines to find airfare deals, not realising what happens next.

“Clients click on what seems to be the best price but get redirected to another company, which then books with the airline,” says Envoyage travel advisor Lilly Fourie. “You end up with multiple reference numbers and no idea who to contact if something goes wrong.”

This creates big problems when you need help, whether it’s a sudden change, cancellation, missed connection, or even just adding a bag. And the call centres? Often overseas or with long wait times.

So, how do you steer clear of this chaos? Book through a travel advisor. “We guide you through the booking, explain the rules, and handle any unexpected changes,” explains Fourie. “It’s always good to have someone to count on when plans go wrong.”

MISTAKE #2: Booking the Wrong Location and Blowing Your Budget 

It’s easy to get caught up in star ratings and special offers, but if you don’t pay attention to your hotel’s location, that great deal could cost you more than you think.

Take this common mistake: a traveller books a hotel thinking it’s just a short walk from the train station they’ll depart from the next day but also plans to explore the city during their stopover. The result? They end up far from the sights, spend way more than budgeted on transport, and waste valuable time commuting back and forth.

“Location for most holidays is important, but it’s not just about being central – it also affects your overall cost and convenience,” says Envoyage travel advisor Karen McCrindle.

Her advice? Don’t look at price alone. Make sure your base makes sense for what you want to do and how you want to move. “A slightly more expensive hotel in the right place can end up being the better choice,” she says.

MISTAKE #3: Waiting for Last-Minute Flight Deals

It’s a pattern travel advisors know well. Stephanie Allan from Envoyage explains that she often receives enquiries for flight quotes, but the traveller decides to wait, hoping for a last-minute deal to pop up.

The idea is appealing: hang back, watch the fares, and grab a bargain when prices drop. But more often than not, that deal never comes. “By the time they return to book, the fare has gone up – sometimes substantially,” says Allan.

Flight prices are dynamic and tend to increase as the departure date approaches, especially on popular routes. While last-minute specials may occasionally appear, they’re unpredictable and rarely align with your ideal dates or itinerary.

Allan’s advice? Don’t play the waiting game. If a fare fits your budget and your plans are firm, booking earlier often gives you better value and a far less stressful lead-up to your trip.

MISTAKE #4: Overlooking Passport Validity and Entry Requirements

You’ve booked your flights, found your dream hotel, and set your sights on Europe, but one overlooked detail could stop your entire trip before it begins: your passport.

“Most travellers don’t realise that many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return to South Africa,” says Catharina Stewart, another travel advisor at Envoyage. “If your passport doesn’t meet this criteria, you could be denied boarding at the airport.”

Another common misconception? Thinking that “visa-free” means “no entry requirements.” While South Africans can enter various countries without a visa, that doesn’t mean you can just arrive at the border without documentation. “Even in visa-free countries, you may need to show proof of accommodation, a return ticket, travel insurance, sufficient funds, or an invitation letter,” explains Stewart.

Her advice is simple: always check entry rules thoroughly before committing to travel, as passport expiry dates and entry requirements vary between countries.

MISTAKE #5: Trusting Travel Influencers Without Doing Your Own Research 

It’s easy to get swept up by travel inspiration on Instagram or TikTok – white-sand beaches, hidden towns, and “undiscovered” spots that look too perfect to be true. And often, they are.

“People forget how many shots it takes to get the perfect picture,” says Envoyage travel advisor Bernadette Terblanche. “Some influencers even edit people out of the background to make it look empty and peaceful.” The result? Travellers show up expecting serenity and find a beach packed with tourists.

Social media influencers aren’t always trained travel experts, and the content they share is designed to gain likes – not deliver practical advice. Important details like transport logistics, crowds, high season costs, and entry requirements are often completely left out.

Terblanche’s advice is to use social media for inspiration, not information. “Always do your own research or speak to a travel advisor who can give you the real picture instead of the filtered one.”

MISTAKE #6: Winging it and Hoping for the Best 

Sometimes, the mistake isn’t what you book – it’s what you don’t.

