My hubby and I have so many reasons to travel at the moment.  We’re planning a big trip to the UK and Ireland next year (our actual honeymoon).  We have a very special family wedding in the second half of next year, in the Western Cape.  One of my besties is about to move to Johannesburg – I obviously HAVE to go and visit her.  So much travel, so little time (and money)!

I’ve found that the best way to save on flights is to subscribe to the newsletters of different travel sites or airlines.  You’ll get a heads up as soon as there are sales or specials.  Plus you’ll be the first to know when there are big promotions – like this whole Black Friday business.

One such site for good flight promotions and affordable flights is Travelstart.  Travelstart is a great place to find cheaper flights, and they have some amazing prices as well as great service – you can actually get help from them through their support chat at the bottom right of the site (the little speech bubbles).  This kind of live chat support is awesome when you’re trying to make a booking, but might have some questions that need urgent answers.

The Travelstart Black Friday specials are just as exceptional, and are already on sale now until the 27 November.  There are some great sales on domestic flights – from R299 one way on FlySafair and 30% off one way Kulula flights.  And their international specials are sensational!  We’ve been looking at rough flight costs for return flights to London.  The prices for this year on this Black Friday sale are fantastic.  For example, return flights to London, from Durban on Emirates – from R7441!  There’s also one from Johannesburg to Dublin on Etihad Airways for R6501 return.

If you prefer a more tropical destination, you can find flights to other places such as Mauritius and Thailand.  There are return flights to Mauritius on Air Mauritius for as little as R5338.  And return flights to Thailand on Etihad Airways for only R5499.  I’ve had a yearning to visit Thailand for a long time now, and with prices as good as these, perhaps a little trip is a plan!

When we decide to book our flights for our big UK and Ireland trip (our first international trip together!), Travelstart will definitely be our first stop.

In the meantime though, I’m having a squiz at the flights from Durban to Johannesburg – for me to go and see my friend Chels when she’s moved.   We don’t get to see each other nearly enough as it is (and she lives in Umhlanga), so I think Johannesburg might be a bit more difficult, but when the flights are super affordable, what’s to stop me?  Plus – I can do some fabulous shopping there 😉

Are you planning on doing any travelling in the next few months?  What is your top destination?