Stretch Your Rand: The Cheapest Countries to Visit All Year Round 

Let’s be real: the Rand doesn’t go as far as we’d like, especially when we’re dreaming of that next big holiday. But with some savvy planning and smart destination choices, you can see the sights, stay somewhere nice, and make memories that last — without draining your bank account. 

From cheap countries to travel to in summer, to budget-friendly winter escapes, here’s your go-to guide to the cheapest countries to visit by month. Let’s get more value for our Rand and plan it right! 

Key Takeouts: 

• Travel at the right time, save big: Think Bali in May, Mauritius in June/July, and Thailand in October for max value and fewer crowds. 
• Cruise Europe smarter: May and October sailings mean better prices, relaxed vibes, and way less tourist chaos. 
• Stay close, save more: Mozambique, Namibia, and Kenya offer great escapes that won’t crush your budget (or your travel time). 
• Book with Pentravel: Get expert tips, tailored packages, and serious value without the planning stress. 

May 

Bali, Indonesia 

• Dry season starts, but prices are still low. Villas, massages, and nasi goreng heaven — on a budget.
• Cheapest countries to visit in May? A Bali holiday is a top contender. 

Portugal, Spain, Turkey 

• Cruising the Med in May = less crowded, cooler weather, cheaper packages. 
• Turkey’s mix of culture and coastlines is easy on the Rand. 

South Africa 

• Cape Winelands: Off-season deals at beautiful guesthouses, plus wine tasting on the cheap. 
• Garden Route: Mild weather, fewer tourists, great for road trips. 
• KZN Coast: Beach holidays with budget resorts and family packages. 
• Drakensberg: Best budget-friendly months: April/May and September/October perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing with fewer tourists and great deals on accommodation. 

Brazil 

• Perfect weather for exploring: Southern Brazil is cooler and less humid, making it the ideal time to hit Rio and beyond. 
• Pantanal gets dry, so it’s the perfect time to spot wildlife without the crowds or crazy prices. 
• Your wallet will thank you: flights and stays are much cheaper in May, and you can enjoy a Brazil holiday without the hustle of peak-season tourists. 

June – July (Winter in SA) 

Mauritius 

• School holidays = Mauritius family-friendly packages with meals, flights, and perks like free stays for kids. 
• One of the cheapest countries to fly to for South Africans during mid-year break. 

Mozambique 

• Warm weather, seafood, beach resorts – Mozambique offers all at budget-friendly prices. 

Namibia 

• Great for self-drive safaris and affordable camping or lodges. 

Spain, Portugal, Turkey (Europe in Summer) 

• June is still affordable before the July crowds hit. 
• Turkey is still one of the cheapest European countries to fly to from June to August, with good rates on food and stays. 

August 

Mozambique 

• Peak beach weather, low-cost options, and close to home. 

South Africa 

• Eastern Cape: Game reserves often have winter specials. 

September 

India  

• September is a sweet spot: it’s just after monsoon season and before peak tourist crowds, with better weather and lower prices. 
• Perfect for sightseeing in India (yes, including the Taj Mahal!), with fewer tourists, mild conditions, and great travel deals. 

October 

Thailand 

• Before peak season, with great deals on flights and hotels. 
• Thailand is one of the cheapest countries to travel to all year round. 

Europe/Med Cruises – October sailings 

• Cruise deals through the Med – think Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Turkey. 
• Less crowded and cheaper all-round. 

Zanzibar 

• Affordable tropical escape with warm weather and relaxed vibes. A Zanzibar holiday is the ultimate island escape. 

South Africa 

• Kruger National Park: Dry season, best for wildlife spotting. Budget lodges abound. 

November – March (Summer in SA) 

Portugal, Spain, and Turkey 

• Europe’s winter = SA’s summer deals. Off-season prices for hotels, fewer tourists, magical winter settings. 

Mozambique & Zanzibar (March to May) 

• Hot, sunny, budget-friendly beach breaks. 

Mauritius 

• Although Mauritius is pricey in December, there are often lots of all-inclusive package specials in the beginning of the year that make Mauritius a great destination for December holidays. If you don’t catch those specials, May to September is your best bet.  

South Africa 

• Milnerton, Blouberg, Muizenberg: Close to Cape Town, better value on stays. 

FAQ Quick Hits 

1. Where’s the cheapest place to travel in summer? Turkey, Mozambique, Thailand. 

2. Where’s the best place to visit in summer on a low budget? Cape Town (stay just outside), Mozambique, Mauritius with all-inclusives and early bookings. 

3. Where’s the cheapest place to go in winter? If you absolutely must travel abroad, consider Spain, Portugal or Turkey.  

4. Which country is the cheapest for South Africans? Thailand, Turkey, Mozambique, and India.  

Ready to travel smart and stretch your Rand? 

No matter when you want to go, there’s a budget-friendly destination with your name on it. Whether you’re chasing cheap countries to visit in December or eyeing a Med cruise in May or October, Pentravel has your back with tailored deals and expert tips to help you get maximum value without maxing out your wallet. 

Chat to a Pentravel expert today and let’s get your next adventure sorted — stress-free, budget-friendly, and totally worth it.