December is traditionally a time for family gatherings, trips to the coast, and road trips across South Africa. However, due to pressure on family budgets and rising travel costs, travelers are planning their holiday spending more carefully.
According to Standard Bank data for the 2025 holiday season, South Africans have not given up their December holidays. Instead, many have adjusted their plans to get more value from their spending.
The bank reported that middle and low-income households made up to 45% more hotel bookings in December 2025, while spending 6% less per booking. This occurred despite airfares in December being more than 20% higher than the annual average.
These results indicate a shift towards value-oriented travel: vacationers are changing when they book, where they stay, and how they reach their destinations.
As travel budgets are expected to remain under pressure, Standard Bank forecasts that these habits will become even more pronounced in the 2026 holiday season.
For those planning to fly during the holidays, early booking can significantly reduce travel costs. Standard Bank data shows that nearly a third of annual domestic air travel expenses are booked between September and November. The average December flight is also booked more than six weeks in advance.
Delaying purchases until later can result in higher expenses. According to the bank, average spending on airfare increased by 39% between September and November.
The busiest travel days are Fridays in mid-December, with return flights peaking from January 2nd to 4th. Travelers looking for better fares are advised to compare prices, maintain flexibility in travel dates where possible, and book as soon as their plans are confirmed.
Standard Bank reports that customers with eligible credit cards can save up to 40% on airfares from various airlines through Standard Bank Travel in the banking app, for themselves and up to eight family members or friends. Furthermore, the bank offers all its customers a 10% discount on basic LIFT fares from October 26th to 28th for travel between November and April when booking through Standard Bank Travel in the app. Travelers should check applicable terms, conditions, and booking dates before making a reservation.
For many South Africans, the holiday break is less about staying in a resort and more about returning home. These 'home travelers' travel from cities to visit family in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and rural KwaZulu-Natal, often staying with relatives instead of paying for accommodation.
This movement also affects spending in major cities. Standard Bank data indicates that spending in city hotels and entertainment venues during the holiday season may decrease by up to 34% as regular patrons leave the city.
However, for those traveling long distances by car, fuel remains a significant factor. Given the pressure on family budgets from petrol price increases, it is worth calculating the full cost of the return journey and comparing it with other transport options, especially for solo travelers or couples.
Drivers can also meticulously plan refueling stops and look for reward programs that help reduce fueling costs. Standard Bank notes that UCount Rewards participants can earn up to 10 cents per liter when refueling at Astron Energy using an eligible Standard Bank card, subject to program terms.
Long journeys may also require overnight stays. The bank reports that hotel costs for roadside stops are rising by 52% during the holiday season, highlighting the importance of early booking. Standard Bank clients can save up to 30% at participating Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, Town Lodges, and Road Lodges in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique when booking through Standard Bank Travel before January 31, 2027, and paying with a Standard Bank card.
For families dreaming of a week by the sea, December remains a key month for coastal holidays. Standard Bank data shows that hotel booking expenses peak in December, exceeding the monthly average by 45%. Durban is also becoming an increasingly popular coastal destination alongside Cape Town.
However, families are changing their approach to post-arrival spending. According to the bank, apartment-style accommodation costs are rising by 69% as more travelers choose places with kitchens and the flexibility to cook some meals themselves, rather than eating out every day.
Location and timing also affect the final bill. Standard Bank points out that staying outside one's home province costs, on average, 2.2 times more than staying closer to home, and hotel bookings in December and January cost approximately 9% more. For families planning a coastal getaway, comparing destinations, traveling during off-peak seasons where possible, and choosing self-catering accommodation can help stretch the holiday budget.
Airport transfers can also increase travel costs. Standard Bank customers can benefit from a 15% discount on pre-booked Uber Reserve trips to the airport, limited to R100 per trip, according to the bank.
Travelers seeking freedom of exploration find that road trips allow them to explore coastal cities, scenic routes, and reserves at their own pace. However, the most popular options may require booking well in advance of December.
Standard Bank data shows that car rental bookings peak in October, exceeding the average by 18%. National park fees follow a similar trend: bookings peak in September and October, when families book campsites and plan visits.
The bank reported that bookings at some car rental companies have increased by up to 44% during the holiday period. Travelers planning to drive themselves must confirm vehicle availability, check mileage and insurance conditions, and factor in fuel, tolls, accommodation, and park entrance fees when budgeting.
Owners of eligible Standard Bank credit cards can save up to 35% on car rentals with selected partners when meeting applicable conditions.
The common thread among these four types of travelers is planning. Rather than canceling vacations, many are booking in advance and considering the total cost of the trip: from transport and accommodation to food and entertainment.
Several practical steps can help travelers manage expenses: book early, compare transport options, consider self-catering, be flexible with travel dates, carefully check discounts, and budget for the entire trip, including transfers, food, entertainment, fuel, and potential overnight stays.
The message for the 2026 holiday season is clear: December holidays do not necessarily have to disappear amid tighter budgets. For many South Africans, the task is to find ways to maintain the annual tradition, making every rand count as much as possible.
