Content Team 
WORDS : TSHEGOFATSO PHAKETSANE
PICTURE : OARATWA CHANDA MOSETLHO
The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a turmoil in every aspect of human life experience, economically hit, financially hit, socially buried, politically divided, spiritually tested and emotionally shattered. This, however, shouldn’t leave us wondering about what to expect next, we should simply evolve and embrace the time we have and create new mesmerizing memories through local travel expeditions. As Papritzsaid, “I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.” For that reason, this article is meant to cultivate your interest in taking that spree into the bushes, camps, cultural villages and safaris at reasonable costs by giving the ins and outs of planning for that local voyage.
THE INS (WHEN TO BOOK AND WHY WE THINK IT WORKS IN EVERYONE’S FAVOUR)
The ideal time is to avoid making your booking during peak season because not only will you be competing with other travellers for the exact location and rates. If you want the most reasonable experience book during normal calendar days, when you are certain there are no holidays, it allows you to enjoy the less crowded environment with lower rates and better service. The hospitality industry has long tortuously made people believe that they are having discounted deals around the peak period, which makes people hastily secure their booking without considering other factors. The accommodation charges maybe drop slightly, while activity charges are hyped which then defeats the purpose. Anyway, let us help you by giving you pointers that will enable you to be decisive about
your travelling without doubts.
Book A Day Trip With No Extras: most sightseeing day trips with inclusive activities on the fare are indeed reasonable because you are certain of what to expect. This is not only limited to scenery only, most popular day trip service providers entice their clients by offering“FREE” photography for the day, “FREE” snacks and “FREE” themed t-shirts for the day. FREE is just a marketing strategy to secure the trip, remember the amount you pay as an explorer has already been indirectly been covered.
Another way of getting the best value for your travel is choosing self-catering camping and paying for the activities only: This option will curb your accommodation costs, while you can use other funds for more exciting activities like 30 minutes helicopter ride, spa therapy, boat cruising and many more. Ensure that the camp choice has a self-drive option and is easily accessible by road. Remember it is the experience that matters. If you are not fond of wandering about in the bush, you can simply opt for a self-catering holiday home from local from the place to intent to explore.
WHEN NOT TO BOOK AND WHY?
Non Refundable deposit: Whenever you want to book for a holiday, make sure you do not make a booking for offers that has a non-refundable deposit policy. Rather opt for those that charge an administration fee for booking cancellation or free cancellation. This will allow you to change your mind if new exciting offers come along. Nothing pains more than having to settle for the first option while the best option slips through your fingers because your hands are tied to the “a non-refundable” policy. Think twice before clicking that book tab, scrutinize the T&C, before the final tick on that button. You will definitely thank us later.
Avoid Group bookings at all costs: Group bookings can be quite alluring with massive discounts and more activities. However, it is not as rosy as it seems. There are more add-ons associated with group packages and if you hoped for more experience from your trip, you are most likely to pay more than you would have if you booked a solo trip. Your privacy is also not ideal since most group packages compel you to share a room.
TRAVEL COVID-19 REGULATIONS:
Local tourists should have valid inter-zonal Permitsto travel across zones. International tourists must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before arrival time, and must also take an additional COVID-19 test at the port of entry.
SANITIZE REGULARLY. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. CONTINUE ADHERING TO COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
