The rand is at its most stable in years. Inflation is falling; load-shedding is gone. And somehow, South Africans are still waiting to book that trip.

They’re waiting for the rand to improve. Watching a fare, watching the currency, and watching both move in the wrong direction while the decision gets deferred for another month.

The rand is currently trading at around R16.43* to the US dollar, around R21.93* against the pound, and approximately R18.52* against the euro – a level that Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop describes as “relatively stable in light of the return to war in the Middle East,” supported by improving domestic fundamentals and foreign investor sentiment, as well as South Africa’s recent sovereign credit rating upgrade by S&P Global. Furthermore, the Government of National Unity has noticeably bolstered investor confidence, and National Treasury projects GDP growth of 1.6% in 2026, rising to 2% by 2028.

By South African standards, this is a reasonable place to be. The question is what to do with it.

“The travellers who get the best value understand that the rand rate is only one part of the equation,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “Flight prices and availability move independently of the currency, and in the current aviation environment, with capacity constrained and demand recovering strongly, the fare you’re watching today is not guaranteed to be there in 3 – 6 months’ time, regardless of what the rand is doing.”

What waiting actually costs you

Multiple analyst forecasts, including by The Economy Forecast Agency, suggest the rand could strengthen modestly over the next 12 months, potentially trading closer to R15.50 to R16.00 against the dollar by mid-2027. On a R20,000 trip, a R1.00 improvement in the rand-dollar rate saves you roughly R1,200, which sounds meaningful.

However, global airline operating expenses are growing at 13% year-on-year, driven largely by a 70% surge in jet fuel costs. Airlines are responding by narrowing the gap between their lowest and highest fares. The deep-discount inventory that once made last-minute or flexible booking viable is contracting and the fare floor is rising.

The question was never “is the rand strong enough?”. It’s “is the value available to me today better than the value I’m likely to find if I wait?” Right now, for many destinations, the honest answer is yes.

Where the rand goes further right now

For travellers whose priority is maximising what their money buys on the ground, the current environment offers some truly exciting options, particularly within Africa, where the rand’s relative strength against neighbouring currencies creates notable purchasing power.

Namibia is the most practical starting point. The Namibian dollar is pegged to the rand at 1:1, meaning your money goes exactly as far as it does at home, but your accommodation, activities, and food often cost considerably less than equivalent South African options, particularly for self-drive itineraries through the Namib Desert and Etosha.

Mozambique offers strong beach value without premium pricing. The metical has weakened against the rand over time, and for travellers driving to Ponta do Ouro or flying to Vilanculos, the on-the-ground costs remain among the most affordable of any Indian Ocean beach destination accessible to South Africans.

Thailand and Vietnam remain the benchmark for long-haul value, according to Turner. Both the Thai baht and Vietnamese dong offer favourable rates against the rand, and day-to-day costs, like accommodation, food, transport, and activities, are low enough that the return airfare is often the most significant expense of the entire trip.

Egypt and Turkey stand out for city-break value, with affordable accommodation, dining, and transport relative to European alternatives, and direct or straightforward routing from South Africa.

“The rand is stronger than the Indonesian rupiah, the Tanzanian shilling, and the Thai baht right now,” notes Turner. “For South Africans who are flexible on destination, that translates into tangible value on the ground, not just a favourable-looking exchange rate, but a trip that costs less to live once you arrive.”

The smarter question to ask

Flight Centre’s 2025 global PR survey found that 96% of South African travel intenders are actively adapting their plans to make travel more affordable. That instinct is right, but adaptation doesn’t mean waiting; it simply means choosing smarter.

Book when the value is real and available, and rely on a travel advisor who can tell you not just what a fare costs today, but what the total trip will cost once baggage fees, seat selection, and flexibility premiums are factored in. Understand that a stronger rand in six months’ time is a forecast, while the fare in front of you right now is a fact.

“The rand is behaving,” concludes Turner. “That’s not a guarantee of anything – currency markets never are. But it is an opportunity, and opportunities in travel, like fares, have a habit of disappearing while you’re still deciding whether to take advantage of them.”

*Exchange rates correct as of 16 October 2026.

Dubai is that stopover.

Flight Centre South Africa’s booking data shows uninterrupted month-on-month recovery since the March low caused by the US-Iran conflict, with bookings growing at roughly 40% per month across the recovery window.

The momentum is real, it is sustained, and it is accelerating.

“Emirates’ network is largely restored, access from South Africa has never been better, and Dubai has used its quieter period to reinvent itself,” says Euan McNeil, MD of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.

For travellers already planning long-haul journeys through Dubai, the case for turning that layover into something deliberate has never been stronger. But how much time do you have, and what should you be doing with it?