Things like choosing a middle seat in the back row, thinking it’ll magically come with extra legroom. Or assuming the airline will figure out your special meal request without properly confirming it. Even something as important as letting your hotel know about food allergies in advance can be overlooked – with serious consequences.

And once you land? Trying to grab a last-minute airport transfer or figuring out your route through an unfamiliar city after a long-haul flight can leave you stressed and overwhelmed.

Another common one: assuming you’ll “sort it out when you get there” instead of pre-booking a few key tours or activities. “A lot of people don’t realise how much time they lose trying to plan things once they’ve arrived,” says Envoyage travel advisor Anneri Papenfus. “A good guide, airport transport arranged ahead of time, and just a little structure can completely change your experience.”

About Envoyage 

Envoyage is a leader in the travel industry, dedicated to shaping the future of travel through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With a commitment to empowering its members and partners, Envoyage offers cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled support to drive success in an ever-evolving landscape. Visit www.join.envoyage.com

WTM Africa will, once again, host the Responsible Tourism Africa Conference, as well as the Responsible Tourism Awards, in 2023. Further to this, the event will lead the way when it comes to sustainable conferences in Africa with the launch of a dedicated sustainability village. WTM Africa 2023 will take place from 03 to 05 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), a sustainable venue aligned with the event’s values.

The Sustainability Village, a new and unique walk-through hub, will feature a variety of eco-focused pop-up exhibitors, each showcasing what they do through interactive displays and communicating how they can assist other businesses in prioritising the environment and the support of local communities. The pop-up exhibitions include Growing Paper, Painted Wolf Wines, How Many Elephants, E’Yako Green, and Uthando among others.

“We love the opportunity to create functional bags and other items out of pre-used materials and to share our work at WTM Africa. We hope we can play a role in inspiring companies and teams to feel, think and live the art and business of sustainable tourism,” says Carey Moran, owner of E’Yako Green.

Growing Paper, specialising in 100% recycled plantable and biodegradable handmade paper products, will not only be a featured pop-up within the Sustainability Village but are also the innovative minds behind the event’s vegetable seed badge holders/pouches. Each attendee will also receive a recycled PET lanyard.

The RX Global team, the organisers behind WTM Africa, intend to reclaim any collected badges in a variety of collection boxes and plant the ‘Growing Paper’ in a community garden, helping local residents to start and nurture a sustainable food source for their families.

“In today’s world, sustainability is at the forefront of many people’s minds. As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact of their choices, they’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives in all aspects of their lives, including their travels,” comments Roxanne Schumann, founder of Growing Paper.

“We are thrilled to be participating in the Sustainability Village at WTM Africa and believe our product is an innovative solution aligned for the industry. By incorporating this socially and environmentally meaningful solution into their supply chain, tourism businesses can show their commitment to sustainability, provide unique experiences for their guests, and promote their brand in a positive and memorable way,” she adds.

The launch of the Sustainability Village follows a sustainability pledge from the show’s event organiser RX Global. The UN Sustainable Development Goals guide RX Global’s Sustainability Pledge. The company is committed to minimising any negative environmental impact while continually seeking ways to contribute positively to sustainable development.  Attendees are encouraged to visit the village to sign their own similar pledge.

Along with attending the Responsible Tourism conference and exploring the sustainability village, visitors are also encouraged to attend the Responsible Tourism Awards, which will be hosted on 4 April, spotlighting various travel suppliers and their sustainability stories and successes.

“It’s so important to be celebrating the work being done and showcasing the options available to the industry. There are many easy changes suppliers can make to better serve their clients and the environment,” comments Olivia Gradidge, RX Global Marketing Manager – Travel and Tourism.

“After all, aside from the gratification that comes with doing their part, prioritising the wellbeing of our planet sends a much stronger message to a supplier’s clients than any marketing approach ever could,” Gradidge concludes.

