How to spot Black Friday travel deals

Travel deals during this shopping season can offer substantial discounts on everything from flights and accommodations to all-inclusive packages and exotic destinations.

Travel writer Gabby Brondani explains that Black Friday travel deals are definitely worth exploring, but with some strategic preparation. "Maybe you do have your eye on a particular type of holiday, so do your research before Black Friday to see what the baseline prices and costs are, so that by the time you get to Black Friday and the deals do come out, you actually know if you are getting a good deal or a really good deal."

Flexibility is key to maximising your savings. Travelling during the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, can dramatically reduce costs while still offering excellent weather conditions.

As Brondani points out, "If you are a little bit more flexible with your dates, it's always advisable if you are looking for something a little bit more budget-friendly to travel within off-peak periods or shoulder seasons."

Package deals often provide exceptional value, especially from established travel operators with extensive industry connections. These companies negotiate bulk rates that individual travellers simply can' access. Many packages also offer payment flexibility, with some requiring only 20% to 30% upfront to secure your booking.

All-inclusive resorts represent another opportunity for significant savings. "You take your wallet, lock it in the safe. You don't necessarily have to touch your wallet the entire time you are on an all-inclusive holiday," Brondani explains. These packages typically cover meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment; everything except your flights and transfers.

For those hunting the best deals, signing up for travel company newsletters and following their social media can provide early access to flash sales and subscriber-only offers. Brondani shares an insider tip: "Sometimes, if you have to look at a particular hotel directly, you will get a better rate. But again, that almost takes us back into the loop of what we talked about in the beginning. Booking.com, for example, is a really, really big global company. They've got a lot of negotiating power."

Don't forget to leverage loyalty programs and reward points. South Africans can "stack" Discovery Miles, eBucks, and other rewards to maximise savings. Just be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions before booking.

As with any deal that seems too good to be true, always check the fine print. Those incredibly cheap packages to tropical destinations might coincide with monsoon season. While that doesn't necessarily mean constant rain, it's something to consider depending on your vacation goals.

Black Friday travel deals offer a golden opportunity to book that dream vacation at a fraction of the regular cost. Whether you're eyeing a beach getaway, cultural exploration, or adventure trip, now is the time to research, compare, and prepare to pounce on the best offers. Listen to the full conversation with Brondani for more insider tips that could save you thousands on your next journey: