So that you have more money left for activities, gifts and delicious festive season treats!

1. Pre-book add-ons such as breakfast hampers and spa treatments beforehand, at discounted rates, to really go travelling on a budget like a pro. Only available at Monateng Safari Lodge, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, Ngwenya Lodge and Sudwala Lodge.

2. Use public or free Wi-Fi (avoid using public networks for internet banking or when dealing with confidential information).

3. Always keep an eye out for specials – most establishments offer early booking, last-minute, off-peak season and many other discounts. Not only on the accommodation portion, but also on meals, spa visits and more.

4. If you’ve accumulated voyager miles, use them for car rental, grocery shopping while on holiday or other redeemable offers.

5. Pack light. When travelling long distance, you’d be surprised at the difference that a little bit of additional weight can make to your petrol costs.

6. Package your spices, dishwashing liquid and other small oddities into tic-tac boxes or Tupperware, to avoid having to purchase large quantities while on holiday. It also makes it easier to travel with, and you can take all your favourites spices along.

7. Travel with rewards in mind. Most banks and supermarket chains offer reward cards or options, so if you get more points by filling up at Engen, rather try to fill up at Engen. Also let these accumulate for a while, so that you’ve got loads of rewards to tap into while on holiday.

8. Use your e-tag for tollgates and start loading money onto your e-tag months before travelling. That way, it’s not cash out of pocket and feels like less expenditure.

9. Pre-make your snacks. Padkos is a firm South African travel tradition, and the kids love it. Get creative with smiley sandwiches, meatballs, chicken wings and other tasty treats. Home-made cookies are sure to make any holiday experience even better!

10. Buy in bulk and take everything with you except for fresh produce. Stack your cooler box with frozen meat and other products, to keep it fresh and cool for the entire journey.

11. Where applicable, take your student and pensioner cards along and get awesome discounts for entry into museums, botanical gardens and other excursions.

12. Decide what’s most important to you beforehand and allocate your funds accordingly. Foodies might plan to spend less on excursions and more on wining and dining, whereas explorers might choose to spend less on accommodation and more on experiences.

13. Don’t budget for food, except wining and dining experiences. Take what’s in your fridge. By emptying your fridge you’re essentially reducing wastage and you would have eaten at home anyway, so food can be considered a part of the cost of living.