Registration for WTM Africa 2023 is free at: www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/enquire.html 

“With a killer show programme and high-profile delegates expected to attend, it’s no surprise we’re seeing last-minute attendees jumping in line,” says Megan de Jager, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries Portfolio at RX Africa.

Over 500 exhibitors will stake their claim on the show floor, including all nine of South Africa’s provinces and the National Department of Tourism. Other destination-driven representatives include Egypt, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Maldives, to name a few. “We’ve also seen increased activity within the outbound exhibitor space, with the likes of Spain, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the UAE making their presence felt,” De Jager adds.

WTM Africa 2023 will also witness a strong pool of top-quality buyers from Africa’s leading source markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East. “78% of our confirmed buyers are international, with 21% hailing from across the continent. What’s most exciting is our list of first-time buyers opening the door to seven new and diverse markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Armenia, Romania and San Romano.”

Along with a proven mix of pre-scheduled appointments and high-in-demand speed-networking sessions, attendees can expect a revamped content programme led by industry experts covering everything from industry trends to tech, sustainability and marketing.

Back due to popular demand are WTM Africa’s bolt-on shows running concurrently at the CTICC. These free-to-attend events include IBTM, EQUAL Africa, Travel Tech, Responsible Tourism, Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) and the Africa Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS).

“Over just three days, you will have the chance to meet with thousands of potential clients, reconnect with industry peers and come away inspired with new ideas. WTM Africa 2023 promises to be one of the most important and exciting to date. Miss it and miss out!” De Jager concludes.

Registration for WTM Africa 2023 is still open, with last-minute availability for exhibitors: www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/enquire.html

• The content programme has seen a complete revamp with new speakers and formats.

• Sustainability will be a priority with the introduction of a new sustainability village.

With just one month to go until Africa Travel Week takes place from 03 to 05 April at the Cape Town International Conference Centre in the host City of Cape Town, the countdown has well and truly begun.

The trade show, which includes flagship shows WTM Africa and ILTM Africa, will allow travel industry leaders to reconnect and catch up on trends and developments in the African tourism space. Exciting content sessions hosted by experts and speakers are to be augmented by several bolt-on conferences, including EQUAL Africa, the African Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS), the Responsible Tourism Africa Conference, Travel Tech and IBTM Africa.

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & Marketing RX Africa, shares an overview of what to expect at WTM Africa 2023: 

A killer content programme

Do you want to get inside knowledge into Africa’s hottest source markets? Would you like to hear all about the tech innovations that will revolutionise the tourism industry in Africa? Or do you want to know if the African tourism industry is getting inclusivity right? This year’s content programme brings fresh ideas, new speakers and exciting new formats and partners. Speakers include industry stalwarts like Mandisa Magwaxaza, Jean Scheltema and Colin Bell among others. Partners for EQUAL Africa now include the IGLTA Foundation and Afrigay.

[Check out the preliminary programme here].

The most prominent global buyers

Africa Travel Week is expecting to welcome over 500 top-end ‘king buyers’ from across the world, which will be hosted at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, The Vineyard, the Westin, as well as other selected hotels in the city.  Buyers this year range from our tried-and-trusted source markets such as the US and the UK, as well as some exciting new markets such as Malaysia, Bangladesh and Romania.

Exciting media partners

The interest from the media for WTM Africa 2023 has been phenomenal and we’re proud to be partnering with Afritraveller, Voyages Afriq, Zambia Travel Magazine, SA Profile, Business Integrator, Rove SA, India Outbound, Plett Tourism, The Planner Guru, Gallivant Africa, Africa.com, iAfrica, SA Commuter, Travel News East Africa, ATC News, Bizcommunity, The Aviators Africa, Luxury Xclusives, Euronews, Byolife Media, Nzira Travel Magazine, Afro Tourism West Africa, Business Events Africa and Euromonitor.

Inspiring young minds

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2023 have collaborated with Katie King – published Author and CEO of AI in Business, to launch an inclusive programme aimed at upskilling high-school students in Cape Town on the impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have on careers in the tourism industry. The most promising young minds will share their technology solutions with us at Africa Travel Week.

