After a few years of “revenge travel” characterised by a frenzy of many small trips, travellers are now feeling “travel fatigue”.
KAYAK’s recently released 2026 Travel Trends Forecast indicates a change in travel habits: travellers are moving away from frequent, short trips in favour of a single, highly intentional, and longer journey.
International travel plans have slipped below an average of two trips per person for the first time since 2023, with people now choosing to “go big” once rather than “go often.”
Reports from “Explore Worldwide” suggest travellers are seeking “slow travel” experiences, like rail journeys or immersive cultural stays, that require a longer time commitment to feel “rooted” rather than just “rested.”
The 2026 Travel Trends Forecast also shows that international airfares are down by roughly 10 – 12% compared to last year. Because the frenzy of frequent short trips has cooled, airlines are using lower prices to maintain high volume on their international routes.
Travel reports also highlight that while flights are cheaper, “on-the-ground” costs (hotels, dining) in viral hotspots are rising.
By taking one long trip, travellers can save significantly on the “per-day” cost of airfare.
Five tips on how South Africans can capitalise on this trend
If you are planning your “one big trip” this year, experts suggest a few specific strategies to maximise the current market:
-
Travel “off-peak”: 2026 is being called the year of the “hidden season”. February to March is the absolute cheapest time for international travel. After the festive rush, airlines slash prices to fill seats. International fares can be 15-20% lower than December rates. August to September is also an option. As the Northern Hemisphere summer ends, prices drop significantly.
-
The “mid-week” rule: In South Africa, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday consistently saves between R800 and R1500 on long-haul international flights compared to weekend departures.
-
Burn your miles: Airline points are projected to lose value throughout 2026 as premium travel booms. If you have miles, this is the year to use them for that one long, comfortable flight.
- Use the “hub” strategy: For long trips to Europe or the US, flights with layovers in Doha, Dubai or Istanbul are currently priced much lower than direct flights from JHB or Cape Town.
- Book 4-6 months out: For the “One Big Trip” trend, the best booking window for South Africans is roughly five months before departure. If you want to travel in the cheap May/June window, you should be looking to book by January or February.
