Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Dawn Head
Is Flying in Africa Expensive – A trip to Africa is almost synonymous to safaris, and safaris are never cheap. However, guided with the right timeline and planning – a trip to Africa can be tailored-fit to anyone’s budget.
Is Flying in Africa Expensive
When is the best time to book trips to Africa?
Nomadic Matt, a travel blogger suggests checking out out Indian and Middle Eastern carriers. The best flights to book are those during mid-week instead of during the weekends. It is also worth taking advantage of ‘seat-sales’ from local and international carriers.
This usually happens at the start of the year, from January to February. Carriers would also put up early-bird seat sales to at least ensure that the cost for fuel of most of their flights was already covered. This is when most of the cheapest flights are available when going to Africa.
Tips and Tricks to Score the Best Airfare
We’ve all heard about certain tricks from frequent travelers on how they get the best airfare when they travel. These tips below are actually effective.
Going on ‘incognito’ mode
When you search for flights on a regular browser, this is often recorded through your computer’s cookies. This is how airlines are able to detect what you’re most likely looking for since you’ve searched for it. Hence, don’t be surprised if all of a sudden the online ads you’ll see is most likely related to the last flight details you’ve looked at.
However, you can go around this by clearing your search history and cookies. Going in private browsing or going ‘incognito’ while booking your trip can also help you elude detection from travel agencies and carriers.
Book Trips on a Sunday When Flying in Africa
It used to be on Tuesdays when airlines would drop their prices mid-week. Last year’s report from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) revealed that Sunday’s the best day to book flights. This came about due to the rising competition and as the carrier’s way of changing strategies since their ‘Tuesday’s trade secret’ has been revealed.
Switching VPNs
Mask your IP to reflect as though you’re booking from your destination. However, do make sure to use a credit card that would avoid foreign transaction fees. Local rates of your destination are most likely cheaper compared to when booked from your actual location.
You can compare services such as Keepgo vs TEP Wireless vs Skyroam.
Now that you’re all set the most cost-effective trips to Africa. It’s time to prepare for green traveling!
How to Plan a Vacation to Africa
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Figure out your budget
Planning your budget for your African trip. It is important to plan your budget in advance. This will help you avoid any financial difficulties while on the trip.
It is also important to note that not all African countries are cheap to travel to. The cost of living and other factors can vary from country to country, so it is best to research a specific country before making any decisions about where you want to go.
The currency in Africa varies from country-to-country as well, so when planning your budget for an African trip, it’s important that you take into account what currency the prices are being quoted in and how much of a difference there will be between the exchange rate and what you are used to seeing at home.
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Research where you want to go, what you want to see and do
The first step in booking flights to Africa is finding the right destination. There are many different countries in Africa, so it’s important to know which one you want to visit before searching for flights. Do you want to go on an African safari or other tours? Are you interested in seeing the national parks in Africa?
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Checking flights to Africa
Once you’ve selected your destination, you can use an online travel agency like Expedia or Priceline to search for flights that suit your needs. These sites will let you filter by price, duration of flight, and number of stops on the way there.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, consider arranging your own travel plans with a company like Travelocity or Orbitz. This will give you more control over what airports and airlines you fly with as well as what type of accommodations are available in your destination city once arrival time rolls around.
Going Green During Your Trip to Africa
Let’s face it going 100% green during travels is impossible. However, there is always a benefit to making an effort of going green in every way possible during trips.
How to go green during travels?
Simply put it is considering ecological and more sustainable choices and incorporating that during your travels. In the words of Go Green Travel Green’s owner and editor, Dawn Head, it is “when our choices align with our eco-interests and values.” You can’t do everything, but you can do something. Choose the things that are most important to you.
One thing that comes to mind when traveling is Africa is you will want to be sure you buy sustainable souvenirs. Many travelers also come bringing donations to help people in need. This will lighten your load on the return flight and also make room for any local treasures you bring back.
1) Travel light
Lightweight luggage lessens the burden on your body of what you have to lug around and tote as well as help keep the weight down when commuting.
Conversely, cumbersome, heavyweight pieces luggage means heavier weight capacities. These require more fuel used for vehicles, which includes trains and planes. It will then result in green gas emissions. Hence it is preferred to travel light. This includes choosing lightweight suitcases and bags as well as packing less.
2) Avoid plastic
Bring reusable water bottles, drinking flasks or mugs, and washable eco-bags. Say no to straws. This will help you cut-down on one-time use items and disposable alternatives which are most likely not biodegradable.
3) Respect where you are
Learn the local customs and be respectful at all times. Try to learn a few words in the language of the African countries you will be visiting.
4) Use less
Does the place you’re staying at have a free breakfast? Minimize the paper and plastic products you take. Buying coffee? Reuse the paper coffee sleeve for the next time. Say no to excess packaging when carrying out meals.
5) Choose green businesses
Look or ask for green certifications from businesses. You can also ask certified green travel experts for references, such as those on Go Green Travel Green’s website.
6) Pack eco-friendly toiletries
In Africa, toiletries are a luxury and are more expensive than European price tags. It will be very helpful if you pack your own shampoo, bar soap, lotion, and toothpaste. There are now a variety of eco-friendly shampoos and toothpaste to choose from. Go for these options during your trips.
Africa Travel
An African vacation is the a trip of a lifetime. Booking flights to Africa can seem stressful but with enough advance planning, you can find the best flight and deal.
The continent of Africa is a vast and diverse continent that has so many countries and cultures. Learn what languages they speak and what specific customs they have regarding dress, traveling alone, etc.
Use these tips so you will avoid an expensive trip to Africa while still going green. The conscious steps of a few going green – can grow to a thousand of travelers’ efforts which will definitely have an impact. Kudos to your green travel efforts!