Making a difference

Expect a range of exciting new features at the 2023 show. We’re particularly excited about our new Sustainability Village where attendees will be able to make a difference on the spot. The Sustainability Village, a new and unique walk-through hub, will feature a variety of eco-focused pop-up exhibitors, each showcasing what they do through interactive displays and communicating how they can assist other businesses in prioritising the environment and the support of local communities. The pop-up exhibitions include Growing Paper, Painted Wolf Wines, How Many Elephants, E’Yako Green, and Uthando South Africa among others.

And the winners are….

Who told the most inspiring story about Africa in 2022? And who are our responsible tourism champions? One of the highlights of the show will be the announcement of the winners of the Responsible Tourism Awards and the Africa Travel and Tourism Awards.

“Africa Travel Week is the show that everyone in the travel and tourism industry wants to be at. The industry’s most influential names become the talk of the town as they create exciting new itineraries, do business, and build lifelong bonds during three days of high-quality appointments, educational sessions and networking parties,” concludes De Jager.

The group today released its financial results for the six month to December 31, 2022, which show higher than expected earnings of $95 million for the six-month period across corporate and leisure brands. Travel sales recovered strongly with the total transaction value (TTV) increasing 203% to $9.9bn and revenue increasing 217% to $1bn.

Short-term profitability was adversely impacted by important, longer-term investments such as recruitment, technology and sustainability. Abnormally high airfares and lower margins on air-only sales further also led to short-term revenue margin reductions. However, airline capacity is gradually recovering, which is expected to deliver cheaper fares and higher volumes, in addition to positively impacting supply margins in a more competitive environment.

The Flight Centre corporate travel business, including FCM and Corporate Traveller, led the recovery for the six-month period to December 2022 with a record TTV of $5bn, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading travel management companies (TMCs). The business outpaced broader industry recovery with revenue recovering to 88% of pre-COVID levels, transactions back to 90% and TTV reaching 103%.

FCM’s wins typically came from competing TMCs, while Corporate Traveller won large volumes of business from competitors, disruptors and accounts that were previously unmanaged. In upcoming periods, the company expects an uplift in corporate profit driven by investment in new platforms, products and people as well as better returns on client contracts.

The recovery of the group’s global leisure business was largely driven by its online business. However, the traditional Flight Centre shop network remained the major contributor to the group leisure TTV.

While travel is gradually becoming more seamless, following the disruption experienced during the pandemic, some complexity remains. This complexity plays to Flight Centre’s strengths and is contributing to strong demand for person-to-person services that underpin the company’s leisure and corporate offerings.

Commenting on the results, FCTG CEO Graham Turner said: “Flight Centre Travel Group has delivered a solid start to FY23 in an improved, but not fully recovered trading environment. In both leisure and corporate, we are achieving our strategic objectives and laying foundations for more meaningful profit recovery in the future.”

Looking ahead, Turner expects further recovery and says the group targets underlying EBITDA between $250 million and $280 million for the full year.

“While we continue to monitor market conditions, we are not currently seeing evidence that the recovery is slowing with the leisure business currently trading at post-COVID highs and corporate travel activity escalating after the traditional holiday period.”

“This underlines both the significant pent-up demand that still exists for travel in this early recovery phase and the sector’s proven resilience. While travel is a discretionary purchase, customers typically view it as essential and prioritise it above other discretionary items, which is one of the reasons why the market typically grows year-on-year and why prolonged downturns in the sector are relatively rare.”

“Very high employment rates in our key markets are also a strong macro-economic tailwind,” Turner concludes.

“Registration is already open for exhibitors, hosted buyers, Buyers’ Club members, the media, and travel trade professionals,” says Megan De Jager,Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing.

Held annually as part of Africa Travel Week, the three-day event will see international and pan-African industry professionals connect under one roof to conduct business and continue recovery efforts for Africa’s tourism industry.

