December – that blissful time of the year when the biggest predicament many of us face is not whether to have another mince pie but rather when exactly to nail down those festive holiday bookings.
December – that blissful time of the year when the biggest predicament many of us face is not whether to have another mince pie but rather when exactly to nail down those festive holiday bookings.
Have you ever wondered if there’s a sweet spot? A window of time when prices are just right, availability is abundant, and the stars align for your travel plans? Well, wonder no more. Our BON Hotels experts know booking patterns like the back of their hands and are here to share their top tips.
If there’s one thing smarter than planning a holiday, it’s planning it right. And with our expert advice, you’ll be saving your pennies and your sanity. Read on and let the festive season holiday planning begin!
Tip No. 1: Decide where you want to go
It may seem obvious, but there’s often a lot of indecision around festive season holidays, delaying the planning and booking process. It’s tricky to pin down the option that’s just right for you – budget, family preferences, and location are just three concerns that make the decisions tough. Though all our BON Hotels properties are superb candidates for your festive getaway, our experts have narrowed the options down to three steady favourites to get you started:
- Queen’s Hotel by BON Hotels – Charming Klein Karoo Escape
Steeped in history, this gem offers a serene small-town getaway in the heart of the picturesque Klein Karoo. Perfect for those who want to take the family on meerkat safaris and mull over stories of ostrich barons and bygone eras under the Karoo’s densely star-studded skies.
- BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay – The Quintessential Seaside Holiday
Dreaming of ocean breezes and sun-soaked afternoons? This seaside hotel overlooks the ocean and the picturesque Richards Bay harbour, offering a sparkling pool, modern family rooms, and a restaurant. Think surfing, sunbathing, and sandcastles – bliss.
- Shishangeni by BON Hotels – A Kruger Park Bush Break
The iconic South African safari holiday – boerewors, bushveld, and exceptional wildlife. Shishangeni’s three luxurious camps offer something for everyone, whether you prefer glamping or a comfortable stay in a family-style lodge. Spend lazy afternoons in the glow of orange African sunsets and catch a glimpse of the elusive Big 5.
Tip 2: Book in advance
As promised, here are the specifics: If you’re after a safari holiday (like those at Shishangeni by BON Hotels), book 30 days or more in advance. Otherwise, you can get away with just 7-14 days when it’s another kind of local getaway – for example, breaks at Queen’s Hotel by BON Hotels and BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay.
However, as a general rule of thumb regarding when to book – the sooner, the better, as it guarantees more availability, allowing you to score the best rooms/suites at lower rates.
Tip 3: Book direct
There are so many maze-like hotel comparison sites that will leave you thinking the perfect booking requires a degree in internet archaeology. But it doesn’t; it’s simple – book direct. By booking directly with your chosen hotel, you avoid middleman fees, get best-rate guarantees, and receive exclusive perks. For instance, when you book directly on www.bonhotels.com, you get 12% off the cheapest rates available .
Tip 4: Take advantage of deals
Never underestimate the power of a hotel’s special offers, especially when it comes to your December holidays. Case in point: the BON Hotels’ BON Voyage to a Fantastic Summer offer gives you 20% off your stay, breakfast included (valid until 14 January 2024).
Tip 5: Loyalty programmes
If you travel frequently and enjoy treating the family to holidays, joining a loyalty programme is definitely worth considering – attractive reward perks, like free-night stays and meal discounts, tally up pretty quickly. For instance, with BON Hotels’ BONami rewards programme, you receive around R16,000 worth of benefits for a yearly fee of R690. Be sure to choose a loyalty programme that not only gives you great benefits but also allows you access to a variety of properties in different locations so you can get the best value.
So, now you’re armed with the facts, the expert tips, and BON Hotels’ insider secrets, where will you be flocking to this festive season? We hope you’ll be joining us. Ready, set, BON Voyage!