First, the practical bit: Visas and the Dubai Connect advantage

South Africans need a pre-approved UAE visa before flying. “The good news” says McNeil, “is it’s one of the more straightforward visa processes available to South Africans. The document requirements are minimal – a clear passport scan and a recent photograph – and standard processing takes just three to four working days, with urgent options available in 24 to 48 hours if you need it faster. A 96-hour transit visa, purpose-built for layover travellers, is available for US$49, allowing you to explore the city before continuing your journey.”

Emirates’ Dubai Connect programme offers eligible transit passengers with longer connection times complimentary hotel accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and visa support. If you’re booked on Emirates and your connection time is between eight and 26 hours, and no earlier connection is available on your itinerary, you may qualify. Book it at least 12 hours before your incoming flight, and Emirates will take care of the rest.

“Check your eligibility before you book. For travellers on longer itineraries, it transforms a long layover from a logistical inconvenience into a complimentary night in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities,” McNeil says.

Getting the timing right

Getting through immigration and out of Dubai International (DXB) typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Getting back to your gate requires you to be at the airport at least 90 to 120 minutes before your onward flight. Factor in 15 to 25 minutes each way to Downtown Dubai by taxi, or around 25 minutes on the Dubai Metro Red Line.

A note on traffic: the drive to central Dubai takes 15 to 25 minutes in normal conditions, but during morning rush hour (7:30 to 9:30am) and evening rush hour (5:00 to 8:30pm) along Sheikh Zayed Road, that can double. “Take the Metro during peak hours – it never gets stuck in traffic, and a single journey costs between AED 3 and AED 8.50. A one-day unlimited pass costs AED 22,” advises McNeil.

8 hours: The downtown run

This is the sweet spot for a first-time Dubai layover. Head straight to Downtown Dubai via the Metro Red Line or a taxi and keep it focused.

The Burj Khalifa is the obvious anchor. Stretching 828 metres, it remains the tallest building on earth, and the views from the observation deck are as arresting as every photograph suggests. Book your tickets online in advance to skip the queues.

Immediately below it, the Dubai Fountain puts on choreographed shows every 30 minutes from 6pm, set to a rotating programme of music that ranges from classical Arabic to contemporary pop. It’s free, it’s spectacular, and it takes about 15 minutes.

The Dubai Mall surrounds you on all sides: 1,200 stores, an indoor ice rink, a 10-million-litre aquarium, and enough food options to constitute a destination in their own right. Don’t try to see all of it. Pick a direction, walk, eat something good, and get back to the airport with time to spare.

One night: Old Dubai meets new

With a full evening and morning at your disposal, you can do something the 8-hour layover can’t: contrast.

Start in Old Dubai. A 10 to 15-minute taxi ride from the airport brings you to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, known for its wind-tower houses and narrow lanes. From there, take an abra (a traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek for AED 1, landing you in Deira’s Gold Souk and Spice Souk. The Gold Souk alone contains over 300 retailers and an estimated 10 tonnes of gold on display at any given time. From Old Dubai, head south to Downtown for the evening.

The next morning, consider visiting the Museum of the Future, a stunning torus-shaped building near the Burj Khalifa, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings on earth. It offers immersive exhibits about the coming decades that are worth the two hours they take. Book in advance.

Two nights: The full Dubai

Two nights transform the layover into a short break.

Add a desert safari to the itinerary above for an afternoon spent on the golden dunes, dune bashing in a 4×4, camel riding, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. Arabian Adventures runs excellent evening safaris that can be booked as a half-day, leaving your morning free for the city.

Dubai Marina deserves an evening. The waterfront is lined with restaurants at every price point, delivering views of the illuminated skyscrapers reflecting off the water, while a sunset dhow cruise along the canal gives you a different perspective of the city.

And then there’s what’s new. Khor Al Mamzar’s 500-million-dirham redevelopment has transformed the beloved beach destination into a 24-hour lifestyle hub, complete with a 300-metre night beach open around the clock, the region’s first floating walkway, a 3.6-kilometre swimming shoreline, and 19 food and beverage outlets.

If you’re staying in the airport

Not every layover allows for a city excursion, and if yours doesn’t, DXB is arguably the best airport in the world to be stuck in.

Terminal 3 alone contains a dedicated gaming lounge with PC and PlayStation consoles, a Fortnum & Mason store offering complimentary tea samples, a Dyson store offering complimentary hair styling, indoor Zen Gardens near Gates B7 and B11, and a Garrett Popcorn stand giving away samples of their gourmet popcorn.

The bottom line

Emirates is flying. Dubai has upgraded itself.

The gate change you’ve been sleeping through for years is ready to become the highlight of your trip. The only thing left to decide is how long to stay.

A growing number of applicants are receiving visas valid only for their exact travel dates, without any buffer for a delayed flight or flexibility if an itinerary changes.  