“As the leading B2B trade exhibition for Africa’s inbound and outbound markets, we’ve been hard at work ensuring this year’s show exceeds expectations. If you’re looking to expand your business, reconnect with your travel and tourism counterparts and get up to speed on the latest product developments and market trends, WTM Africa is the place to be.”

Along with a proven mix of pre-scheduled appointments and live networking opportunities, the show programme promises to excite and inspire with informative content sessions led by industry experts from around the globe, such as Professor Harold Goodwin, Naledi Khabo, LoAnn Halden, and Kojo Bentum-Williams.

Guests at WTM Africa 2023 can also register to attend its various bolt-on events running concurrently at the CTICC at no extra charge. These include International Business Market Africa, EQUAL Africa powered by IGLTA, Travel Tech, Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE), and the Africa Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS).

“As much as WTM Africa attracts those heavy-hitting high-profile brands, it also acts as a springboard for smaller tourism SMMEs. So, if you’re eager to bump elbows with the industry’s experts and get a foot in the door, this is your chance,” De Jager concludes. 

Registration for WTM Africa 2023 is free and easy at: www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/enquire.html

The Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG)’s Black Friday specials have landed, with South Africans able to save up to 50% on their 2023 travel to top-selling destinations.

“This is the first Black Friday we have had to look forward to in a couple of years,” said Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group. “Last year, we pulled all of our Black Friday deals after it was announced that South Africa had been put back on the dreaded red list, leaving many travellers stranded and devastated as their long-awaited holiday was cancelled or postponed. Now, it’s all systems go! We can travel freely, unmasked, and most of the restrictions from COVID -19 have been lifted,” said Garrett.

“Like the rest of the world, South Africa is still suffering from limited air capacity, although we are encouraged that more and more airlines are increasing their frequencies and routes in and out of the country. The best tip for travellers is to book early. Due to reduced flight frequencies, there is still a limited supply of seats, and an immense pent-up demand, so if you book too late, you may be disappointed or pay significantly more. For example, bookings for the December peak season are almost at capacity, so if you want a last-minute holiday to popular destinations, such as Mauritius, the UK and Europe, you’d better book quickly.”

“Flight Centre’s Black Friday deals for 2022 are geared toward travel in 2023, so you can book now, save and secure your trip,” said Garrett.

Deals are released every day from 21 November until Friday 25 November.

South Africans can look forward to the following specials:

• Save up to 50% on touring
• Save up to 50% on cruising
• Save up to R19 500 on island holidays
• Save up to R4 660 on Middle East & Asia holidays
• Save up to R1 320 on local holidays
• 2023 School holidays – Save up to R17 450
  
  

Top tips for snagging a Black Friday deal

Research – do your research in advance. What factors do you need to consider with your chosen holiday? Think about visas, health jabs and other entry information. Visit fctgtravelnews.com for information.

• Create a wish list – research what holidays you would like to have and include nice-to-haves-but-not-essentials. This way, you can quickly make a call if it’s the right holiday for you.
• Up-size your holiday – Now is the time to upgrade and save.
• Know the average price of packages for your chosen destination/s and your preferred dates.
• Have the 2023 school and public holiday calendar handy.
• Read the Terms & Conditions.
• Have your passport information ready.

“We encourage all our customers to shop safely and responsibly this Black Friday,” said Garrett. “Our customers can choose how they wish to shop this year – virtually on our website or face-to-face with a Travel Expert in-store.

Shop Flight Centre Black Friday specials here.

Air Belgium’s arrival in South Africa on the 15th of September marked the airline’s first foray into Africa.

Flights aboard the airline’s modern A330neo will depart Brussels every Wednesday and Sunday at 19:45 – arriving in Johannesburg at 7:15 the next day, with continuation to Cape Town. South Africans heading to Europe will be able to fly from Cape Town International (with a short stop in Johannesburg) or OR Tambo every Monday and Thursday. The flight offers 30 seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Class and 235 Economy Class seats.

“It is an exciting and important chapter for Air Belgium,” says CEO Niky Terzakis. “But we’re equally thrilled to introduce South Africans to a new airline and an alternative route – and thereby direct access to the heart of Europe.”

