Top destinations to visit for South Africans in 2018 & a sneak peak into Travel Start's

South Africa’s version of Sky Scanner – Travel Start has continuously prided itself in offering flight deals that are easy on the pockets through all major airlines.

Last year we found this cheerful fun-filled company release its Blue Monday Sales campaign in an effort to help individuals afford to travel to their dream destinations on all popular flight routes. The campaign was a success and left individuals feeling like they were Charlie in the Chocolate Factory who just got their hands on the golden ticket. They took the blue out of a Monday, and I personally couldn’t imagine starting my week any better way. Travel dreams were becoming a reality for South Africans who previously thought that it was unaffordable. Having traveled often, I never seem to lose that excitement that floods over me each time I book a ticket.

This time around they are at it again. To commemorate their upcoming birthday, they are having attractive birthday sales on International, Domestic, and Regional flights with all major airlines between the 27 – 31st of August.

So if you missed out on their previous Blue Monday Sales, be sure to take advantage of this upcoming one. Now you have no excuse to not join me on my country-hopping adventures. You can find out more information here.

So….where are we going to go?

Accordingly, to statistics drawn from more than 800 000 individuals who booked trips through the travel start platform, these are a few of the top travel destinations that South Africans are traveling to. Could it be that these travelers found that traveling to these destinations could stretch our South African Rand? Just maybe!

Zimbabwe

South Africa | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

For the first time, Zimbabwe comes in as the number 1 International destination, pushing London and Namibia down a few slots. It is evident why the World of Wonders has fast become a South African favorite.

Home to the natural world wonder of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a destination that will get you outdoors and immersed in nature.

The diverse landscapes provide wonderful wildlife encounters and its 5 UNESCO World Heritage sights will leave you speechless. It is a world of unrivaled natural beauty and cultural diversity which is evident through its friendly people who speak 16 different official languages.

London (UK)

London | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

October in South Africa is going to be an exciting month, as British Airways will be launching direct flights between Durban and London marking the first time that three of South Africa’s largest airports are served with non-stop connections to Heathrow at the same time.

London will always be an important tourism and business air route for South Africans and British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and SAA have increased their capacity for this route.

One of the world’s most visited cities, London has something for everyone. I have always seen London as a city where you can be whoever you really want to be without judgment. It is an accepting city with a nice fusion of nearly every other culture in the world. It has some of the best sights, attractions, and activities that will get you busy indefinitely.

Windhoek (Namibia)

South Africa | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Namibia has always been one of those places that I have always dreamed of visiting. It’s a photographer’s paradise, yet embarrassingly haven’t found myself there yet. It’s a world of its own and has a true sense of unity in diversity amongst the 11 major ethnic groups. There is no other country in Africa that can match its sheer natural beauty. It is considered as being 4 countries in one because of its 4 natural landscapes each with its own characteristics and its attractions.

The migrating dune belts, dry riverbeds, canyons, and the Kalahari Desert is what has gotten me so excited to visit. There is something so incredibly special about the red sand dunes and having nothing else around.

Mauritius

Image credits: Nicolette Andrews & Angelica Aurel from Picture This Photography.

This high-end tropical island nation has been one of South Africa’s preferred honeymoon destinations for many years and it still ranks top on the flight charts.

In just a little under a 4-hour flight, you can find yourself on the paradise island of Mauritius. It will enchant you and up feed your soul. The locals from the island of peace are friendly and behind each smile that comes your way lies the promise of a unique holiday. The beauty of Mauritius is unsurpassed. It poses a wide range of attractions from calm postcard turquoise seas, unique wildlife, wild waterfalls and white sand beaches, and lush forests.

Hotels are 5* meeting European standards and their beach settings offer couples romance in a fairytale atmosphere.

New York City (U.S.A.)

New York | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Despite being a 16-hour direct flight away from South Africa, New York has become a top 5 contender for the first time in 2018.

I am excited to see that my favorite city in the world has made it to the list. It is a year-round destination with each season having something special to offer the visitor.

At daybreak, NY’s streets are a wanderer delight with cutting-edge art galleries with myriad exhibition spaces, architectural treasures, trend-setting cafes, enticing boutiques, gourmet food trucks, or posh restaurants serving seasonal cuisine.

NY embraces 200 plus nationalities with every neighborhood offering dramatically different versions of the city.

At nightfall, the buildings illuminate transforming NY into one grand stage. Its arts scene is hip and happening, and Broadway theatre shows a side, it is a city filled with world-class musicians, dancers, opera productions, improv comedy, indie cinema and so much more. If you can imagine it, it is probably happening.

It’s a place you won’t find yourself getting bored in. I have visited 6 times, and I have only scratched the service of what to see.

If traveling abroad is not part of your budget right now why don’t you consider either one of these Top 5 domestic destinations:

 Cape Town

 Durban

 Port Elizabeth

 Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo Airport & Lanseria)

I will be traveling to the Eastern Cape & Cape Town this coming November and for Christmas, I will be in London. I hope that through both of our travels, we are able to bump into each other along the way!

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