“We’re hearing this more and more from clients,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. “The assumption has always been that a well-documented application would come back with a visa valid for at least a few weeks beyond your travel dates, but that’s no longer a given.” 

A combination of factors, including higher application volumes and a sharper emphasis on preventing overstays, has pushed consulates toward issuing visas that match travel dates exactly, rather than granting the longer multi-entry visas that many South Africans have come to expect. 

“Your visa validity is also directly tied to your travel insurance coverage dates. Consulates usually won’t issue a visa that extends beyond your coverage period,” Ferguson-Nair explains.  

This gradual tightening has become the new normal, and the travellers who are adjusting their approach accordingly are the ones arriving in Europe without unnecessary stress. 

First-time applicants and repeat travellers need different strategies 

Not all Schengen applicants are in the same position, and the approach that makes sense for a first-time applicant is different from the one that works for someone with a solid European travel history. 

If this is your first Schengen visa, according to Ferguson-Nair, the most useful advice is to apply expecting an exact-date visa, document everything thoroughly, travel compliantly, and treat this trip as the foundation of a travel history that will work in your favour for every application that follows. The consulate is assessing risk. Your job is to make the case that you are a low-risk applicant – i.e. someone with strong ties to South Africa and no incentive to overstay. 

“The documents that carry the most weight at this stage are a solid employment letter (on official letterhead, signed by HR, explicitly stating your job title, salary, approved leave dates, and that you are expected back at work on a specific date), six months of clean, stable bank statements, and proof of property ownership or other long-term commitments in South Africa. The consulate needs to see that this country has a claim on you,” advises Ferguson-Nair.  

If you’re a repeat traveller, the formal framework known as the Visa Cascade system comes into play. Operated by the European Commission, it’s a structured approach that rewards compliant travel history with progressively longer visa validity. If you’ve used three Schengen visas lawfully within the past two years, you may already qualify for a one-year multi-entry visa. 

Ferguson-Nair explains that it’s a good idea to reference the Cascade framework in your cover letter, list your previous visa numbers, and make your case clearly.  

The documents and details that make a real difference 

Aside from the basics, there are a few specific steps that can meaningfully strengthen any Schengen application right now. 

• Rethink your travel insurance. Your policy must be valid from your exact departure date to your return date. Corporate travellers on annual or multi-trip policies should also note that a separate policy document still needs to be issued per trip – the existence of an annual policy alone is not sufficient for a visa application. Whichever policy type you hold, make sure it explicitly states €30,000 minimum medical coverage, is valid across all 29 Schengen states, and includes repatriation cover. Without these three elements, your application won’t clear the document-check stage, regardless of how strong everything else in your file is. 

• Be meticulous about your bank statements. Six months of statements carry significantly more weight than the minimum three. More importantly, be aware that any unexplained large deposits in the lead-up to your application will raise flags (regardless of how legitimate they are) because they suggest a financial profile that has been artificially bolstered for the purpose of the application. A consistent, stable income over time is far more persuasive. 

• Submit your expired passports alongside new applications. Old passports provide official proof of your past travel history, including previous visas and entry-exit stamps, which helps visa officers see that you respect travel rules and return home on time.  

“The visa landscape is more complex than it was even two or three years ago,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Requirements and processing times change, and the documentation that was sufficient for one application isn’t always sufficient for the next. While a good travel advisor cannot guarantee a visa outcome, they can ensure that everything within your control is as strong as it can possibly be, and that you’re not caught out by a detail you didn’t know to look for.” 

For South Africans with Europe on the horizon, that kind of informed preparation isn’t a luxury. Right now, it’s the difference between a straightforward application and an avoidable setback. 

“If a December trip is on the cards, now’s the time to start planning,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. “The rules and regulations have shifted a little this year, so chat to your travel advisor well in advance about what’s required to ensure there’s nothing that takes you by surprise.”

Thailand: The easy yes

Thailand is a destination you can almost taste. Lemongrass and chilli lift off street woks as you board a longtail boat to explore limestone coves. The Andaman Sea stays warm enough to swim at dusk, and an ice-cold Chang is waiting on the sand. One day you’re snorkelling off the Phi Phi Islands; the next you’re on the hunt for mango sticky rice at a night market that runs well past midnight.

It’s also one of the easiest long-haul trips South Africans can book, with no visa needed for a standard holiday, says Ferguson-Nair. The one thing to note is the length of stay: the 60-day visa-free window introduced in 2024 will soon revert to 30 days, which is plenty for most trips, though a longer stint means arranging a tourist visa before you leave. There’s also an online form, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (a mandatory entry and health declaration), that needs to be completed within three days prior to your scheduled arrival date in Thailand. Keep your return flights, accommodation, and proof of funds nearby in case immigration asks.

