Travel Expo offering good pickings for the thrifty

THOSE dreaming about jetting off to exotic destinations are in for a treat at this year’s Travel Expo.

This is because several holiday packages will be available at the fraction of the usual price, and those who are cashstrapped can now visit the destinations of their dreams.

The annual expo, expected to take place next weekend (February 11 and 12) at the Ticketpro Dome in Randburg, has a variety of deals to suit your pocket.

These include affordable airlines, cruise lines, resorts, hotels and tours.

The Flight Centre Travel Group, which hosts the expo, said the event was aimed at getting the biggest role-players under one roof in a bid to make travelling more affordable.

“Difficult economic times might have you reconsidering your foreign travel plans this year, but don’t abandon your dreams of travelling abroad just yet,” said Flight Centre marketing manager Nicky Potgieter.

Visitors will get offers that include up to 45% off international airfares, 40% off beach holidays as well as some “buy one get one free” touring deals.

This is because more than 120 top companies, including Emirates, Air Mauritius, South African Airways, Beachcomber, Flight Centre Holidays, MSC Cruises, Top Deck and Club Med, will be in attendance with great deals.

Potgieter said about 25 000 people were expected to attend the Travel Expo 2017.

She said that since the expo began in 2010, the numbers of those attending had risen substantially, with around 9 600 attendees in 2013 and about 20 000 last year.

In addition, the Flight Centre Travel Group, South Africa’s largest travel company, will have 90 experts on hand to offer expert travel advice on alternative foreign destinations, as well as answer travel-related queries.

Travellers will also get the chance to win more than R650 000 in travel prizes, which include flights, holidays, hotel stays, tours and cruises.

Those who book and pay for their trip or flight at the expo stand in line to win a car valued at R120 000, courtesy of Avis, and a dream holiday valued at R60 000.

Entrance to the Travel Expo is free and families are invited to attend, as there will also be a play area for children.

Discounts to put exotic locations well within reach