Our top tips for the ultimate staycation

At the beginning of October some international borders were opened, but after an especially difficult year for our country’s tourism sector, SA Tourism is encouraging South Africans to consider travelling within their own country. You know what that means, right? It’s time to plan the ultimate staycation and your next road trip!

SA Tourism recently released a statement saying nearly 440,000 tourism jobs are at risk this year. The sector is expected to lose 75% of projected revenues and R80-billion in foreign income. This is a trend that follows global tourism stats - when the world ground to a virtual standstill in May due to coronavirus lockdowns, international tourist numbers collapsed by 98 per cent compared to 2019, according to new figures from the World Tourism Organization.

Besides supporting our local tourism sector, many people are opting for domestic travel because of the fear of falling ill in a foreign country or being forced into mandatory quarantine when they return home.

Summer is here, it’s just different this year. So, whether your staycation includes local experiences like day trips and weekend retreats, or a bigger road trip to another South African destination, remember that your ultimate goal is to take a break from day-to-day life and the stress of 2020.

Below are our top tips for planning the ultimate staycation:

• Depending on your budget, plan to stay at home with regular day trips close to where you are, visiting new restaurants or local sites. Or, if you’re looking for a longer road trip, do some research online because you should be able to get some good deals from establishments looking to attract local tourists. You might even find a bargain for a one-night stay in that swanky hotel right around the corner!

• This is especially important if you choose to stay home. Staycation rules of engagement you might want to adopt include no work for a certain period, limited housework (now is not the time to spring clean, it’s time to relax), there must be a change to your normal routine, sleep is a priority and daytime cocktails are a must!

• Do some research to identify areas close to the typical hotspots, where you can holiday away from the maddening crowds. Remember, the more people you encounter, the higher your chance of being infected with Coronavirus.

• Get off the highway and explore the winding back roads to get to your destination. Be flexible and stop whenever you spot something interesting – become a local explorer.

• Get into nature and explore some of South Africa’s many spectacular hiking and cycling trails. It’s easy to apply social distancing rules when you’re out on the trails.

• Consider your vehicle: Love your car and it will take you anywhere! If you’re planning on doing a long road trip, it’s a good idea to make sure your car services are up to date. With a Service Plan through MotorHappy this is always possible – our easy monthly payments and reminder service help ensure your car is always serviced on time by qualified and reliable technicians. Before you hit the road, fill up your windscreen wiper fluid, check your windscreen wipers and make sure your tyres are in good shape (don’t forget your spare tyre). In case of a breakdown, it’s handy to know that a Service Plan through MotorHappy includes towing, overnight accommodation, car hire, fuel run, jump start and locksmith services. Click here to get a quick online quote.