Bali: Worth a little prep

Bali works on you the moment you land. Terraced rice paddies, laid-back beaches, world-class surfing, temples, incense, and frangipani. Not to mention a plate of Nasi Goreng (Indonesia’s iconic fried rice dish) as the sun goes down.

The one thing to clear up: while Indonesia is not visa-free for South African passport holders, you can apply and pay online for the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA). Alternatively, you can still buy your visa at designated VoA counters in the arrival halls of Indonesian international airports or seaports (but you can’t use the fast e-Gates if you obtain your visa on arrival in person). It costs about IDR 500,000 (roughly R450 – R500, depending on the exchange rate) and covers 30 days.

Take note of two additional pieces of admin: Bali’s once-off tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately R150), paid online in advance, and the All Indonesia Arrival Card, a short form that gives you a QR code for the airport, completed no earlier than 72 hours before your scheduled arrival.

Japan: Worth the extra step

Japan changes with the seasons. Spring turns whole avenues soft pink with cherry blossom for a fortnight or so; winter promises skiing and snow festivals. Somewhere between those extremes are neon Tokyo nights and the calm of a Kyoto temple garden, a bullet train apart.

“Japan asks more of us than it does of most other visitors, but it rewards the effort,” says Ferguson-Nair. “We’ve always needed a visa, but, thankfully, South Africa qualifies for the Japan e-Visa, so it’s possible to apply online for a short-stay tourism visa of up to 90 days.”

One thing to budget for: from 1 July 2026, the single-entry visa fee rose from around ¥3,000 to about ¥15,000 (or just over R1,500 depending on the exchange rate), its first increase since 1978. Factor it in, apply a couple of weeks ahead for processing, and Japan is yours.

One more thing before you go…

There’s a new step on our side, too, and it applies wherever you’re headed. Since 1 July, everyone leaving or entering South Africa must complete the online SARS Traveller Declaration within 24 hours before departure. It’s a customs formality rather than a visa, it’s done on your phone, and it’s worth adding to the family checklist so nobody’s caught completing it in the queue.

Timing your December escape

As Ferguson-Nair explains, our long summer holidays land in the region’s peak weeks, so the earlier you book, the better the fares and the choice.

“December to February is Thailand’s dry, cool season and its finest stretch; for dependable beach days, the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi tends to beat Koh Samui, which can still see late rain. Bali stays warm through December, though it’s the wet season, with brief showers that clear quickly. Japan is a winter escape rather than a beach one, made for snow in the north, festive lights, and long soaks in a steaming onsen,” she says.

Keep a handle on the fine print

“The appeal of these destinations is stronger than ever, but the detail has changed ever so slightly,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Take note of visa windows, arrival cards, levies, and fees – or ask a travel advisor to take care of it on your behalf, so all you have to do is enjoy your holiday.”

Disruption has become a standard feature of modern travel rather than an exception.

“55% of South African travel intenders cited flight delays and cancellations as their biggest frustration in Flight Centre’s 2025 global PR survey, and checked baggage can often make the situation worse,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Flight Centre South Africa’s Customer Experience Manager.

“The financial incentives to check a bag are disappearing fast, too – airlines globally raked in $148.4 billion in ancillary revenue last year, a 26% year-on-year surge, with checked luggage fees doing a significant share of that heavy lifting. Never mind the fact that over 24 million checked bags were either lost, damaged, or delayed in 2025.”

Carry-on only used to be something backpackers did, but travel experts now agree it’s the smartest thing any traveller can do. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

First, the rules that changed in 2026

Here’s what’s new:

Power banks and spare batteries

You are now limited to a maximum of two spare power banks or loose lithium batteries per person. They are strictly banned in checked luggage and must be kept in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you to prevent hidden fire risks in overhead bins. And critically, you are no longer permitted to recharge your power bank or charge a device using a power bank while on board the aircraft.

The watt-hour rules

This is where most travellers get caught out. Check the watt-hour (Wh) rating on your devices before you pack:

• Under 100Wh: No restrictions. This covers most phones, tablets, and standard laptop batteries.
• 101Wh to 160Wh: You’ll need express approval from your airline before you travel. This typically applies to larger professional camera batteries and some medical devices.
• Over 160Wh: Banned on passenger aircraft entirely. No exceptions.

How to actually pack two weeks into a carry-on

Instead of planning by day – Monday’s outfit, Tuesday’s outfit – plan by item.

“Every piece you pack should work with at least three other pieces. That single discipline eliminates more dead weight than any compression cube ever will,” advises Ferguson-Nair.

The formula that works

For a two-week trip, a carry-on capsule wardrobe looks roughly like this:

• 4–5 tops
• 2–3 bottoms
• 1 dress or smart outfit if the trip requires it
• 1 light jacket or cardigan
• 2–3 pairs of shoes maximum
• 7–10 pairs of underwear and socks
• Sleepwear, swimwear, and workout gear only if you will actually use them

The key to making this work for two weeks rather than one is a mid-trip laundry wash. Pack a few lightweight laundry detergent sheets (they weigh almost nothing and dissolve in a hotel sink) and plan to wash clothes once around day seven. You’re effectively packing for seven days and wearing everything twice.

