If Valentine’s Day snuck up on you much too soon, don’t despair. Savvy travellers are looking beyond just the 14th February and are using the month of love to book a memorable trip. No doubt you’ve had to postpone celebrating an anniversary over the last year. With many travellers still opting to travel in ‘quieter’ periods, many travel suppliers, hotels and restaurants are extending their Valentine’s Day specials for much longer.
Special occasion travel is set to be one of the key trends for the travel bounce back in 2022, so there’s never been a better time to book. And if you’re not in a relationship, don’t think you can’t love yourself with an incredible solo trip for one or a special getaway with friends or family.
“Rather than focusing on your relationship status this Valentine’s Day, do something meaningful for yourself on 14 February,” says Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing and Marketing at Flight Centre Travel Group. “There is no need to feel left out when there’s the whole world to explore. There’s never been a better time to book that trip you’ve always wanted!”
If you’re travelling in February, Garrett recommends considering an active itinerary rather than retreating to a hotel for a few nights, which over ‘Valentine’s month’ may be inundated with couples.
Valentine’s Month and Beyond Travel Specials:
A deluxe houseboat river safari – The Zambezi Queen Collection is offering a saving of up to 45% on their unique river safari experiences with exclusive offers for local residents in Southern Africa. Relax onboard a deluxe houseboat or at an intimate river lodge discovering the Chobe River. Accommodation, transfers, meals, drinks, expert guides and safari activities included. Valid for travel up until 30 April 2022.
The new hotel kid on the block – Check into Joburg’s trendiest new hotel, the 131-room voco The Bank Johannesburg in the trendy walk-work-play suburb of Rosebank. Enjoy a romantic staycation for two, treat yourself to a solo city break or dinner and drinks at the Proud Mary Modern Eatery and Wine Bar. Save up to 20% when you enrol as an IHG® Rewards member (it’s free!).
Jetsetting island breaks -Zanzibar and Mauritius are two South African bestsellers for a good reason. Zanzibar has remained open and welcome to South Africans throughout the pandemic and offers one of the best value for money island breaks. Mauritius recently opened to South Africans and has a wide variety of experiences to suit every type of traveller. For couples, consider splurging on an adults-only resort or booking accommodation in an adults-only wing of a resort.
Hop over the border to Mozambique – Fantastic news for South Africans who love Mozambique and are eager to hop over the border for their beach fix. Mozambique’s beaches officially reopened on 19 January, just in time for Valentine’s Day. “Did you know that you can go on safari, view magnificent elephants and then end up at a beach for a wonderful swim before settling down to sunset cocktails all in the same day? All this and more is possible in our beautiful Mozambique,” says Stephanie Von Allmen, General Manager Dana Tours.
A cruise for two – or solo! For an “unpack-once-only” break in any part of the world, cruising is making its comeback. Cruising will be better than ever with stunning new vessels soon to be launched. Cruiselines are also catering for solo travellers, removing the extra cost of those pesky single supplements. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was the first cruise company to introduce stylish studio cabins designed especially for solo travellers (without any single supplements), as well as exclusive use areas for solo travellers.
