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There are 5 easy steps to taking a Sho’t Left!
- Decide on the destination
- Know your holiday budget
- Make the Booking
- Pay for your holiday
- Take a Sho't Left!
1. Decide on the destination
Dream it – South Africa has it; even year-round snow skiing. For more information surf www.southafrica.net or call the local Provincial Tourism Authority for the low-down on things to do in their region. Or you can call the Sho’t Left Contact Centre for holiday packages on 083 123 6789. Good ideas and suggestions can also be obtained from the travel sections in the newspapers, magazines, brochures or websites.Once you’ve decided on the destination, then get planning for that Sho’t Left. Remember, the earlier you book, ideally at least 3 months in advance (longer if it’s possible), the better chance you will have of getting what you want! By investigating your options, you will also have an indication as to what things cost.
2. Know your holiday budget
How much can you afford to spend? Take everything into account - including transport, accommodation, meals, entertainment, shopping etc.
3. Make the Booking
When you have done your research and decided on a budget, you can either come here and book an affordable Sho’t Left package, contact your nearest travel agent for specialist advice, or book a holiday directly with a tour operator (company that puts together and takes people on tours).
Travel Agent Booking Tips:
Give as much information as possible to your travel agent, so that you get the best possible service and the most accurate quote. Include the following details:
- Dates of travel or length of stay - date you want to arrive to the date you will leave. You may need to be flexible with your dates especially in "peak season".
- How many people are travelling? Include information such as children's ages and if there are any special requests such as children sharing their own room.
- Destination - as much detail as possible. What type of holiday do you want: e.g. beach, shopping cultural, etc.?
- What are your needs - accommodation only or transport to and from the holiday as well?
- Your budget for the travel agent to work with.
Your travel agent will come back with a proposed "ITINERARY". This is a timetable of your holiday - what you will be doing and when. The agent will also have a cost of the holiday for you. Check exactly what this includes and excludes so you know what other expenses you will need to budget for. Also make sure you understand the Terms and Conditions, ask your travel agent to explain anything you don’t get. If you are happy with the plan, then instruct the travel agent to book the holiday and agree with them how the payment can be made.
"Peak season" or "in-season" is the period when most people are travelling - usually during School Holidays and over long-weekends where there are public holidays. Accommodation is more expensive at these times due to high demand. If you can avoid travel during these times, you will find travelling even more affordable.
Direct Booking:
Phone the company (hotel, airline, tour operator, etc.) you want to use - and ask for RESERVATIONS. Here you will find friendly staff able to help you with all your queries and needs. They will let you know what is available, and provide you with a price. If you are happy with this, ask them to book for you. They will usually provide you with a Reservation Number and send a fax confirming your booking. A deposit is usually required within a few days of the booking to keep your provisional booking and confirm it - ask the reservations person what payment is required and by when.
“Out-of-season” is when most people are not travelling, which means that there are lots of discounted packages. To find out more see Sho’t Left’s special deals.
4. Paying for your holiday
This usually needs to be done 6 weeks before you travel. Some companies will require a full payment; others only need a deposit or part payment to secure your booking. If you pay a deposit, you will need to pay the final amount either just before or on the day of arrival. Payment can be made either by electronic transfer, cash, bank guaranteed cheque or a credit card to your travel agent (who will in turn confirm your booking and pay for any transport and accommodation needs). If you have booked directly, then you will pay the company that is providing the accommodation, transport or tour. ((PUT IN INFO BLOCK)): Remember, if you cancel your holiday, the travel organisation is entitled to charge a cancellation fee, which could be as much as 100% depending how close to the date of your holiday you cancelled, at the time of booking check the Terms and Conditions.
5. Take a Sho't Left!
Get out there and enjoy your holiday. Going on holiday and taking a break is one of the most fantastic things you can do for your personal growth. It opens all sorts of new possibilities in your life, and allows you to enjoy a well-deserved reward for all your hard work. Affordable holiday travel is possible - so what are you waiting for? Let’s Waai!
Click here for a selection of packages. |
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