5 places South Africans are travelling to this summer

THE travel forecast for the South African summer is looking up now that most countries have reopened their borders. And it seems the South African demand to travel to international destinations is rising fast.

According to Cheapflights’ data, searches for flights were up by about 240% month-on-month in October. The travel site found that flights within Africa for the summer tripled in the past month, rising by about 276%. Searches for flights to Europe were up by approximately 65% compared to the same period in 2019.

Much of this may have to do with the reasonable flight fares. Cheapflights revealed that flight prices dropped by one-fourth (-26%) on average compared to 2019.

Here are the destinations South African travellers want to see and how much it would cost: India

India has long been a bucket-list destination for South African travellers. Known for its culture and cuisine, India offers striking landmarks, friendly locals, and so much more.

Cheapflights data show a drastic jump in year-on-year searches from South Africa. In 2021, they are up by approximately 92%.

Flights start from R16 400.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is also a favourite for South African travellers. Cheapflights recorded a 677% increase in flight searches from South Africa to

Zimbabwe compared to 2019. Visit Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.

Or explore the nature reserves, especially Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.

Flights start from R3 800, down by around 28% compared to 2019.

UK

The searches for flights to the UK have increased by 77% compared to 2019. After South Africa was removed from the UK Red List in October, many South Africans booked flights to see loved ones or explore the UK’s stunning scenery and landmarks.

If you visit, explore famed attractions like Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Stonehenge, the London Eye, Edinburgh Castle, Windsor Castle and national parks. Or move off the beaten path and explore small towns like Warwick and Rye in England, Cushendall in Northern Ireland and Plockton in Scotland.

Cheapflights revealed that flight prices are about 10% lower now than in 2019. Flights start from R10 200.

US

The US reopened to vaccinated South African travellers this month. Cheapflights said flight searches have increased by about 55% compared to 2019.

Travellers to the US have plenty to keep them occupied, whether they want to explore the national parks, head to Los Angeles or New York, or take a road trip to Las Vegas.

Travellers can also visit the lesser explored attractions like The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, Lincoln City in Oregon, or Carova Beach in North Carolina. According to Cheapflights, flight prices have decreased by 18%.

Flights start from R14 150.

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become top destinations for South African travellers. Dubai, in particular, lures guests with its world-class shopping, soaring buildings, tantalising cuisine, and a wide array of tourist activities.

Cheapflights said October searches for flights to the UAE during the summer season increased by around 175% compared to 2019, with searches for flights to Dubai rising by about 64%. Flights start from R7 500.

*Please note that flight prices are ever changing and can increase at any time.