When the economy is crap go on holiday

Posted by Cameron Ewart-Smith on 10 September 2010

The year on year growth in tourist arrivals in SA has been phenomenal and this against a world economic backdrop of doom and gloom. It seems therefore my sentiments, i.e. when the economy is crap go on holiday, are widely shared. What I can’t understand is the economics behind the economics. The world is supposedly in absolute meltdown. There’s supposed to be no disposable income. Companies have been forced to pass around veeeeery big begging bowls.

Maybe it’s a simple a case of what I like to call “˜time on my hands syndrome’. I first encountered this when a friend of mine was retrenched – a desperate and terrible event in anyone’s life. But Chris couldn’t have been happier – he packed up his wife and kids – took the gap and went on a massive road trip round Africa compliments of his “˜package.’ Ironically he arrived back invigorated and alive “¦ and after a wee while had found gainful employment again. Contrast that if you will a scenario where he could have faced rejection letter after rejection letter spiralling ever deeper into a hole of desperation as he watched his meagre payout dwindle.

Then again I am the editor of Getaway – Africa’s most renowned travel magazine so what do I know about psychology or economics. What I do know is that modern life paints us into corners and as we grow older and more responsible it gets harder and harder to take the gap. That’s why travel magazines and our annual travel shows – the Getaway Show runs from 10 to 12 September 2010 at the Coca Cola Dome in Gauteng – are so important.

The Getaway Show in particular is like nothing else I have ever experienced. No matter what your interests there is something for you. And in a recession there is no better way to plan your travels than to have all your choices under one roof (as an aside there are also countless show specials on offer and prizes to be won). All the regional tourism authorities have stands at the show as do SANParks, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Cape Nature and the other large wildlife and conservation organisations that protect our fabulous wild spaces. There’s camping, 4x4ing, hiking you name it.

If you feel you need an escape but are worried about how to afford it drop in at the show, who knows you just might catch the kinda break you’re looking for.

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