And remember, what’s on your body doesn’t count toward your bag weight, so wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane, along with your bulkiest jacket and any heavy layers.

The colour palette rule

Stick to three primary colours that all work together. When every top matches every bottom, you multiply your outfit combinations without adding a single item to your bag. A navy, white, and khaki palette, for example, gives you more combinations than a suitcase full of pieces that only work with specific partners.

The gear that makes it possible

Compression packing cubes are worth every cent. They organise your bag while reducing the volume of clothing by squeezing out excess air. Keep one cube strictly for electronics, cables, and documents so you can pull it out at security without unpacking everything else.

“One thing I always tell clients is to pack your backpack or handbag as if it’s the only bag you have. Essentials, one change of clothes, your valuables, your documents. That way, if your carry-on gets gate-checked, you still have everything you need under the seat in front of you,” advises Ferguson-Nair.

Travel light. Move fast. Stay in control.

Packing light used to be a compromise, but in 2026, it truly is a competitive advantage. Thankfully, none of the above is complicated – it just requires intention rather than defaulting to the large suitcase out of habit.

The battery regulations are a five-minute read before your next trip. The capsule wardrobe takes one afternoon to build properly and works indefinitely. The airline allowance research takes ten minutes and can save you a great deal of money.

“The travellers who feel most in control at airports are the ones who made a decision before they left home to not let their luggage make decisions for them. That’s it. That’s the whole secret to stress-free travel,” Ferguson-Nair concludes.

According to Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa, the Spanish capital delivers everything its more famous counterparts do, at a comparatively lower price point.

“With its lived-in, breathed-in authenticity, Madrid offers a fresh direction for local travellers seeking an international trip that won’t break the bank. From affordable, multi-course menú del día meals at local restaurants to free entry at various landmarks and museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía during selected hours, there are plenty of ways to experience this city without overspending.”

Add to that world-class festivals, football fever and the Spanish Grand Prix, and it’s easy to see why Madrid deserves the top spot on your European travel wish list.

Eat like a local Madrileño

When King Philip II moved his court to the then sleepy town of Madrid in 1561, the city had to be fed. Vast supply routes across the provinces shaped Madrid into the heart of the Spanish Empire and laid the foundation for its gastronomic heritage.

“Spain’s five-meal-a-day culture is deeply rooted in Madrid, where seasonal ingredients and communal dining remain central traditions that resonate with South Africans,” says Ferguson-Nair.

The city’s markets near Plaza Mayor remain the best way to experience its culinary soul. Start with bocadillo de calamares, Madrid’s iconic fried squid sandwich, then head to Chocolatería San Ginés, the city’s oldest churrería, serving churros and decadent hot chocolate since 1894.

Insider tip: Recognised by Guinness World Records, Madrid’s Sobrino de Botín is the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving wood-fired suckling pig and classic Castilian flavours since 1725.

Something for the football fans

Madrid is a city of beautiful contradictions, home to three acclaimed art institutions (the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza), yet equally magnetic for football fans.

“It’s a place where footballs fly off stone walls as children swarm church squares. Madrid’s sports culture captures our South African imagination and love of outdoor games,” says Ferguson-Nair.

La Liga season officially concluded in May, but there are plenty of open parks across the city featuring caged pitches (pistas) where you can catch local games happening organically.

Insider tip: The Santiago Bernabéu’s Real Madrid Museum showcases the club’s sporting legacy year-round.

A rewarding events calendar

Other than football, Madrid’s events calendar delivers the Spanish Grand Prix, running 11–13 September, and JAZZMADRID26, an international jazz festival running through October and November.

“For surf-minded travellers, September to November marks peak swell season along the Basque Country and Cantabria coastlines. It’s just a four-to-five-hour drive or a short domestic flight from Madrid.”

Insider tip: Build an itinerary around one anchor festival and use Madrid’s central location to explore outward from there. The city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to bypass paid transport for short distances.

Book early; travel smart

With the rand remaining sensitive to global currency fluctuations, locking in flights and accommodation early is one of the smartest decisions a South African traveller can make.

“We always encourage travellers to book ahead,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Currency movements can significantly affect what a holiday costs by the time you travel. Getting in early protects your budget and your peace of mind.”

Madrid is ready. The only question is how soon you can get there.

That shift in mindset – more value-conscious and more willing to ask whether the obvious choice is actually the best one – is exactly the right lens through which to look at Time Out’s 2026 Best Cities ranking. Built on the responses of more than 24,000 locals across 150 cities worldwide, it is the most resident-informed ranking of its kind. And what it reveals, for South African travellers open to looking beyond their usual itineraries, is a set of destinations that deliver extraordinary experiences at a fraction of the cost of the cities that typically dominate South African booking patterns.