According to Terzakis, Air Belgium is committed to offering passengers an experience that is affordable, comfortable, hassle-free, green, and trustworthy.

“We often talk about ‘Belgitude’, and our motto is ‘Fly Belgian Class’, which is all about bringing joy back to international travel,” says Terzakis. “And while our travellers value our fun and engaging approach to travel, we also deliver what really matters:  a safe, seamless journey; transparent billing (no hidden fees); and a generous luggage allowance. What’s more is that we offer travellers an environmentally-friendly travel option as the Airbus A330neo consumes on average 25% less fuel compared to previous generation aircraft. Lower fuel consumption also means less CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Our aircraft offer what is best in comfort aboard: reduced noise level, mod-lighting, and state-of-the art inflight entertainment with WI-FI and internet connection throughout the flight.”

Fares start at R 11,569 for an all-in return ticket between Johannesburg and Brussels and passengers are allowed 30 kg baggage allowance free.

“Of course, for South Africans the real drawcard is Brussels,” says Terzakis. “Not only is it the gateway to Europe, with high-speed trains connecting the city to hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam in a couple of hours, but it is also a destination in its own right, with visitors delighting in its rich heritage, food, culture and Belgian spirit.”

The twice-weekly flights are good news for business travellers as Belgium is currently South Africa’s 6^th largest trading partner as well as the Western Cape’s 7^th largest European export market. As such, Belgium is ideally positioned to capture the interest of the corporate and government sectors in South Africa.

“I welcome Air Belgium’s new triangular route between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Whether for leisure travel or business travel, this flight will undoubtedly *contribute to boosting* the country’s tourism, its economy and job creation,” says South African Tourism Chief Operations Officer, Nomasonto Ndlovu. She adds that international arrivals to South Africa are increasing steadily, and each new route and connection should be celebrated.

She said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Air Belgium team, and it’s fitting that their first flight arrives in the middle of September, which is Tourism Month in South Africa, when we celebrate, champion, and recognise the importance of our tourism industry.”

For more information, visit www.airbelgium.com

“We are celebrating 40 years since the very first Flight Centre store started up in Australia, opening up the world of travel for our customers around the globe,” says Euan McNeil, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa. “As part of the Flight Centre Travel Group global retail footprint we get to celebrate this incredible milestone – and our customers are invited too!”

“We are sending 40 lucky customers from around the world on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday with a prize pool of up to R2-million*! We are incredibly excited as this is our first global competition that is bigger than any prize draw we’ve run before,” says McNeil.

The competition is open to customers in every country where Flight Centre operates including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada.

As part of the 40^th birthday festivities, Fight Centre will be launching Travel Runway on 9 June 2022 – a virtual fashion show for travel. The online interactive experience lets customerssample seven unique “runways” that will be showcasing a collection of the world’s most tantalising travel experiences, from enticing islands and beaches to the world’s most luxurious escapes, heart-pumping adventure, the best airlines, food experiences and more.

Each runway showcases some of the best destinations and experiences travellers can have in each of these categories, as well as personal tips from Flight Centre Travel Experts worldwide.

Click here to pre-register to secure exclusive access to the Travel Runway and gain automatic entry into the prize draw of 40 holidays. The Travel Runway registration opened on 27 May 2022.

“We’re also extending the opportunity to win a holiday of a lifetime to all our employees who service our customers from our 48 store locations,” says McNeil. “It’s a small token we feel our people deserve after the most challenging two years.”

“As travel continues to recover, we’ve been hard at work improving our systems and streamlining and simplifying the travel experience for all our customers,” explains McNeil. “Our customers can choose how they want to engage with us, be it in store, over the phone or online, and whichever channel you choose, we’re committed to move your travel from complexity to simplicity.”

Today Flight Centre is represented by 3,000 people in 450 shops globally. Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa employs over 500 staff across 70 teams nationally.

Enter the competition here.

