Why winter getaways hit different
Summer often steals the spotlight when it comes to booking holidays, but winter in South Africa deserves a standing ovation of its own. While many of us tend to retreat indoors clutching hot water bottles and dodging the cold like the tax man, winter is actually prime time for local travel. Think fewer crowds, wide open spaces, and prices that won’t make your wallet weep. It’s the underrated season with serious main-character energy.
Nick Dickson, group custodian at Dream Hotels & Resorts, says “South African winters are some of the best times to get out the house and do some travel. It’s not as hot and you’re looking at rates that are at least 10% lower – more if you book directly. That’s money back in your pocket which means you can splurge on bucket list activities at your destination.”
Beyond price, there are several reasons why going on that dreamy bush getaway or popping into a beach cottage is way better in June than it is December:
Fight the winter funk
Everyone goes through that mid-winter slump when the couch starts to feel like an emotional support companion. However, research shows that taking a trip can help reset both your mood and sleep patterns. Almost 54% of people feel emotionally uplifted while traveling, and 73% return with improved sleep and energy levels. In other words, winter holidays can be like therapy, but with better scenery and lots more carbs!
Peace, quiet and zero elbowing through crowds
Winter is the perfect time for introverts and anyone who has experienced the chaos of a busy beach on Christmas Day. There are no crowds, no long queues, no overbooked accommodations, and no conflicts over beach umbrellas. Instead, you can enjoy the open road and the peace of not having to shout over a crowd of sunburned strangers just to place a cocktail order.
If you’re looking for a true European-style winter wonderland, you can always visit Little Switzerland. Tucked away in the heart of the Drakensberg, it offers cozy log cabins, stunning mountain views, and a charming atmosphere that might just make you want to fully embrace the beauty of the mountains.
Nature’s best kept secret
Winter is a standout season for animal lovers. The cooler temperatures make game drives more enjoyable, and the less dense bush makes wildlife spotting much easier. Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards are more active during the day when it’s cooler meaning you don’t also need to get up at the crack of dawn to tick them off your bucket list.
Just 90 minutes from Johannesburg, you can visit Finfoot Lake Reserve, where you can enjoy canoeing, game drives, a spa, and the serene beauty of nature. With daytime winter temperatures ranging from a comfortable 18°C to 25°C, you can leave the heavy layers behind and soak up the sunshine while still enjoying that crisp, refreshing air.
Additionally, winter offers unique experiences that summer can’t match, such as whale watching and the spectacular Namaqualand flower bloom. Just picture yourself sipping coffee while a whale breaches in the distance or being surrounded by vibrant wildflowers that appear almost like they’re adorned with makeup.
Why stay local? Because it makes sense
Domestic travel is not only convenient, but it is also more affordable and environmentally friendly. It’s especially manageable if your budget is tailored for Cyril’s everchanging economy. Additionally, short breaks mean more holidays throughout the year, not fewer.
“Traveling locally allows you to take more breaks without straining your finances. This is beneficial for your wallet, your mental health, and your carbon footprint,” Says Dickson. Additionally when South Africans choose to travel locally and fill up our homegrown spots, it allows the opportunity to feed that money back into the communities that make those experiences possible, keeping rands in the country and helping grow our economy from the ground up.
Instead of viewing winter as a three-month hardship, consider it a great opportunity to experience South Africa when it is most peaceful, affordable, and free of crowds. So, book that trip, take the drive, and remember, you deserve holidays that don’t come with sunburn and debt.
Click. Book. Go. It’s that simple.
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