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Mid-week travel saves 30% on flights, cooking saves 50% on food
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Save more by cooking meals and traveling mid-week!
If you’ve got four days and a tight budget, you don’t need to wait for payday or skip vacation altogether. Some of the best short escapes cost less than your weekly coffee habit. You don’t need to fly across the world or book a luxury resort. Just pick the right place, plan smart, and you’ll come back refreshed - not broke.
Port Elizabeth to Cape Town (South Africa)
It’s only a 7-hour drive from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, and you can do it for under R1,200 in fuel if you’re driving solo. Book a basic guesthouse in Woodstock or Observatory for R400-R600 a night. Skip the expensive Table Mountain cable car - hike up Lion’s Head instead. It’s free, takes about 90 minutes, and gives you a 360-degree view of the city and ocean. Spend your third day wandering the V&A Waterfront food market, where you can eat fresh seafood for under R100. On your last day, catch a bus to Boulders Beach to see the penguins. Entry is R100 per person, and you can spend hours just watching them waddle around. Total cost? Around R3,500 for the whole trip, including food and transport.
Belgrade, Serbia
Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. Belgrade is one of the cheapest capitals on the continent. Round-trip flights from Johannesburg often land under R7,000 if you book early. Hostels here cost R250 a night. You can eat a full meal - think grilled meats, fresh bread, and local wine - for R120 at a traditional kafana. The Kalemegdan Fortress is free to explore, and it’s one of the best viewpoints in the city. At night, the riverfront bars along the Sava and Danube offer cheap drinks and live music. A night out with two beers and snacks? R180. You can easily spend four days here without spending more than R6,000 total, including flights.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is still one of the best places for budget travelers. Flights from Johannesburg to Chiang Mai usually cost between R8,000 and R10,000 return, but you can find deals if you’re flexible. A clean guesthouse with a fan and private bathroom runs R300-R400 a night. Street food is incredible and cheap: a plate of pad thai or khao soi costs R40-R60. Visit the Night Bazaar for souvenirs, but don’t buy anything until you’ve haggled - start at half the price. Spend a day at Doi Suthep temple, which is free to enter (just pay R30 for the songthaew ride up). Take a cooking class for R600 and learn to make three local dishes. Total spend? Under R8,000 for four days, including flights.
Valparaíso, Chile
South America’s hidden gem for short trips. Flights from Johannesburg to Santiago (Chile) start at R11,000 return. From Santiago, a 2-hour bus ride to Valparaíso costs R200. Stay in a seaside hostel in the colorful hills for R350 a night. The city is built on steep hills, so wear good shoes. Ride the old funiculars - most cost under R50. Eat empanadas and fresh seafood at local stalls for R80 a pop. Visit the Pablo Neruda house (La Sebastiana) for R120 - it’s a surreal mix of art, books, and ocean views. On your last day, take a bus to Viña del Mar for a beach walk. It’s free, and you can swim if the water’s calm. Total cost? Around R10,000, which is still cheaper than flying to Europe.
Albufeira, Portugal
Forget the Algarve’s luxury resorts. Head to Albufeira’s old town instead. Flights from Johannesburg to Faro (nearest airport) start at R9,500 return. A basic apartment rental with a kitchen runs R500 a night. Buy bread, cheese, fruit, and local wine from the market and cook your own meals. That cuts food costs by 60%. Walk the narrow streets of the historic center - it’s free. Spend a day at Praia da Oura beach. No entry fee. Rent a sunbed for R60 if you want shade. Take a cheap boat tour to the caves for R200. You can do this in the morning and be back by lunch. On your last day, try the local grilled sardines at a family-run tascas - R100 for a plate. Total? Around R10,500 for four days.
Why These Places Work
These spots share a few things: low-cost accommodation, cheap food, free or low-price attractions, and reliable public transport. You don’t need to splurge on tours or fancy hotels. Most of the best memories come from wandering, eating where locals eat, and watching the sunset without paying a cent.
One thing to remember: avoid booking through big platforms like Booking.com or Expedia for last-minute stays. Use Airbnb, local guesthouse websites, or even Facebook groups. You’ll often find better prices and real reviews from people who’ve actually stayed there.
How to Save Even More
- Travel mid-week. Flights and hotels are cheaper Tuesday through Thursday.
- Use local buses or trains. They’re almost always cheaper than taxis or ride-shares.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe in all these places - no need to buy plastic bottles.
- Don’t pay for Wi-Fi. Most cafes and hostels give it for free.
- Book flights 3-4 months ahead. Use Google Flights and set price alerts.
What to Pack for a 4-Day Budget Trip
- Comfortable walking shoes - you’ll be on your feet a lot
- Lightweight rain jacket - weather changes fast
- Small daypack - for carrying water, snacks, and a camera
- Universal adapter - especially for Serbia and Chile
- Basic first-aid kit - bandaids, painkillers, stomach meds
- Small notebook and pen - for writing down directions or prices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to see everything in four days - pick 2-3 highlights and enjoy them.
- Overpacking - you won’t need 10 outfits. Two pairs of pants, four tops, and one dress are enough.
- Ignoring local customs - in Serbia, tipping isn’t expected. In Thailand, never point your feet at a temple.
- Waiting until the last minute to book - prices spike fast.
What If You Can’t Afford a Flight?
If international travel feels out of reach, look closer. South Africa has plenty of hidden gems. Drive to the Wild Coast for beach camping. Stay in a self-catering cottage in the Karoo for R450 a night. Visit the Cango Caves or the Tankwa Karoo National Park. You can do a full 4-day adventure with just R2,500 - fuel, food, and entry fees included. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you never expected.
Can I really go on a 4-day holiday for under R5,000?
Yes - if you stay local. A trip to the Garden Route, Blyde River Canyon, or the Wild Coast can cost as little as R3,000 including fuel, food, and accommodation. For international trips, you’ll need closer to R7,000-R10,000, but you can still find deals if you book early and avoid tourist traps.
Is it safe to travel alone on a budget?
Absolutely. Cities like Belgrade, Chiang Mai, and Valparaíso are very safe for solo travelers. Stick to well-lit areas at night, keep your passport in the hotel safe, and trust your gut. Most hostels have communal kitchens and social events - it’s easy to meet other travelers. Always check your government’s travel advisories before you go.
What’s the cheapest destination for South Africans right now?
Right now, Serbia and Thailand offer the best value for money. Flights are reasonably priced, and daily costs are extremely low. Locally, the Eastern Cape coast and the Free State highlands are the most affordable options with great scenery and few crowds.
Should I use travel insurance for a short trip?
Yes - even for a 4-day trip. A basic policy costs around R300 and covers lost luggage, medical emergencies, and flight cancellations. You don’t need luxury coverage. Just make sure it includes emergency medical evacuation. Many credit cards offer free travel insurance - check yours before buying.
How do I find cheap flights without using a travel agent?
Use Google Flights and set price alerts for your preferred dates. Try flying mid-week. Check airlines like Airlink, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines - they often have better rates than the big carriers. Book directly on the airline’s website - third-party sites sometimes add hidden fees.