When Expedia revealed their biggest global travel trends for 2022 they coined two new phrases: “no-regrets” travel and a “GOAT” (greatest of all trips) mindset.

Put simply, rather than travelling on a whim, people are becoming more purposeful about their next trip. In the words of Expedia’s senior PR manager, Christie Hudson, “2022 is the year we wring every bit of richness and meaning out of our experiences.”

Six months in, and the trend shows no signs of abating. According to Skyscanner’s latest search and booking data (May 2022), travellers are planning to spend more this year: long-haul flights are coming back, travel budgets are higher, travellers are booking longer trips and spending more on accommodation. This despite new COVID variants, the war in Ukraine and high jet fuel prices.

For Guy Stehlik, CEO and founder of BON Hotels, purposeful travel is the antidote to what’s happening in the world. “Purposeful travel is a response to the pandemic, but also to decades of overconsumption and over-tourism. Travellers, local and international, are now wanting to spend money on trips that count.”

It’s true that purposeful travel is often linked to sustainable, more eco-conscious tourism – where travellers feel like their presence and spend has a positive impact on local communities, or where they can get actively involved in conservation projects or the preservation of natural environments. But it can also take other forms, including:

Goal-driven travel, where travellers aim to tick off bucket-list ambitions like cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats (LEJOG), seeing the Big 5 in the Kruger, hiking the Fish River Canyon, or completing a marathon in a special part of the world like the Petra Desert Marathon in Jordan.

Adventurous travel, where you get to do something a little out of the ordinary. Stehlik says their Buckler’s Africa Lodge by BON Hotels offers horseback riding, tiger fishing and quad biking – while at Shishangeni by BON Hotels guests can enjoy walking safaris in the bush, followed by dinner under the stars as well as immersive and interactive tours in the local community. A “GOAT” trip if there ever was one.

Health, wellbeing and self-improvement, for example, yoga and meditation workshops. South Africa has an enviable selection of retreats on offer, from art classes in Clarens, to mindfulness in Greyton, and even yoghurt and cheese-making courses along the Garden Route.

Pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago, Japan’s Kumano Ancient Trail or the Char Dham in India are expected to grow in popularity over the next few years. They’re an opportunity to step completely away from everyday life, connect with the great outdoors, and enter a world of self-reflection, self-discovery (especially if you’re tracing your roots), peace and solitude. In South Africa, you can find all this and more on a trek across the Karoo along the Tankwa Camino.

Solo trips, digital nomadism and the chance to work from anywhere in the world. According to Stehlik, BON properties which lend themselves beautifully to the ‘work from anywhere’ and ‘Bleisure’ trend, like the Royal Palm Hotel and Apartments by BON Hotels in Umhlanga, are proving popular with people who want to extend their stay and work in a productive, stress-free and beautiful environment.

Family reunions, reconnections and milestone moments have become really important, says Stehlik. “We know that purposeful travel also means that people are saving up, spending their hard-earned money, not to mention precious leave days, in order to finally reconnect with family and friends. And they’re doing it in style. Think family road trips that allow you to immerse yourself in local life, bush breaks with family-style accommodation where you can make unforgettable memories together.”

“Buckler’s Africa Lodge by BON Hotels,” says Stehlik, “offers luxury accommodation on the banks of the Crocodile River. The views are extraordinary, and you can while away happy hours watching wildlife from the pool deck. Beautiful rooms and suites are perfect for family members looking for privacy, while 2-bedroom family chalets are great for families looking for a self-catering option. Multi-generational travel is big, and it’s wonderful to see families reconnect at both Buckler’s Africa Lodge and Shishangeni by BON Hotels, our two private properties around the Kruger National Park.”

It’s important to note, says Stehlik, that accommodation is an important consideration in purposeful travel. “Obviously, you’ll be looking for new adventures and unique experiences, like a turtle safari along the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia. But guests are also making very considered choices when it comes to their stays. They expect real value for money, exceptional service, extras and amenities. These trips are all about enjoying life – and making every moment (and penny) count.”