It’s that time of year again, Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals are coming to a website and travel agent near you. I’ve compiled these travel deals by reaching out to my contacts in the travel trade. These travel deals are valid from Sunday 24 November 2024. I’ve categorised them according to transportation, packaged deals, accommodation, and experiences and tours. But first here are a few tips when shopping for Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Deal Tips
#1 Some sales begin before Black Friday on 29 November, as brands try to compete for consumers’ credit cards.
#2 Sign up for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday newsletters ahead of time – there are a number in this post. Also follow your favourite travel brand on social media – particularly the ones where you want to snag those deals. On Facebook and X you can change your settings, so that you get notifications about new posts or so that the latest posts are curated to the top of your newsfeed.
#3 Hopper is a monitoring tool that sends notifications if there are deals on flight routes and destinations you have your eye on. You can set your home airport, as well as a preferred airline.
#4 Be aware of the average price of the flight, travel package, tour or hotel that you’d like to book before all the sales begin, so that you’re certain it’s a good deal, and you’re not just being had with a ‘fake’ mark up and discount.
#5 Check out the deals you want to buy beforehand and bookmark those websites and specific webpages for easy access on the day. Make sure you have your passport and ID number close by if you’re booking flights.
#6 Compare deals provided by online travel agencies (OTAs) and the travel company or airlines directly, before making a purchase.
#7 I always try to save up first, instead of buying on credit. My personal advice is never to buy anything you can’t really afford or won’t be able to pay back within a reasonable amount of time, without accruing too much interest and putting yourself in a difficult financial position. If you’re an impulsive buyer, it might be a good idea to have a list of what you’re REALLY looking for and set a realistic budget – so that you don’t overspend.
#8 If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll have more to choose from and will most likely find better deals. Note that sales are usually subject to specific travel times. If you’re travelling to a region or country you’re unfamiliar with, check the specified travel dates to see if they correspond with the monsoon or rainy season, or the hot-hot-hot season (as I experienced during my three weeks in India – yes, I’d do it again).
#9 Read the small print and ask for the terms and conditions, so you’re aware of any non-refundable deposits and additional costs to secure your booking, necessary visas, the minimum required stay, and any black-out dates for which you cannot book. Read and verify them before you swipe that card.
Newsletters and email alerts about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Travel Tuesday Deals
Sign up for your favourite travel brand’s newsletter where they announce sales, special travel offers, travel discounts, and price alerts. Visit the websites of airlines (Flysafair) you like to fly and look for a “sign-up” or “newsletter” section, usually at the bottom of the page or in the header. Hotel chains (e.g., Wilderness Destinations, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt, Tsogo Sun, Minor Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor), Booking sites (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com), Cruise Lines (Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Oceania Cruises, Hurtigruten, Carnival, Royal Caribbean) and online travel agencies (Expedia, Kayak) offer exclusive deals through their newsletters.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals on flights
Cathay Pacific: They’re offering an extra $75 in savings for new members of their frequent flyer programme who book by November 30th. More details here
Qatar Airways: Offering 20-30% off flights booked by November 25th for travel through November 25th, 2025. More details here
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Deals on cruises
50% off with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) autumn-winter 2026/27 season
NCL are offering 50% off all published sailings on over 400 voyages during its 2026/27 season. Guests can also enjoy more value by combining it with More At Sea™, the cruise line’s brand-new value-added package available for all voyages beginning in January 2025. This includes: more premium spirit brands, more culinary experiences with additional specialty dining meals available, more included Wi-Fi minutes powered by Starlink’s high-speed internet. The package also features $50 shore excursion credits, with free airfare for the second guest and third and fourth guests sailing free on select cruises.
The Details: The NCL Black Friday Sale runs from now until 03 December 2024.
Related reading: Cruise to Alaska: The land of midnights sun
Upgrades, up to $1000 shipboard credit OR unlimited selected drinks on Oceania Cruises
The Oceania Black Friday sale runs from 15 November until 10 December 2024. It’s applicable to over 90 global voyages departing in 2025 and 2026 to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Guests enjoy up to a 4 Category Upgrade on select sailings, plus their choice of one: unlimited wine, beer and spirits OR a shipboard credit of up to $1000; combined with the always free amenities of Your World Included™.
The Details: For more information, contact your nearest travel agent or visit https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/black-friday
25-50% off on Hurtigruten Cruises
Experience Norway’s incredible coast, amazing wildlife and the magic of the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten Cruises. Get from 25-50% off on selected Norwegian coastal express voyages that are booked between 18 November and 02 December 2024, for travel on selected voyages between 1st December 2024 and 13th May 2025. This offer includes: accommodation onboard in your chosen category, meals, port charges and gratuities. It excludes: shore excursions in port, beverages, laundry, beauty and spa treatments, as well as anything of a personal nature.
