If you’ve given up all hope of finding cheap international holiday destinations, don’t worry. We’ve found the best Rand-friendly destinations to bring South Africans the most bang for their buck. Whether you’re looking for a holiday in Europe, Asia or Africa, Travelstart is here to fire up that wanderlust.

Old world charm in Budapest, Hungary

Europe doesn’t have to equal expensive. Beautiful Budapest’s cobbled streets and old-world charm make the Schengen visa well worth it.

Plus, you can wander the streets discovering architectural gems, including one of the largest synagogues in the world and one of the oldest-ever underground railway systems. You’re looking at about R8,900 for a return flight from Johannesburg booked 6 months in advance. As far as affordable holiday destinations in Europe go, Budapest is definitely a winner.

Find cheap flights to Budapest!

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Temples, jungles and incredible food in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a rich and textured country teeming with wild animals, hill-top temples and arguably the best food in the world. Return tickets from Johannesburg to Colombo are relatively affordable, and accommodation can range from backpacker-style to guesthouses if you’re on a budget.

Find cheap flights to Colombo!

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The Paris of the East in Bucharest, Romania

The “Paris of the East” offers travellers a new experience of Europe. Inexpensive street food and a fascinating 21st-century art scene, 17th and 18th-century Byzantine churches tucked away on narrow streets, plus the gorgeous Cișmigiu Gardens will delight and inspire.

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Peaceful stone islands & Mediterranean dreams in Greece

Explore idyllic Athens and other charming cities in Greece. Beers and cappuccinos are pricier (more than double) but Airbnb and cooking at home is comparable to the cost of living in South Africa and flights are not expensive if you’re willing to wait for the right dates. Greece can be very affordable if you do it the right way.

Find cheap flights to Greece!

Crumbling castles and coastlines in Croatia

Not one of those typical, cheap places to travel, especially when it comes to flight tickets, so you might consider Croatia to be rather pricey. But the cost of living once you get there is reasonable compared to South Africa, especially considering the wildly beautiful coastline, unreal blue water and crumbling castles of Game of Thrones fame. This is an outdoor-lover’s dream destination and swimming and hiking are free.

Find cheap flights to Dubrovnik!

An affordable island paradise awaits in Thailand

Happily, there are excellent and highly affordable holiday packages to Thailand and also endless routes you can discover on your own. Diving on Koh Tao, for instance, is an affordable drawcard on a lesser-known island destination.

The local beer and authentic street food are absolute winners for super low prices. Return flights from Johannesburg are super affordable in the off-peak season, making this the perfect cheap holiday destination for South Africans.

Find cheap flights to Bangkok!

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A city by the sea in Lisbon

The cost of flights to California are getting hair-raising – so lose yourself in Europe’s ‘San Francisco’. Wander charming cobbled streets, hop on a tram and marvel at beautiful old buildings, then stop in for a flaky pastry and traditional espresso.

Find cheap flights to Lisbon!

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Remote mountains to fast-paced cities in Vietnam

Experience magical Halong Bay on a traditional Vietnamese junk then take on zest-filled Hanoi on two wheels. Sound good? Vietnam is a popular cheap holiday destination amongst South Africans. The local bee, coffee and food are dirt cheap if you know where to shop, so do your research and enjoy.

Find cheap flights to Vietnam!

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Marble palaces to thriving markets in India

Both ancient and futuristic, India is bursting with life. Sacred cows in the streets and a world-class tech industry collide in a sensory delight for the visitor. Return tickets to Delhi or Mumbai are really affordable, and getting around and staying in these cities aren’t expensive either if you do your research before you go.

Find cheap flights to India!

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Where two continents meet in Istanbul

Istanbul is where two mighty continents meet, a city of enticing food, long-standing culture and bustling quarters just waiting to be discovered. Food is pricier in Istanbul, and since the majority of the population doesn’t drink alcohol, tea is the cheapest and most delicious beverage.

Find cheap flights to Istanbul!

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Be moved in Myanmar

With gold-spired stupa-topped mountains, restorative Inle lake and bejewelled pagodas by the sea, Myanmar is fast becoming flooded with visitors. A little pricier for flights, but Myanmar is a tremendously exciting travel destination.

Once you’re there it’s a very affordable holiday destination and it is also worth looking into flying to Bangkok and then taking a local flight across to Yangon. Cappuccinos are scarce in this part of the world,  but you cansit down to a fried pastry and sweet tea on the street for next to nothing.

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Island dreams in Bali, Indonesia

A surfer’s paradise dotted with beach houses, you can afford to stay for a little more than a song, Bali is a fabulous bargain destination, especially if you book 6 months or more in advance. Bali is by far one of the best-loved of the cheap holiday destinations on offer.

Find cheap flights to Bali!

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Pristine beaches to explore in Mauritius

Everyone knows Mauritius is synonymous with pristine white sand beaches, hammocks and leafy palm trees, however, island adventurers and sports enthusiasts are also in for the holiday of a lifetime.

You can get away with roughly R7,500 for a return flight from Johannesburg, but the drinks on the island are a bit pricier so it’s worth looking at all-inclusive flight and hotel packages to get the most bang for your buck at this affordable holiday destination.

Find cheap flights to Mauritius!

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Sightseeing in visa-free Dublin

Dublin is a top choice for South Africans as it is visa-free for 90 days (just make sure you have a return flight) and there are so many outdoor activities you can get up to – from free yoga in the park to exploring Trinity College grounds and hiking in the wilderness nearby. Use Airbnb to make your money go as far as possible.

Find cheap flights to Dublin!

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Dynamic scenes in Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo is undergoing a revival. Always festive, the heart-thumping music scene is a draw as are the young designers and entrepreneurs that are making waves in Maputo. Food, accommodation and activities are all very affordable.

Find cheap flights to Maputo!

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Desert jewels in Namibia

The Skeleton Coast is one of the most haunting natural phenomena in the world. Flights from Cape Town to Windhoek can be found for very affordable prices, depending on how far in advance you book. Drinks and food can be pricey, but accommodation is relatively affordable and self-catering is always the way to go when travelling on a budget.

Find cheap flights to Windhoek!

Bucket-list adventure in Victoria Falls, Zambia

The smoke that thunders is a bucket list must. You can get really affordable flights to Harare or Livingstone, and camping is always a fun accommodation option in Africa.

Find cheap flights to Livingstone!

Please note: Prices on this page are to be used as a guide only and were available at the time of publication, based on return flights from Johannesburg (unless otherwise stated) for 6 months in advance. Airline ticket prices are subject to change as per the airline. For the latest prices always refer to travelstart.co.za and remember to book in advance.