Short breaks can provide wonderful rest and value when longer holidays are not possible
Between longer school or end-of-year breaks, a proper holiday is seldom on the cards, as most people don’t have the time, budget or energy to plan one. This is why more South Africans are leaning into micro-vacations, which are way more doable. These are two to four nights away somewhere close – no airport queues, heavy packing or epic itinerary planning needed. It’s a quick, easy reset that fits into real life.
These breaks don’t just feel good; they’re good for you too. Research shows that even a quick getaway can boost your health, lower stress levels and elevate your overall wellbeing. And the feel-good effects can last for up to 45 days after your return.
Three destinations are topping the charts for local mini breaks, with booking spikes around school and public holidays. Durban serves up year-round sunshine, laid-back beach days, golden-hour surfs and the kind of curry that lives rent-free in your memory. Hoedspruit delivers safari magic, Big Five sightings and starry skies that rival the Karoo – a wild escape without the long-haul schlep. And then there’s Cape Town: from wine farm lunches and mountain hikes to world-class galleries, the Mother City manages to pack more into three days than most cities do in 10.
Off-season pricing can also be 15% lower than during peak times, making these stays a little easier on the wallet too.
Close quarters
Stick to destinations within a three- to four-hour drive – long enough to feel like you’ve properly escaped, but short enough that you’re not spending half your break in traffic. Tuesday to Thursday bookings often come with serious savings. Plus, you’ll have attractions and restaurants largely to yourself.
Book accommodation for at least two nights. One night feels rushed; two nights allow you to properly decompress and actually enjoy where you are. Some hotels offer staycation deals that include free room upgrades, discounted drinks and complimentary meals. Sign up for hotel newsletters for first dibs on discounts.
Book that spa treatment, order breakfast in bed, try the tasting menu – why not?
Time is the ultimate luxury and these short, sweet escapes prove that, sometimes, less really is more. You return refreshed, not exhausted from over-scheduling. Your bank account stays largely intact. And most importantly, you actually take the break instead of endlessly planning the ‘perfect’ holiday that never happens. Ditch the two-week fantasy and embrace the two-night reality. Your future self and your stress levels will thank you.
Text | Sandra Kneubuhler
Photography | Anton Herrington
Sandra Kneubuhler is Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Radisson Hotel Group. For more information, go to radissonhotels.com.