Cape Town’s sixth-place ranking (above Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, and Singapore) is proof that South Africans already know what world-class looks like. The question is whether they’re finding it when they travel.

“Right now, South Africans are asking better questions before booking,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “They want to know that their money is really working for them – not just that a destination is popular, but that it will actually deliver value. The cities that come up again and again in that conversation are often not the ones people expected to be considering.”

Porto, ranked 17^th in the world, is one of them. 80% of its residents describe it as “welcoming” and “friendly”. 99% say it’s “cheap to grab a coffee”. Portugal remains one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe, and the city rewards exactly the kind of unhurried, exploratory travel that South Africans are increasingly drawn to. It is also, for those who have already done Lisbon, a revelation: smaller and considerably more characterful.

Edinburgh, ranked 3^rd globally, is the city that consistently surprises South Africans who expected to love London more. It scored the joint-highest walkability rating of any city surveyed, a 94% approval rating for its food scene, and 91% of its residents report finding genuine joy in their everyday lives there. It is also accessible on existing routes through London or Amsterdam without adding significant travel time or cost.

Kraków, ranked 16^th, is the most compelling value proposition in Europe for South African travellers right now. Retaining its own currency (the Polish złoty) rather than using the Euro, it provides a high-standard, UNESCO-protected historic experience at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe or Eurozone hotspots. Plus, its 87% food scene approval rating and its extraordinary walkability make it a destination that delivers on every measure that matters.

Marrakech, ranked 24^th, is rated by 82% of its residents as a city with a strong sense of community and offers an exciting cultural shift without having to cross into a totally unfamiliar time zone. Just an hour behind South African time, it delivers the immersion of a genuinely different culture with almost no adjustment on arrival, making it a rewarding choice for anyone after a proper change of scene. Just plan ahead, because if you don’t hold one of the pre-qualifying visas (for example, US, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, or the UAE) you will need to apply directly to the Embassy of Morocco in Pretoria.

None of these cities are obscure. They’re simply underleveraged, chosen less frequently than their quality and affordability warrants. In a year when South African travellers are being more intentional about every rand they spend on travel, that gap between what’s popular and what’s truly worth it is worth closing.

“When budgets are tighter and the world feels less predictable, the instinct is often to book what you know. But the real value in travel right now isn’t necessarily where it always used to be,” says Turner.

“The lesser-known cities on Time Out’s list are not consolation prizes for travellers who couldn’t afford somewhere better. They are, by the measure of the people who live in them, among the most rewarding places on earth. They simply require someone who knows that… and knows how to get you there,” she concludes.

Here are the non-negotiables for 2026 holiday travel:

1. Buy comprehensive travel insurance. Then actually read the Ts&Cs. “Honestly, it’s the best booking decision you’ll make,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. “Unspecified event cover is often included if you purchase cover within 24-72 hours of your trip being booked. Talk to your travel advisor about the right cover for your trip at the point of booking, and don’t leave it for later. It shouldn’t be an afterthought.”
2. Lock in your fare now, even if you’re travelling next year. “Our advice at the moment is simple: Book early, pay now, stay flexible,” says Ferguson-Nair. “You can book today’s prices for travel up to 12 months out, which means you can snap up the deals Middle Eastern carriers are offering right now and worry about packing later.”
3. Ask about an airline’s date-change policy. Change fees and flexibility can shift, and in some cases paying a once-off change fee works out cheaper than booking a fully flexible fare from the start. Always ask – and compare – before you book.
4. Always compare the total ticket cost, not the headline price. Fuel surcharges, flexibility and ancillaries can quietly pile up, so always compare apples with apples, says Ferguson-Nair. “In the current climate, we recommend paying a little more for flexibility. It can save you money in the long run.”
5. Quote and ticket on the same day. Fares are moving really quickly right now, and a quote held overnight can vanish by breakfast, so if you’re happy with the price, secure it.
6. Check your passport before you do anything else. Most destinations require at least six months’ validity (from your return date) and two blank pages, so check your passport first, then book. Ditto for visa requirements.
7. Travel “carry-on only” wherever possible. With some airlines raising checked baggage fees to offset rising fuel costs, a cabin-ready wheelie bag at your side saves money, time at the carousel, and a great deal of stress if your flight is suddenly delayed or rerouted. And if you do find yourself sprinting to a service desk to sort out a grounded flight, at least your bag is coming with you.
8. Pack light. Really light. Sudoku, packing cubes, or military rolls – pick your weapon. We all know we’ll be wearing the same two outfits on rotation, so why are we pretending otherwise?
9. Wear your bulkiest items onto the plane. Boots, puffers, and your heaviest jersey all count as free luggage when they’re on your body, and the cabin gets cold enough that you’ll thank yourself later.
10. Remember an in-flight essentials kit. A spare pair of undies, a toothbrush, contact lens solution, phone charger, a change of top, and any prescription medication should always travel on your person, not in the hold.
11. Bring an empty, refillable water bottle. Fill it past security at any refill station and you’ll skip the airport mark-up entirely, plus you’ll stay properly hydrated on the flight.
12. Download the airline app before you leave home. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the app will keep you up to speed and in the know.
13. Better still: save your Travel Expert’s 24-hour support number to your phone. If things go awry, you want a friendly, efficient human on the other end of the line. Same goes for your travel insurance and your hotel.
14. Know the new power bank rules before you fly. Since 27 March 2026, ICAO rules limit passengers to two power banks in the cabin and ban charging them during the flight, with some carriers (Emirates among them) capping it at one. Never put a power bank in checked luggage or the overhead bin. These devices belong under the seat in front of you, where cabin crew can reach them fast if needed.
15. Ignore “airport theory” no matter how convincing the TikTok. The trend that challenges travellers to get from the airport entrance to the departure gate in 15 minutes or less is a great way to miss your flight, especially with current security wait times.

