Because of the uncertainty due to the pandemic, it has become tricky to plan any travel because we do not know what the future looks like. So what can we do now to prepare for possible future travel? I gave this some thought and have compiled this list of 9 ways to use time during lockdown to plan for future travel. We will travel again!
9 Ways to Use Lockdown to Plan for Future Travel:
1. Create a travel bucket list
Some people want to travel but don’t know where they want to go. During lockdown, think about which destinations you would like to visit by putting together a travel bucket list.
A travel bucket list is a list of travel experiences or destinations that you wish to do and visit.
South Africa Travel Bucket List
One of the South African travel resources that you receive when you subscribe to Gophari.com is a downloadable South Africa travel bucket list. In this list I have compiled the top destinations in each of South Africa’s nine provinces. .
Perhaps you want to swim in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls, or maybe you want to cross the suspension bridge at Tsitsikamma in Eastern Cape or maybe you want to get that Instagram shot on a Bali swing. Whatever it is, make a list. Your travel goals won’t come true if you don’t have any.
To help you out, browse these cheap, visa free destinations for South Africans.
Related post: How to find unique destinations in South Africa.
2. Practice tracking flight prices
It’s not a good time to book flights but why not use this time to learn how to track flight prices? Flight price tracking is a smart way to secure flights at the best price.
So, how does flight tracking work? Flight comparison sights like Skyscanner give you the option to receive alerts when the price of a flight changes. These alerts are sent to your email. Flight prices are always changing, so it’s much easier to use a tool than to constantly need to re-do your flight search regularly.
3. Save money for travel
Before any of the items on our travel bucket list can be ticked off, we need to have the money.
Think about what you can do now during lockdown to prepare yourself financially for future travel.
If saving for travel right now is not possible, spend time during lockdown understanding how much money you will need for your future travel and learning the travel hacks to cut travel expenses.
Related post: Smart ways to travel cheap in South Africa
It happens often that I am contacted by people with budgets that are way too high or way too low for the trip they are looking for.
Having an idea of the price range of flights and accommodation in the destination you wish to visit is the first step before starting to save.
4. Assemble your travel squad
Who are you planning to travel with? Whether it’s family, bae or friends, let them know about your plans. Get your travel squad on the same page so that you can start getting excited about your future trips together.
You may not be able to put a date on your trip/s because of all of the uncertainty but you can start to discuss possible destinations and start doing research on your top 3.
When the time comes to book your travel, you will be way ahead of everyone else scrambling to figure out where to go last minute.
For more advice for how to keep everyone committed to your group trip so that it actually happens, read my top advice for planning a group trip with friends.
Related post: How to find unique destinations in South Africa..
Join my travel squad!
If you don’t have a travel squad, join my group trips for women to African destinations. My group travel company is called Gophari Groups.
5. Follow travel bloggers for travel inspiration and information
Keep your wanderlust alive by following travel content creators on social media. There is a lot of value in finding travel bloggers to follow that create content that relates to you.
Learn and grow from the travel information, lessons and inspiration that they share so that you don’t have to figure things out by yourself.
Oh and follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for travel content about South Africa – my favourite destination.
6. Browse & save accommodation options
Accommodation booking sites such as Airbnb, Agoda and booking.com allow you to save accommodation in lists. Not sure what I am talking about? I highly recommend that you read more about how to manage lists on Airbnb because knowing this is such a time saver.
Now, when the time comes for you to actually book, you can simply browse your list instead of starting the accommodation search from scratch. #WINNING
7. Sharpen your photography skills
Taking photos while you travel has become part of the travel experience. I personally love to capture vibrant photos in every destination I visit. Whether you use your phone or a camera to take photos when you travel, why not spend some time learning more about photography. I interviewed Michael Mbaya, a talented photographer based in Joburg. He shared his top tips for beginner photographers with me.
Another talented photographer to follow and learn from is Cyril Zuma who always shares tips on Twitter.
8. Exercise
Am I the only one who feels most motivated to exercise when I have a trip coming up?
Let’s keep active while we are home on lockdown so that when the time comes for us to be back on the beach – we feel our best! Who is with me?
There are many free workout videos to follow on Youtube, Meryls bootcamp is a favourite of mine. If you are looking for a trackable workout routine, try downloading a workout app like Sweat – that’s what I use.
9. Keep safe by staying at home
Even though some travel is permitted, the safest place to be is at home. Travel remains a risk.
The more disciplined we are in social distancing, wearing face masks and sanitising the better our contribution towards slowing the spread of the virus.
South African Tourism put it well by saying, “Stay at home today so that we can travel tomorrow.”
We have covered all 9 ways to use lockdown to plan for future travel. If you have more ideas, please do share in the comments. It would be great to round this list off to 10!
Keep safe and keep optimistic – things will get better.
Join the Gophari travel community and receive a South Africa travel bucket list
If it’s your first time on Gophari.com, WELCOME! I would love to have you join the growing Gophari travel community.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a downloadable South Africa travel bucket list AND a guide to Cape Town.
You will also receive a mail once a week with the latest travel advice.
Some good ideas there Fari!
You made me think??
Awesome!Got to be ready once we are free to travel
This is very good I’m going to make sure I plan mu trips during this lockdown using your tips.
Thank you 😊
It’s a pleasure 🙂 Thanks so much for the feedback and all the best with your planning!