Tight economy bites a chunk out of one’s wallet

SUZANNE BELLING

Helen Heldenmuth is going to Cape Town, but is not cutting her holiday budget. “It is not necessary, as I am staying with a friend in her apartment on the Waterfront.”

She says she does not know anyone who is cutting back within her milieu.

“People who can’t afford to go away are certainly not going to tell you, but younger people within a certain income bracket are not prepared to forgo their holiday. Personally, I never stay in a hotel, because if I wanted to do so, I couldn’t go.”

She said even the youth movement camps, such as Bnei Akiva, were becoming more expensive, as the children now fly to the campsite centres, as opposed to previously going by train.

She felt sure more campers would need sponsorship this year.

Ruth Epstein, owner of Ashby Manor Guest House in Fresnaye in Cape Town, said 85 to 90 per cent of her guests are international.

“But our occupancy is always high, because we have good rates.”

She felt people are used to staying in more expensive hotels but maybe downgrading from four-star to three-star hotels in the current economic climate.

“People are definitely taking shorter holidays.”

Chaim Chovel, an Israeli who has been in South Africa for the past eight years, feels the economy is certainly impacting peoples’ holidays.

“There is the possibility of cheaper air tickets, greater flexibility, and people can take advantage of this to obtain lower airfares.”

He has no immediate travel plans, but is considering a visit to Israel in the coming months.

“I have elderly parents in Israel and two children and grandchildren there, as well as a child and grandchildren in Barcelona – five grandchildren – so I want to see them and feel it is my duty to spend time with them, even if it is expensive.”

“We are definitely going to cut down on going away,” said Martine Bass. “For starters, we are going to a resort nearby (to Johannesburg) and we can travel by car. Our holiday will also be shorter.

“I think everything is much more expensive at this time of year, but I want to give my kids a break and we have to get away.”

Marcelle Pincus, who lost her husband three months ago, says she usually goes overseas to see her children.

“I have the funds, as I have been saving for this and fortunately am able to go for four weeks.”

Pincus says she has to go, or she will not be able to see her children.

Pam Blumenthal never leaves her home during peak season, “as I do not want to compromise the safety and security of my house during this time”.

She says, however, that people going on holiday during the summer will have to budget to make it affordable.

Brian Kozinsky feels the economic situation in South Africa has been a factor in decisions of people on whether to go away on holiday or cut down on their holiday costs.

He is not going away this December, simply because of work commitments, but is likely to do so during the next year.

“I am just working this December, so I won’t go away,” he said.

His three children of 18, 17 and 12 will, however, all be on holiday, attending the Bnei Akiva camp.