Get ahead of the holiday crowds on the North Coast

For many, going on holiday in December is essential after a long year of work. But with such emphasis being placed on year-end vacations, out-of-season travel possibilities are sometimes overlooked.

However, South Africans are particularly lucky when it comes to the availability of out-of season holiday opportunities, especially on the sunny North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Our out-of-season periods run from April to June (autumn into winter) and from August to October (winter into spring). And although most people prefer travelling during summer, this area experiences very mild winters with mostly sunny days.

Besides near-perfect weather, there are many other benefits of booking an out-of-season getaway too. Some of these include:

Affordable accommodation

An out-of-season holiday can save you up to 50% on your accommodation, flights and tours when compared to peak-season rates. For example, if you book a self-catering unit in The Oysters, which is one of Chas Everitt International's most prestigious apartment listings in Umhlanga, you will pay an out-of-season rate of around R3100/ night, which is almost half the peak-season price of R6100/ night. Indeed, you may well save so much on your out of season break that you can afford to come back again in December!

Smaller crowds

Reports show that KZN attracts approximately 450 000 domestic tourists and 38 000 international tourists during the December holidays. Most tourists are attracted to the province's beaches, and the North Coast is also a crowded hot-spot for entertainment and adventure at this time. However, if you prefer having fewer people around, the out-of-season periods are ideal times to experience the region. You can indulge at the best restaurants, experience unique attractions and visit blue-flag beaches without the hassle of long-queues or crowded areas.  

Availability of sea-facing rooms

The influx of tourists during peak seasons means that sea-facing self-catering holiday apartments are typically all booked up long in advance. However, if you haven't planned ahead and waking up to sweeping views of the Indian ocean is all you can think about, then an off-peak holiday might just be what you need. Lower demand during these periods means that you're likely to be able to secure a sea-facing room even at the last minute. Good parking spots are generally also readily available.

Attracting a business class

For a long time, national and international business people have also benefited from the North Coast's quieter seasons and secured premium accommodation at an affordable rate. Whether they are visiting for meetings, workshops, conferences or just some downtime with the family, they know that they can take their pick of hotels, guest houses or holiday apartments that are not only close to the beach but also within easy reach of key commercial hubs and the King Shaka International Airport.

If you intend spending some off-peak vacation time on the North Coast this year, you can choose from various self-catering holiday apartments located in the beautiful coastal towns of uMhlanga, uMdloti, Westbrook and Ballito. Some of the best-known blocks are Ben Siesta, Bronze Bay, Villa Royale and Blue Largo.

With the country currently within the out-of-season period, this is the perfect time to think about an escape to the North Coast for a quick mid-year getaway. Chas Everitt Property Rentals has a wide variety of holiday accommodation options available. Contact our team to find out more or to book your seaside holiday today.