How South Africans are exploring the world
The post-pandemic travel landscape has fundamentally shifted, and understanding these changes is crucial for both travellers and the industry serving them. Recent data from leading travel platforms reveals surprising trends about how, when, and why South Africans are booking their journeys - insights that can help you make smarter travel decisions.
The post-pandemic travel boom continues
Global travel has shown remarkable resilience since 2020. According to TravelStart's latest booking data, overall domestic and international leisure travel remains robust, though the nature of travel has evolved. While cross-border business travel has declined, leisure bookings have more than compensated, with travellers prioritising experiences over routine corporate trips. The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) supports this trend, reporting that international tourist arrivals reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels by late 2024, with many markets exceeding 2019 numbers. South African travellers are part of this global resurgence, increasingly viewing travel as an essential part of life rather than a luxury.
Solo travel: The quiet revolution
One of the most significant changes in travel lately is the growing number of people choosing to go it alone. It’s not always easy to tell who’s on a business trip and who’s on holiday, but it’s clear that solo travel is booming. This really speaks to bigger shifts in our lives - people have more financial freedom, a craving for self-discovery, and honestly, travelling by yourself just isn't seen as weird anymore. The numbers back this up. The Solo Travel Society saw a 42% jump in solo bookings worldwide between 2019 and 2024, especially among women between 25 and 45. For us in South Africa, this trend makes perfect sense. With more flight options and all the digital tools on our phones, it’s never been easier to just pack a bag and go.
Family travel up, group travel down
Contrary to pre-pandemic patterns, family travel has grown while traditional group travel has declined. This shift likely reflects several factors: families prioritising bonding time after pandemic disruptions, the complexity of coordinating larger groups, and changing social dynamics that favour smaller, more intimate travel experiences.
The decline in group travel doesn't mean people are travelling less socially - rather, they're travelling in smaller pods of 2-4 people instead of the traditional 8-12 person safari groups or beach holidays that once dominated the market.
The booking timeline: Strategic planning windows
Understanding when travellers book can help you secure better deals and availability. TravelStart data reveals clear patterns:
- Domestic travel: Average 24-day lead time
- International travel: Average 54-day lead time
These timelines suggest South African travellers are becoming more strategic, balancing spontaneity with the need to secure competitive pricing. The longer international lead time reflects the complexity of cross-border travel - visa processing, more expensive flights that benefit from advance purchase, and the need to coordinate time off work.
Peak Travel Periods: When South Africa Goes on Holiday
Three distinct peak periods dominate the South African travel calendar:
December-February: Beach destinations and city breaks reign supreme as families capitalise on school holidays and the festive season. Major coastal destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and Mauritius experience the highest demand.
June-September: Safari and wildlife viewing peak during winter months when dry conditions make game spotting optimal. Kruger National Park, private reserves in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and international destinations like Kenya and Tanzania see the highest bookings.
March-April: A secondary peak for beach and city travel, coinciding with autumn school holidays and Easter breaks. Booking during these peak periods requires planning within the lead times mentioned above - domestic travellers should book at least 30-40 days ahead, while international travellers should allow 60-90 days for optimal choice and pricing.
The Digital Booking Revolution
Think about the last trip you planned. You probably hopped between a few different websites and apps. Booking travel has gone completely digital. The go-to platforms for South Africans include:
- Booking.com for accommodation across all price points
- Airbnb for unique stays and local experiences
- TripAdvisor for reviews and restaurant recommendations
This multi-platform approach reflects modern travellers' desire to research thoroughly, compare options, and create customised experiences rather than accepting pre-packaged tours.
Gen Z and Millennials: The DIY Generation
Younger travellers have completely changed the game. They’re basically their own travel agents now, putting together complex, multi-city adventures that would have been a logistical nightmare just a decade ago. They’re using everything from AI assistants and social media to simple planning apps to craft their dream holidays. Research shows that around 73% of Millennial and Gen Z travellers would rather book everything separately than buy a package deal because it gives them more freedom. They’ll mix a budget flight with a stay at a cool boutique hotel, visit a famous landmark in the morning, and find a hidden local spot in the afternoon. Tools like Google Trips, TripIt, and even ChatGPT are helping them pull it all together. This isn’t necessarily about being cheap; it's about being smart with their money. They’re choosing to spend on amazing experiences, unique places to stay, and activities they’re passionate about, rather than a one-size-fits-all tour.
What does this mean for you?
These trends offer practical insights for planning your next journey:
- Book strategically: Domestic trips 3-4 weeks before travel dates, international 2-3 months ahead
- Consider solo travel: Infrastructure and safety have improved significantly, making independent travel more accessible
- Embrace smaller groups: Family-sized bookings often receive better service and more flexible arrangements than large groups
- Use multiple platforms: Compare across various platforms to find optimal combinations
- Plan around peaks: If flexibility allows, shoulder seasons (May, October-November) offer better value
The way we travel is always changing, but one thing stays the same: South Africans have a deep love for exploring, whether it's a hidden gem in our own backyard or a new country across the ocean. By understanding how things are shifting, you can plan smarter, travel better, and make the most of every trip.