We’re more than halfway through 2018 and while the summer holidays may still seem far away, some of us will be getting things in order for a trip overseas or even across the country. When you’re travelling, you’re sure to carry important information on you that must be kept safe, from your passport and air tickets, to driver’s licence and accommodation bookings. But many of us forget about the important information we keep and have access to on our devices.

Do you dream of studying between the gothic towers and green lawns of Cambridge University? Perhaps you imagine yourself working in an office with a view of New York City’s scenic skyline? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to explore the colourful underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef.

Travelling can be an expensive endeavour, and the temptation to dip into credit becomes greater if you realise your dream trip may be unaffordable. For those who love to travel, but do not have the upfront funds to make it happen immediately and, more importantly, don’t want to get themselves into debt, lay-buy travel is the answer you’ve been looking for.

The former Portuguese colony of Mozambique, is an East African country bordered by South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland. Surrounded by the warm, clear waters of the Indian ocean, travellers can explore this paradise from its white palm-tree filled beaches, its cluster of islands just off its southern and northern coastlines, or from a nearby nature reserve filled with local wildlife.

If you’re wanting to explore a slice of the Mediterranean, Croatia is the holiday destination for you. This Eastern European country is filled with a diverse and picturesque terrain, from clean white beaches and warm, strikingly blue waters, to lusciously green mountains and breathtaking lakes. With a rich history and architectural features reminiscent of the Roman era, this island-based Mediterranean destination offers South African travellers a Mediterranean experience second to none.

Home to the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, Namibia is a vast Southern African country that offers an abundance of outdoor adventures and tranquil escapes. As the 34th largest country in the world, Namibia also has one of the lowest populations in the world, at only 2.59 million as of 2017, emphasising its great distance between towns. With Namibia’s currency worth the same as South Africa’s, South Africans will find it a budget-friendly destination.

The East African country of Kenya is well-known for its vast wildlife, acacia trees located on enormous plains, and epic safaris encompassing the annual wildebeest migration. The country offers unrivaled views of the big five, Mount Kenya, neighbouring Tanzania’s famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley and a sneak peak into the lives of the nomadic Maasai tribe in southern Kenya.

Research shows that business travel is becoming increasingly popular as the younger generation moves up to higher positions in the corporate world. It was found that millennials are more willing to travel for business than previous generations, with many doing so for the first time.

The second destination in our most affordable countries for South Africans to travel to series, is Bali. An island and province of Indonesia, Bali is renowned for its impressive arts sector, cultural diversity, coral reefs, tropical beaches, and active volcanoes.

A tighter budget shouldn’t hamper South Africans’ desire to travel. We can still leave the African plains to follow those moments of wanderlust and experience the wonders of the world. The truth is, there are a number of countries that offer South Africans memorable and well-deserved holiday options without costing an arm and a leg. The first on our list of affordable countries for South Africans to travel to, is Dubai.

The July holiday period will soon be upon us, and if you’re thinking of taking your friends or loved ones on a winter trip, now is the time to get it booked, if you haven’t done so already. There are plenty of destinations spread across South Africa to take your well-deserved break in, that offer activities to suit every want or need. If you’re dreaming of snuggling up next to a fireplace with a glass of red wine, looking forward to getting your fill of nature on a mountain hike, or keen to spot and photograph the wonderful varieties of flora and fauna the country has to offer, there is a destination for you.

While the rain is coming down at right angles in Cape Town, and Johannesburg locals are shivering in icy temperatures, Durbanites are still going on day trips to the beach. Such is the balmy winter weather of this central KwaZulu-Natal city, and that’s what makes it the perfect place to escape to when you just can’t take the cold anymore. So book your flights to Durban, organise a Car Rental for your arrival, and make sure you’re protected with affordable Travel Insurance so you can enjoy fun in the sun with peace of mind.