Do you struggle to relax on holiday while also trying to stay connected? You’re not alone.
A recent study into what constitutes ‘The Good Life’ and how travel contributes to it, by global guided holiday experts Trafalgar, revealed that South Africans were under significantly more pressure than their global holiday counterparts to balance staying connected to social media and work, while also making the most of their holiday.
The research seemed to suggest that South Africans’ reputation for being “laid-back” is somewhat misplaced. We’re not only less likely to switch off when we’re travelling for leisure, we’re also more connected to work than our UK, North American, Australian and New Zealand counterparts.
According to Trafalgar, some 67% of South Africans polled felt guilty about staying on top of their emails while on holiday, much higher than in other countries. South Africans felt they were also under more pressure to make the most of their holiday by seeing the real culture of a country and connecting with the local people.
The Trafalgar study also showed that South Africans were heavily reliant on social media for their inspiration on where to go on holiday and also sharing their holiday experience.
At least 54% of South Africans spent extensive hours on online research and planning, 67% checked social media while on holiday and 65% posted pictures of their holiday on social media. South Africans were more likely than other holidaymakers to post a potential trip on social media to find out what people thought before booking.
Now here’s the good news…
While it would appear we have a way to go before we’re as happy as our fellow travellers from the rest of the world, the study did reveal the recipe for ‘The Good Life’ and ‘Good Travel’, which would allow us to step away from the daily grind and to learn, appreciate and experience something new.
If your New Year’s Resolution is to live ‘The Good Life’, you need to seek out real joy, real ease and real connections. And you can achieve all this through ‘Good Travel’.
That means grabbing a seamlessly organised opportunity to connect with people, places and experiences and to discover the diversity of different places.
Participants in the Trafalgar global survey said they wanted to have the time to remember their own values, both personal and philosophical. To find real joy, we need to remove ourselves physically and mentally from the stress of our daily routines.
South Africans want the very best value for money and convenience. In the world of travel, that means not being requoted every time the rand exchange rate changes. With Trafalgar, your rand woes are gone. With a rand guarantee in place, travellers can be assured no matter what the rand does, consumers know their holiday budget isn’t going to have to stretch to match it.
Only with Trafalgar, will guests get a real taste of culture, breaking bread with local families. They stay in hotels that are more than just a bed for the night, but an important piece of local heritage. They contribute to Trafalgar’s efforts to make an impact globally, locally and individually. Trafalgar also connects them to secret spots, local friends and not-to-miss experiences so they can delve beneath the surface of the destination.
So, turn over a new leaf this new year and seek out travel experiences that show you the sights others don’t, make a real connection with the local culture, and spend time with your nearest and dearest in a relaxed environment.
It’s time to give yourself and loved ones your full attention to living ‘The Good Life’ in 2019.
Thank you for being part of our journey... and choosing us to be part of yours.
Contact Us
