The landscape of travel is evolving as South Africans increasingly choose longer and more enriching holidays, reflecting a clear move towards multi-destination adventures.
According to the latest data from Flight Centre South Africa, the average length of trips has risen from 14.7 days during the festive season of 2023/2024 to 16.2 days for the upcoming 2024/2025 festive period.
This shift signifies a desire not only for extended time away but also a change in how many want to experience their journeys.
In this era of wanderlust, the notion of “slow travel” is appealing to some, encouraging them to settle in one idyllic location to relish the surroundings.
However, others yearn to cram as much adventure into their itineraries as possible, seeking diverse experiences that enrich their travels.
Sue Garrett, General Manager of Supply, Pricing, and Marketing at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, identifies this trend as an exciting development in the travel industry.
“Multi-destination travel promises many perks, including experiencing the highlights of several locations at a much lower cost,” Garrett noted.
“Whether you’re breaking up a long-haul trip to refresh and explore a stopover city or planning an adventure packed with diverse sights, a well-planned multi-destination journey is both practical and an exhilarating way to see more of the world.”
If you’re ready to master the art of multi-city travel, the travel expert shares a guide on all you need to know about multi-destination travel.
What is multi-destination travel?
Garrett explains that a multi-destination itinerary involves stops at two or more locations, allowing travellers to explore multiple regions in a single trip rather than settling in one spot.
Various approaches to multi-destination travel include:
Classic multi-destination adventures: Hitting iconic hotspots across several destinations in one getaway.
Stopover explorations: Transforming a layover into a mini-holiday filled with memorable experiences.
Regional pairings: Combining nearby locations for a cohesive journey, such as pairing Tanzania with Zanzibar or Zimbabwe with Botswana.
“Think of it as a way to optimise your travel time, expand your horizons, and make the journey part of the thrill,” Garrett advised.
Why plan a multi-destination travel itinerary?
Garrett highlights five compelling reasons why multi-destination travel is a smart choice:
Maximisation of travel time: Visit multiple destinations without the need for several international trips.
Breaking up long-haul flights: Avoid fatigue by splitting journeys with nearby stopovers.
Variety and diversity: Immerse yourself in unique experiences with each city or location offering its own charm.
Cost-effectiveness: With proper planning, multi-city trips can be more economical than booking individual holidays.
Family-friendly: These trips are ideal for families; shorter flight legs and thrilling in-between stops keep children engaged.
Tips for seamless multi-destination travel
For those planning a multi-destination journey, Garrett offers actionable tips to ensure a smooth itinerary:
Plan with purpose: Define your trip’s main focus, are you seeking relaxation, adventure or a blend of both?
Explore smart bundling options: Work with travel experts for combined flight and accommodation deals that offer savings and convenience.
Mind the timing: Ensure you allocate adequate time at each destination, at least three days for highlights or a week for a complete experience.
Pack strategically: Travel light to facilitate movement between destinations while considering varying climates.
Simplify complexities: Allow travel experts to manage the logistics, including visas, transit requirements and local activities to ease your journey.
As South Africans venture into this new realm of travel, the expansion to multi-destination trips promises to redefine holiday experiences, making it easier to savour the rich tapestry of adventure, relaxation and discovery.
With thoughtful planning, the world opens up, inviting ever more opportunities for exploration.