December remains a time for family reunions, coastal escapes and road trips across South Africa. But with household budgets under pressure and the cost of getting away rising, travellers are becoming more strategic about how they spend their festive-season money.
According to Standard Bank data from the 2025 festive season, South Africans did not abandon their December holidays. Instead, many adjusted their plans to get more value for their money.
Middle- and lower-income households made up to 45% more hotel bookings in December 2025 while spending 6% less per booking, the bank said. This was despite December airfares costing more than 20% above the year's average.
The findings point to a shift towards value-conscious travel, with holidaymakers changing when they book, where they stay and how they get to their destinations.
With travel budgets expected to remain under pressure, Standard Bank anticipates these habits will become even more pronounced during the 2026 festive season.
“December is non-negotiable for most South African families. It's when people go home, reconnect and finally rest,” said Michelle Munemo, head of travel and lifestyle at Standard Bank.
“Our data shows people haven't cancelled it. They've become more strategic, and we want to help their money go further.”
The early bird: Book flights before prices climb
For travellers planning to fly during the festive season, booking early can make a significant difference to the cost of a trip.
Standard Bank's data shows that almost a third of annual spending on domestic airlines is booked between September and November. The average December flight is also booked more than six weeks in advance.
Waiting until closer to departure can prove costly. According to the bank, the average spend per flight purchase increased by 39% between September and November.
Mid-December Fridays are among the busiest flying days, while return journeys peak between January 2 and 4.
Travellers hoping to secure better fares should compare prices, remain flexible with travel dates where possible and book as soon as their plans are confirmed.
Standard Bank says qualifying credit card clients can save up to 40% on flights across airlines through Standard Bank Travel in the Banking App, for themselves and up to eight family members or friends.
The bank is also offering all its clients 10% off LIFT base fares from October 26 to 28 for travel between November and April, when booked through Standard Bank Travel in the app.
Travellers should check the applicable terms, conditions and booking dates before making a reservation.
The homecomer: Planning the long drive to family
For many South Africans, a festive-season holiday is less about checking into a resort and more about returning home.
The Homecomer travels from the cities to visit family in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and rural KwaZulu-Natal, often staying with relatives rather than paying for accommodation.
This movement also affects spending in major cities. Standard Bank data indicates festive-season spending at city hotels and entertainment venues can fall by as much as 34% as regular customers leave town.
For those travelling long distances by road, however, fuel remains a major consideration.
With petrol prices putting pressure on household budgets, it is worth calculating the full cost of a return journey and comparing it with other transport options, particularly for solo travellers or couples.
Drivers can also plan fuel stops carefully and look for rewards programmes that help reduce the cost of filling up. Standard Bank says UCount Rewards members can earn up to R10 back per litre when filling up at Astron Energy with a qualifying Standard Bank card, subject to the programme's terms.
Long journeys may also require an overnight stop. The bank reports that spending on roadside stopover hotels rises by 52% during the festive season, making early reservations important.
Standard Bank clients can save up to 30% at participating Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, Town Lodges and Road Lodges in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique when booking through Standard Bank Travel by January 31, 2027, and paying with a Standard Bank card.
The coastal family: More beach time for less
For families dreaming of a week beside the sea, December remains a key month for coastal holidays.
Standard Bank data shows hotel booking spend peaks in December, reaching 45% above an average month. Durban is also becoming increasingly popular as a coastal destination alongside Cape Town.
But families are changing how they spend once they arrive.
Spending on apartment-style accommodation rises by 69%, according to the bank, as more travellers opt for places with kitchens and the flexibility to prepare some of their own meals rather than eat out every day.
Location and timing also affect the final bill. Standard Bank says accommodation outside a traveller's home province costs an average of 2.2 times as much as a stay closer to home, while hotel bookings made in December and January cost about 9% more.
For families planning a coastal getaway, comparing destinations, travelling outside peak dates where possible and choosing self-catering accommodation could help stretch the holiday budget.
Getting to the airport can also add to the cost of a trip. Standard Bank clients can access 15% off pre-booked Uber Reserve airport rides, capped at R100 per ride, according to the bank.
The road-tripper: Get the car and campsite sorted early
For travellers who want the freedom to explore, a road trip offers the chance to discover coastal towns, scenic routes and game reserves at their own pace.
But the most popular options may need to be booked well before December.
Standard Bank data shows car hire bookings peak in October, reaching 18% above the average. Spending on national parks follows a similar pattern, with bookings peaking in September and October as families secure campsites and plan their visits.
Bookings with some car rental companies rose by as much as 44% over the holiday period, the bank said.
Travellers planning a self-drive holiday should confirm vehicle availability, check mileage and insurance conditions, and factor in fuel, toll fees, accommodation and park entry fees when setting their budgets.
Qualifying Standard Bank credit card holders can save up to 35% on car hire with selected partners, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
How to make your festive travel budget go further
The common thread among these four types of travellers is planning. Rather than cancelling their holidays, many are making earlier bookings and looking at the full cost of a trip, from transport and accommodation to meals and activities.
A few practical steps can help holidaymakers manage expenses:
Book early: Flights, car hire and popular campsites can become more expensive or harder to secure closer to December.
Compare transport options: Calculate the cost of driving, including fuel and tolls, against flights or other transport.
Consider self-catering: Accommodation with kitchen facilities can help families manage food costs.
Be flexible: Travelling on less popular dates or considering destinations closer to home may offer better value.
Check discounts carefully: Read the terms, eligibility requirements and booking deadlines before relying on a promotion.
Budget for the whole journey: Include airport transfers, meals, activities, fuel and possible overnight stops, not just the main booking.
The message for the 2026 festive season is clear: a December getaway does not necessarily have to disappear when budgets tighten. For many South Africans, the challenge is finding ways to preserve the annual tradition while making every rand count.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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