The Details: For more information, contact your nearest travel agent or visit https://www.hurtigruten.com/en/offers/black-friday
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Deals on accommodation
20% off 2025 rates at Semonkong Lodge for a winter holiday in Lesotho
Plan your June getaway to Lesotho now with Semonkong Lodge, a rustic stone-and-thatch mountain retreat from which to explore the area with various activities – whether it’s on the back of a Basotho pony, from the saddle of a mountain bike, or during a donkey pub crawl.
The Details: Pay R3 344 per couple for a two-night stay during the month of June 2025, when you book before 15 December 2024. Stays can be extended. Only accommodation rates are discounted (activities and the 1.5% tourism levy are not included). Email: [email protected] and find more info on https://www.semonkonglodge.com/.
Related reading: Watch me tackle Malutsenyane Falls in the ‘Raging to Nature’ short film.
20% off a stay at Babanango Game Reserve
Babananago Game Reserve is set in the heart of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal. Set among the breathtaking topography of the upper White Umfolozi River Valley, the reserve occupies a vast wilderness area of over 20 000 hectares that is steeped in Zulu history. The landscape, with its rugged mountains and serene valleys, serves as a sanctuary for an incredible variety of birds, plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals for an unforgettable safari experience. With the recent return of the African elephant, Babanango is now a Big Five game reserve.
The Details: The Black Friday deal ends on 08 December 2024 and applies for travel dates up to 31 January 2025. It excludes daily community and conservation fees. The offer only extends to Madwaleni River Lodge (from R7600 pp/pn), Zulu Rock Lodge (from R3680 pp/pn ) and Babanango Valley Lodge (from R3,280 pp/pn). It includes: accommodation, breakfast, light lunch and dinner, 2 game drives daily, including snacks and a beverage. The offer excludes daily community and conservation fees. Email [email protected] and find more on https://babanango.com/black-friday-special/.
25% off at Hyde Johannesburg (with a FREE cocktail and a possible room upgrade)
Celebrate the opening of the newest hotel Hyde Johannesburg with 25% off room bookings this Travel Tuewsday. Youll also receive a Proud Mary breakfast (up to R250) per guest that is redeemable via dine-in or room service from 06:30 to 11:00. Plus each guest will get a Proud Mary cocktail (up to R110) per guest, available between 14:00 and 23:30. And if there’s a larger room available when you check-in, you’ll be offered a free upgrade.
Details: Valid for stays between 28 November 2024 – 31 January 2025, be sure to book by 31 January 2025. Blackout dates and availability restrictions may apply. The offer can be modified, cancelled, exchanged after the reservation, in line with the cancellation policy; otherwise, 1-night stay and tax are charged. This is not a prepaid rate, and general sales t&c’s apply for reserved public rates specific to each hotel. Find more on: https://hydehotels.com/offers/jump-into-johannesburg/
Up to 50% off Dream Hotel and Resorts
Get up to 50% off online bookings made from 29 November to 01 December 2024 at the following Dream Hotel and Resorts properties:
Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape (KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast)
Zimbali Lodge (Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal)
Finfoot Lake Reserve (Greater Pilanesburg, North West)
Olifants River Lodge (Middelburg, Mpumalanga)
Jozini Tiger Lodge (Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal)
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort (Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape)
The Details: travel dates between 5th May and 31st August 2025, specific restrictions regarding minimum nights and room types vary from property to property. Bookings need to be fully paid for online to qualify and are non-refundable.
Up to 20% off your stay at the Pullman Cape Town
Pullman Cape Town places you at the heart of it all, from the sweeping views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill to the creative energy of Cape Town’s art galleries. Receive up to 20% off stays of 2 nights or more from 14 November 2024 to 27 April 2025. Book and stay before 14 December 2024 and you’ll stand a chance to win two tickets to the Table Mountain Cableway, where you’ll experience Cape Town’s stunning views from an unmatched perspective.
The Details: Find more info on: https://all.accor.com/hotel/C0H1/index.en.shtml
Three nights free and a room upgrade at SIS Kata Resort in Phuket
Perched on a lush hillside overlooking the turquoise waters of Kata Beach, in Phuket, The SIS Kata Resort boasts a sleek design, Insta-worthy infinity pool with a swim-up bar, and breathtaking sunset views. This adults-only resort is the ultimate haven for relaxation with a touch of sophistication. Rejuvenate your senses at the Senses Spa, stay active in the fully-equipped fitness centre, or simply savour incredible meals paired with panoramic views at the rooftop restaurant. For the perfect end to your day, unwind with cocktails at the Twilight Bar.