A bit of homework at the booking stage, a sense of humour at the airport, and a wheelie bag you can actually lift, and festive season travel is yours for the taking!

“Be it Bafana Bafana, the Proteas, or the Springboks, our sheer love of the game and unyielding appetite for gees continues to mobilise us,” says Antoinette Turner, GM at Flight Centre South Africa.

That sentiment applies to the upcoming Emirates Dubai Sevens, taking place from the 27^th to the 29^th of November 2026. With interest building ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, this event, combining elite rugby, cricket, netball, and padel in a destination that does it all, is firmly on the radar. For anyone who has been saying they will get to Dubai eventually, this is the reason to finally go.

According to Flight Centre data, Dubai bookings amongst South African travellers jumped 83% between March and April, rose a further 31% in May, and grew another 14% in June. By the end of June, bookings had recovered to almost three times March levels. In short, the city’s revival is most certainly underway.

With local sports fans frothing for their next fix and confidence in Dubai travel officially climbing, here’s everything you need to know to time your trip with the Emirates Dubai Sevens.

More than just rugby

The Emirates Dubai Sevens has evolved into one of the Middle East’s largest multi-sport festivals, with fan villages, entertainment zones, and live concerts extending the experience well beyond the pitch. More importantly, for savvy South African travellers, it’s the centrepiece of a broader holiday opportunity.

“This is a chance to build an entire trip around a world-class sporting event during the best time of year to be in Dubai,” says Turner. “November brings warm days, comfortable evenings, and ideal conditions for exploring TopGolf, Deep Dive Dubai, and Danube Sports World.”

For those eager to lace up, the Dubai Run, the world’s largest free community run, takes place on 22 November. This annual mass-participation event, which welcomed over 307,000 participants last year, transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into a car-free running track, taking runners past iconic landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa.

The booking window matters

One of the most common mistakes sports tourists make is assuming they can organise everything closer to departure.

“Large-scale sporting events create concentrated demand, and the Dubai Sevens is no different,” says Turner. “Thousands of people are heading to the same destination on the same dates, so travellers who book early get more choice, better pricing, and accommodation closer to the event.”

For South Africans, Dubai appears deceptively easy to organise independently. The city is well developed, and information is widely available online. However, Turner highlights that major events are one of the areas where booking online independently can leave you exposed.

“Flights, hotels, transfers, travel insurance, and visa requirements all need to align around fixed dates, and if something goes awry, having an expert in your corner matters.”

She offers this specific note on visas: “South African passport holders are still required to obtain a pre-approved United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourist visa, usually processed within 3 – 5 working days. Recent reports about UAE visa-on-arrival arrangements apply only to South African nationals residing abroad who meet specific qualifying requirements, not to those travelling directly from South Africa for leisure.”

Preparing for potential travel shifts

Considering recent disruptions, the Emirates Dubai Sevens organisers are continuously monitoring the regional situation in consultation with local authorities. A formal review takes place during the week of 12 October 2026. Full refunds are available if the event is cancelled entirely, or if a participating team’s country issues official travel advice between 12 and 16 October 2026.

“What’s encouraging is travellers showing a willingness to book ahead,” says Turner. “Flight Centre’s share of Dubai bookings for 2027 departures increased from just 1.5% in March and April to 5.4% in May and 3.4% in June. Still a relatively small portion of overall bookings, but people committing more than a year out tells us something real about where confidence sits right now.”

Turner highlights Flight Centre’s Dubai holiday packages carrying a Moneyback Guarantee. Should plans change, travellers can cancel more than 24 hours before check-in for a full refund, no questions asked.

