Booking a holiday does not need to cost an arm and a leg in a tight economy.  Knowing where to start your search is half the battle won when you’re planning a budget-friendly getaway.  Chubb Travel Insurance offers a few options in your search.

• Local is Lekker
  Local remains a firm favourite with a vast array of camping, self-catering and B&B spots to choose from throughout the country.  Whether you are planning a lazy drive along the Cape wine route, a beach holiday along the Kwazulu-Natal coast, a trip to the Drakensburg mountains or the Kruger National Park, South Africans are spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful spots on our doorstep.   Visit websites and user-reviews and remember to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.  

• Africa
  Countries on the African continent are vastly underrated with many possible options that will not break the bank.  Advantages are plentiful, with the Rand exchange rate being in our favour in addition to many countries not requiring a Visa. Our beautiful continent is home to some of the world’s  most spectacular spots - Victoria Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Okavango, the pyramids of Egypt, Namibia, Kenya, Zanzibar.   

• Europe
  You would be forgiven for thinking that Europe is off the budget holiday list, but it need not be if you are willing to venture outside the top locations.  Countries such as Ireland, Latvia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Russia are refreshingly affordable with some destinations not requiring a visa for South African visitors.  Check the Rand exchange rate to identify possible options and read up on local destinations and attractions that are worth a visit.  You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. 

• Asia
  The Asian continent is also worth a look with various exotic locations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and China, proving to be very cost-effective.  Flights become a bit more expensive the further away from home you venture, so take that into consideration when evaluating your options.  

• The Americas
  Darting across the South Atlantic Ocean to South America could be something you might  never consider, but culturally diverse and vibrant countries such as Brazil and Columbia can be  well within a budget holidaymaker’s price range.  Brazil is another pearl that doesn’t require a visa for South African visitors in addition to the exchange rate being in our favour.

Do your homework thoroughly and you’ll be surprised at what you may find for your next budget holiday booking.  And remember to take travel insurance. Besides providing an essential lifeline should you face a medical emergency while travelling, travel insurance will come to the rescue should you be in the unfortunate position of having to replace a lost or stolen passport, claim for necessary items if you are out of pocket as a result of delayed luggage, or require financial relief should your baggage go on a trip of its own.   

With all your preparations done, you can look forward to an exotic, budget-friendly trip filled with the making of amazing memories.  For more travel tips visit www.chubbtravelinsurance.co.za