The details: Book 10 nights at The SIS Kata Resort and pay for 7. Enjoy 3 FREE nights, plus a complimentary room upgrade to The Stella Pool room (subject to availability).Cost: R 20 990 per person sharing (a saving of over R3 000 per person sharing). Book and pay by 02 December 2024 for selected departures between 01 April – 30 September 2025. Call WOLO Travel on 0875 514 111, book in-store at WOLO Travel Rosebank, Johannesburg or WOLO Travel Centurion, Pretoria, or book online: https://wolo.travel/StayinStyle
30% off a Drakensberg getaway with Antbear Eco Lodge
Escape the hustle of the city to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains at Antbear Eco Lodge, near the iconic Giant’s Castle. For a limited time, they’re offering 30% stays in their cozy and comfortable luxury caves that are crafted beneath a natural rock formation. Step through glass doors onto a private wooden deck, where hammock chairs invite you to soak in panoramic views of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Each cave features a Jacuzzi spa bath and a fireplace. Antbear Lodge is a charming, owner-run retreats with a farm-to-plate food philosophy with fresh ingredients from their organic vegetable garden, eggs from their free-range chickens, milk from their own cows, and homemade bread and cheese. It also offers exclusive private, candlelit dining experiences. From here you can embark on spectacular hiking trails, chase cascading waterfalls, and marvel at some of the world’s best-preserved Bushman rock art. Antbear Lodge also offers slow horse trails. And two of their unit are pet friendly.
The details: 30% off for select dates, find more onhttps://www.antbear.co.za and email [email protected].
ANEW Hotels & Resorts offer rewards memebers discounts
Join ANEW Rewards to unlock various savings of varying amounts on you stay at 15 ANEW Hotels & Resorts properties across the country, from Gauteng to Hluhluwe, White River and along the coast. They are offering discounts for midweek and weekend stays. Other membership perks include room upgrades, free early check-in and late check-out.
The details: Join ANEW Rewards. Block out dates: 15 Decemver until 05 January. Find the sign up and Black Friday specials here: https://anewhotels.com/black-friday-accommodation-specials/
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Deals on experiences and tours
Up to 30% off G Adventures tours
G Adventures’ Cyber Sale started on Wednesday 30 October and will run until 30 November 2024. They have different savings tiers of 30%, 15% and 10%:
197 different trips at 30% OFF for travel from 30 October until 30 April 2025 (trips including Asia, Morocco, Egypt, Everest Basecamp and more).
226 trips at 15% OFF for travel from 30 October until 30 April 2025 (including Turkey, Maldives, India, Costa Rica and more).
551 trips at 10% OFF for travel from 01 May until the 31 August 2025 (including the Galapagos, Greece, Iceland and Peru).
The Details: For more information, contact your nearest travel agent or visit www.GAdventures.com.
Related Reading: I travelled with G Adventures for Three weeks in India: From north to south by train
Related Reading: Mumbai in 24 hours
Up to 20% off Intrepid Travel tours
Intrepid Travel offers over 1 500 itineraries across the world. Get up to 20% off tours with a 2025 departure date. The discount will be automatically applied to those trips that are eligible for the deal.
The Details: Book on this Cyber Monday website between 14 November – 05 December 2024, for select trips departing between 01 December 2024 – 30 September 2025, excluding travel between 18 December 2024 – 05 January 2025.
Stay and Play in Stellenbosch travel package
Discover the enchanting allure of Stellenbosch, South Africa’s food and wine capital, with ‘Our Gift to You’ specials running from 13–27 December, when you can enjoy exclusive offers on discounted stays at boutique hotels and serene wine farm retreats. Savour exquisite dining and wine tastings at top vineyards for an unforgettable festive getaway. The full ‘Stay and Play’ campaign runs from 01 November until the end of March 2025. Be sure to check out ‘Visit Stellenbosch’ social media platforms for weekly giveaways.
Details: https://stayandplay.visitstellenbosch.org/news/
Up to 25% off with Contiki
Bookmark Contiki’s Cyber Weekend website for up to 25% off on 100+ worldwide trips, across all 6 continents, whether you’re going for a whole week or a whole month, sunbathing or snorkelling, in cities or safari parks.
The Details: The travel specials will run from 01 November – 05 December 2024. To book, call 011 280-8481 or visit the website above.
40% off Cape Nature stays
Book online from 29 November and 01 December to qualify for a 40% discount at selected Cape Nature self-catering accommodation and campsites.
The Details: Book via www.booking.capenature.co.za and for additional info email: [email protected] or call: 087-087-8250.
It looks incredible, what a lineup, dear Iga! Hoping we could get you to visit Tau Game Lodge soon.