Mastering the art of multi-destination travel

Travel smarter, not harder – explore multiple destinations in one value-for-money trip.

South Africans are booking longer holidays. Research from Flight Centre South Africa shows that trips increased from 14.7 days between 1 Dec – 31 Jan 2023/2024 to 16.2 days for 2024/2025’s festive season.

While many are opting to stay in one destination to embrace ‘slow travel’ and truly relax and unwind, others are taking to the opportunity to cram as much excitement into their trip as possible – getting the biggest bang for their buck. If you love the idea of visiting various new destinations in one go, then read on.

“Multi-destination travel promises many perks, including experiencing the highlights of several locations at a much lower cost,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing and Marketing, Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa. “Whether you’re breaking up a long-haul trip to refresh and explore a stopover city or planning an adventure packed with diverse sights, a well-planned multi-destination journey is both practical and an exhilarating way to see more of the world.”

Ready to master the art of multi-city travel? Flight Centre South Africa’s Travel Experts weigh in on why these tailored trips are the way forward, share actionable tips to make them smooth and stress-free, and recommend a few multi-city itineraries to consider for a well-balanced escape.

What is a multi-destination itinerary?

In simple terms, a multi-destination itinerary combines stops at two or more locations into one seamless trip. In short, you’re exploring multiple regions instead of flying to a single location and staying put.

There are different ways to approach this type of trip:

• Classic multi-destination adventures: Hit iconic hotspots across a few destinations in one trip.
• Stopover explorations: Turn a layover into a memorable mini holiday.
• Regional pairings: Combine nearby locations for a cohesive journey (e.g., Tanzania and Zanzibar or Zimbabwe and Botswana).

Think of it as a way to optimise your travel time, expand your horizons, and make the journey part of the thrill!

Why plan a multi-destination itinerary?

Here’s why multi-destination travel is savvy travel:

1. Maximise travel time: Save on multiple international trips by visiting more destinations during one holiday.
2. Break up long-haul flights: Avoid feeling drained by splitting the journey with a stop or two in nearby regions.
3. Variety and diversity: Throw yourself into contrasting experiences – every city or destination will have something unique to offer.
4. Cost-efficiency: With proper planning and the help of trusted travel advisors, multi-city trips cost less than booking individual trips to the same destinations.
5. Family-friendly: Perfect for families with children, as shorter flight legs and exciting in-between stops help keep kids engaged and rested.

Actionable tips for seamless multi-destination travel

Want to avoid travel hiccups? Read on for top tips to make your itinerary as smooth as possible:

1. Plan with purpose: Define your trip’s main goal: Are you seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix? This will help you pair destinations that offer complementary experiences.
2. Explore smart bundling options: Lean on travel experts to book combined flight and accommodation deals for maximum savings and convenience.
3. Mind the timing: Allocate enough time at each destination so you don’t feel rushed – at least three days for highlights or a week for full immersion.
4. Pack strategically: Keep luggage light to ease mobility between destinations. Pack for varying climates, especially if you’re mixing beaches, city slicking, and safaris.
5. Simplify the complexities: Navigating visas, transit requirements, and local activities can be daunting, which is why it’s best to let a travel expert handle the logistics for you.

Recommended multi-destination itineraries for South African travellers

1. Mauritius + Reunion Island

Combine the beaches and luxurious resorts of Mauritius with the adventure and natural beauty of Reunion Island. These two Indian Ocean gems are just a short hop apart.

Start in Mauritius for some well-deserved relaxation. Then, take a quick one-hour flight to Reunion Island, where you’ll discover volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and dramatic coastal views.

2. Tanzania + Zanzibar

Start in Tanzania for an epic safari (consider planning when the Great Migration is at its most awe-inspiring – July to October – or visit outside of this peak period for a more peaceful bush break), followed by beach-bum bliss just a stone’s throw away in Zanzibar.

3. Maldives + Seychelles

Combine two Indian Ocean paradises, each picture-perfect and offering its own special experiences – ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking ultimate luxury.

4. Thailand + Bali

Explore Bangkok’s energetic streets, Phuket’s beaches, and Chiang Mai’s temples, then head to Bali for serenity and culture. With budget-friendly options, this can be an affordable yet interesting adventure.

5. UAE + Oman

Pair the modern luxury of the UAE with Oman’s culture and landscapes for an Arabian adventure like no other. Start in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to explore glamorous shopping malls, record-breaking skyscrapers, and desert safaris. Then, take a one-hour flight to Oman, where you’ll experience a contrast of ancient fortresses, souks, beaches, and the dramatic Hajar Mountains.

6. Namibia + Botswana

A Southern African safari experience that combines Namibia’s deserts with Botswana’s wildlife-rich wetlands for a truly unforgettable trip.

Start in Namibia, where you can admire the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, explore Etosha National Park’s wildlife, and uncover the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast. Then, take a 1.5-hour flight to Botswana to experience the Okavango Delta, spot big game in Chobe National Park, and visit the salt flats of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

7. The Maldives + Kenya (Maasai Mara)

Pair the over-the-top luxury of Maldivian overwater villas with the excitement of a safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

•  London + Paris

Coupling two of Europe’s most iconic cities is a bucket list experience, and the ease of traveling between them via the Eurostar train makes this itinerary seamless.

• Sydney + Queenstown

Start your journey down under in Sydney for visits to legendary landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. Then, take a 3-hour flight to Queenstown, the jewel of New Zealand’s South Island. A must for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, Queenstown offers adventure activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, and hiking.

1. Mauritius + Perth

For South Africans with loved ones in Australia, a multi-destination trip combining Mauritius and Perth balances relaxation and reconnection. Begin your journey with the sun-soaked beaches of Mauritius, where you can unwind and enjoy the island’s Creole charm. After recharging in paradise, take a direct flight to Perth, the gateway to Western Australia, where you can explore urban life, picture-perfect coastlines, and catch up with family and friends.

Ultimately, planning a multi-destination itinerary doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right support. Here’s to making 2025 the year for seeing and doing more – while spending less!

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