“The Dubai Sevens has evolved into a complete travel experience, and the key to making the most of it really is to cover all your bases and start planning sooner than you may think,” says Turner. “As the FIFA World Cup recently proved, you’ve got to be ‘Rassie-level’ organised to execute a holiday centred around a major sporting event. Book too late, and you pay for it. Flights dry up. Accommodation prices climb. Securing event tickets is only one part of the puzzle,” she concludes.

Search “hotel safety tips” and women across the web have plenty to share: packing a rubber doorstop to wedge under the door at night; choosing a room between the third and sixth floors; selecting hotels with lifts that need key card access to reach the guest floors; asking reception to hand over the key quietly, without calling out the room number for everyone to hear.

It’s an unfortunate reality. Either consciously or subconsciously, women move through life on high alert, aware of their surroundings and safety – especially when travelling on their own or in unfamiliar destinations.

As Judy Jacobs, Senior Account Manager at FCM South Africa, explains, safety on a business trip, especially for women, isn’t a nice-to-have that sits somewhere below room rate and location; it’s at the very top of the list, and an important part of any hotel programme.

“Both hotel location and room location come up often,” says Jacobs. “The preference is for a mid-level floor, near a lift but not right beside it, and avoiding a stairwell or the end of a long corridor. Once inside the room, the requests are practical: a safe large enough for a laptop, blackout curtains that close fully, and no interleading door, which many women find unsettling.”

What women want

According to the team at FCM, these hotel features are important:

• Reputable chains in safe locations
• Well-lit paths from the car park to the entrance, with no dark stretches within the property
• A genuine 24-hour staffed front desk rather than a night porter (where possible)
• Female staff on duty
• Key card room access
• A room between the 3^rd and 6^th floors (high enough to prevent break-ins from the ground – but within reach of a standard fire truck in case of emergency)
• A working peephole and a secondary lock, swing bar or security chain on the door
• An in-room safe big enough to hold a laptop
• Blackout curtains or blinds that close completely
• No interleading door, or one that locks securely from both sides

Building it into travel policy

Of course, a hotel should meet other standards too, including emergency procedures clearly displayed in rooms, working smoke detectors and fire safety equipment, CCTV in public areas and entrances, and security guards on the premises. The trick is building it into your travel policy.

“Many of our customers, for example, those in the mining sector, have stringent travel, safety, and duty-of-care standards. These non-negotiable requirements directly influence which hotel and accommodation suppliers are considered suitable for their travellers,” says Saskia Fourie, Account Manager at FCM South Africa. “Wherever possible, we also encourage the use of our preferred hotel partners. While these partnerships offer commercial benefits, the bigger advantage is that the properties have already undergone a degree of vetting and due diligence. We have established relationships with these suppliers, understand their standards, and have clear escalation channels should issues arise. This level of familiarity and accountability enables us to better support our customers, ensure compliance with their travel and safety policies, and provide travellers with a safe and consistent experience.”

Regional knowledge is also important. For example, key card-only lift and floor access is standard in large city hotels but not always feasible elsewhere. The same goes for monitored rather than merely recorded CCTV. A good travel management company will know which standards a hotel in a given location can realistically deliver – and how to spot the red flags.

For Jacobs, these might be dismissive responses to security questions, “that’s never happened here” deflection, inconsistent messaging from staff, or common areas that feel poorly lit, unmaintained or deserted at night.

“Thankfully, there are plenty of green flags too. For example, visible but not intrusive security; staff who share direct ‘in-case-of-emergency’ telephone numbers; staff who are quick to respond to a guest’s requests or concerns; and other business travellers staying in the hotel, which demonstrates corporate confidence,” says Jacobs.

Asking the right questions

When negotiating a hotel agreement, you need to ask the right questions: What is the hotel’s protocol if a guest reports feeling unsafe or harassed, and how quickly does it respond? How does the property keep the guest’s information secure (including floor and room number)? What background checks are run on staff, particularly night and maintenance teams who can access rooms? And can room assignments avoid predictable patterns, such as always placing solo travellers in the same wing?

The strongest programmes then go a step further and put agreements in writing. These might include the right to change rooms at no charge if a traveller feels unsafe, and a set window in which any incident is reported to the company or its TMC. As Jacobs puts it, “It’s easy to assume a hotel or chain’s standards cover this, but having it contractually documented gives us recourse and shows the hotel we’re serious.”

Finally, listen to your travellers.

As Nomapelo Kova, Senior Account Manager at FCM South Africa, points out, the people using your hotel programme are the ones best placed to tell you whether it is working. “The most valuable feedback often comes directly from travellers themselves,” she says. “They experience a hotel’s safety and security first-hand, so listening to them, and acting on what they say, is how a hotel programme stays up to date, reliable and safe.”