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5 reasons you might want to go on a tropical holiday instead of buying the latest smartphone

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Credit: iStock
Credit: iStock

The iPhone X is a nifty piece of technology. The top-end 256GB version of the handset is expected to cost slightly over R20 000 when it goes on sale in South Africa and it’s been said that it will be the most expensive mainstream smartphone to have ever graced our shores.

But what about a little self-care? A digital detox in December is probably what we really need more than a tech upgrade. 

Read more: 22 things we wish we'd known before travelling overseas for the first time

The Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) has come up with 5 great experiences that will cost you less than the new iPhone.

1. London calling 

Stroll past Buckingham Palace, climb Big Ben or enjoy the view from the London Eye. One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times.

Travel Vision offers you three nights’ accommodation in central London as well as return flights from Johannesburg for less than the price of an iPhone X. 

You’ll get treated to a City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop Off tour and receive a London Eye Fast Track Experience Ticket. From R15 520 per person, you’ll even have spending money left over with this package. 

2. A week on the beaches of Thailand

Tropical beaches, glittering seas and friendly locals. Ditch your inner geek and spend seven nights relaxing on the beaches of Thailand. 

Forget about playing Candy Crush on a slightly bigger screen, you’ll be able to snorkel in hidden bays, laze on pristine beaches and feast on tantalising Thai cuisine. 

From R15 226 per person – that’s right less than the price of an iPhone X - Travel Vision will offer you flights as well as four nights in Phuket and three nights in Phi Phi.

3. Celebrate New Year’s on Zanzibar Island 

Celebrate the start of 2018 in Zanzibar. Swim, snorkel or lounge the hours away – relaxation is guaranteed on the Spice Island for New Years.

Stick with your ‘old’ smartphone instead of splurging on the latest innovation, and you could be spending seven nights at the beautiful Ngalawa Beach Village. 

From R15 866, you’ll enjoy flights from Jozi, seven nights’ accommodation as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner thanks to Thompsons Holidays. The tour operator will even throw in a massage and a $100 (R1370) voucher per room per stay to redeem free drinks at the bar. 

4. Explore Europe’s Winterland

Have you always dreamt of exploring the cultures of Europe on a winter adventure? Forget the iPhone X and rather book your December getaway with Busabout.

Explore France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic on a 9-day trip for just R8 860.  You’ll visit the Belgian gem of Bruges before heading to the kinky and kooky town of Amsterdam.

Next, party in the quirky and electrifying nightlife of Berlin before finishing in the jaw-droppingly beautiful capital of Bohemia, Prague. Expect amazing museums, cosy bars and the best architecture that Europe has to offer. 

Read more: 7 podcasts you should definitely listen to on your commute

Included are your accommodation, breakfasts and transport between the cities as well as bike tours and walking tours. You’ll need to still add the price of your flight, but with Ethiopian Airlines offering flights from R8 819 per person, you’ll even have money to spare…

5. Ultimate relaxation in Mauritius

Friendly, inviting and beautiful. What better destination in which to spend your December break than Mauritius? 

Explore the country’s beaches, temples, lagoons, rainforests, reefs and waterfalls. Or, discover the island’s underwater world on a scuba-diving excursion. 

The Holiday Factory offers you seven nights at Veranda Grand Baie in December from R17 385. This includes flights, accommodation, as well as breakfast and dinner daily. Surely, that’s more appealing than having the latest smartphone in your pocket? 


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