Durban - Cheryl Simchowitz, former university lecturer and now a facilitator in the transport industry, is well-travelled and has a number of trips lined up this year, including holidays to the Seychelles and Colombia.
But this avid traveller says holidays have drastically increased in price and she has to plan her trips carefully.
“I don’t know how families afford these trips, especially with rising living costs leaving less disposable income for vacations.
“Before going on any holiday, you have to look at the current exchange rates. And in countries like the the UK and US you will be spending a lot of money. Air fares have also gone up considerably. But people may be opting for shorter breaks and buying into packages which include flights, accommodation and meals.”
Simchowitz said she had had amazing experiences in the East, in Thailand, Sri Lanka and India, as they offered value for money.
“The poor exchange rate has whacked middle-income travellers, who may still travel but not as regularly. I travel on a strict budget and I use local transport, but at the end of the day we still have to exchange rand for dollars.
“Twenty years ago when I started my travels I had a budget of R10 000, which included my accommodation, ticket and pocket money for a three-to-four-week holiday.
“I booked a trip to Colombia for R48 000 for a 14-day package that’s cheaper than backpacking. Two years ago I paid R20 000 for seven days at a Maldives resort,” she said. - Sunday Tribune