Got itchy feet? That nagging urge to pack a bag and just get away for a while? Most of us have had these thoughts; some of us even have them on a daily basis and succumb to lengthy bouts of daydreaming. The truth is, satisfying your wanderlust is not as difficult as you might think, and travel doesn’t need to break the bank either. When we think about exploring a new place and having exotic adventures we often think about crossing oceans and travelling to the other side of the globe …

1.  On your doorstep

Oftentimes the most incredible travel experiences can be found without even venturing outside of your own country. In one day in the Cape you can do a wine-tasting self-drive through the beautiful winelands, go quad biking on the sand dunes near Atlantis and relax in the cool, blue waters of the Kraalbaai lagoon in the West Coast National Park. Gauteng offers you the chance to get up close and personal with the Big 5 in the world-famous Kruger National Park or visit the historic Sterkfontein Caves and the Cradle of Humankind, one of SA’s eight World Heritage sites! Heck, you can even enjoy a skiing holiday in KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg Mountains during winter! South Africa has so many sights and adventures to discover you’ll be hard-pressed to experience them all in your lifetime.

2.  Look to your neighbours

I remember the first time I visited Zimbabwe and Namibia – I felt like I was miles away from home, when in fact it was only a short (and comfortable) flight that got me there. Our neighbouring countries – Botswana with its safari opportunities on the Chobe River, Zimbabwe boasting the majestic Victoria Falls, Namibia with its stunning vast landscapes and towering sand dunes, Mozambique with its tepid waters and beautiful beaches, and even Swaziland and Lesotho with their colourful cultures and historical sites – all offer affordable and unique opportunities for travel.

3.  Local Island-hopping

If you’re intent on crossing an ocean to put a more meaningful distance between you and your work desk, there are plenty of island holiday locations just off Africa’s east coast. Reunion Island is fast becoming a preferred choice for a tropical getaway and once you’ve seen its stunning beaches and lush, green mountainous forests, it’s easy to understand why! The Seychelles is an island paradise for honeymooners and families alike and boasts crystal clear waters and incredible snorkelling. If you’re looking for something a little more cultural and off the beaten track, Zanzibar offers the best of both worlds historic areas like Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, lovely beaches and warm people.

This article first appeared on Computicket Travel.