Wanderlust wins: Why Discovery Bank clients travel more
Discovery Bank clients are travelling further, more often - and saving more while doing it! SpendTrend25 reports they're outpacing the rest of the country in travel spend and volume, thanks to unbeatable Vitality Travel rewards. Learn how.
If it feels like your social media feeds are full of Discovery Bank clients on the move, you're not imagining things - they are spending more on travel than the average South African!
In fact, according to SpendTrend25, our annual report with Visa that tracks five years of local and global South African consumer behaviour, Discovery Bank clients made 21% more travel transactions and spent 24% more on travel in 2024 than their peers
But here's the kicker: they're not spending more because they're splurging - they're just spending smarter.
What's fuelling all this travel?
In short: Discovery Bank's unbeatable rewards! These come in the form of serious discounts on flight tickets, car hire, and accommodation. In 2024 alone, these savings stacked up to over R700 million!
With savings like that, it's no wonder our clients take every opportunity they get to travel. And in fact, they're not just booking more - they're booking better. The Vitality Travel booking platform makes it effortless to search, compare and lock in discounted flights directly from your banking app. No fuss. Just smart travel.
Rising prices? Not for you!
The SpendTrend25 report shows that average domestic flight prices increased on most popular routes in 2024 - some by up to 13%, with flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg seeing a 10% rise. But thanks to personalised discounts, Discovery Bank clients could still afford to travel more, even as others tightened their belts.
It's not just local trips that are pricier. International flights also saw an uptick - the USA in particular jumped nearly 16% - yet Discovery Bank travellers kept flying! Top international destinations among clients included the UK, Mauritius, Australia, the US, and the UAE. Australia even offered a silver lining with lower fares last year, due to expanded seat capacity.
Also want to travel more, for less? Here's how:
1. Time it right
Flight prices swing wildly based on the day and time. For example, SpendTrend25 shows that flying Johannesburg to Cape Town on a Tuesday could save you up to 29% compared to a Friday flight. More reason to plan ahead!
2. Explore seasonal trends
International travellers flock to SA in summer - and spend most in Cape Town. So if you're staying local, why not reverse the trend and explore quieter regions while they're still affordable??
3. Log into Vitality Travel to book flights, accommodation or car hire
This user-friendly platform lets you view and access all your Vitality Travel benefits in one place! As a Discovery Bank client with a Vitality Health membership, you could qualify for discounts of up to 75% off local and international flights, up to 25% off car hire, up to 25% off holiday accommodation, and more?
Book flights, holiday accommodation and car hire from a computer
- Log in to Discovery Bank's Online Banking website at https://online.discovery.bank using your laptop or desktop.
- Log in with your Discovery login details.
- Log in to your banking app and follow the steps to complete the in-app authentication.
- Click on Travel at the top of the page or scroll down to your Travel rewards section and click on Book now.
4. Search and choose flights using the Discovery Bank app
Here you can browse all local and international flights, then select, filter and sort your search results by airline, cabin class, fare type, stops and times. Payment is seamless from your Discovery Bank cards, or with Ðiscovery Miles.
Book local and international flights in the Discovery Bank app
- Log in to the banking app.
- Tap Transact and select Travel.
- Tap Flights.
- Select your travel destination, dates and passengers.
- You can filter and sort your search results by airline, cabin class, fare type, stops, and times.
- You can filter and sort your search results by airline, cabin class, fare type, stops, and times.
Bottom line: Seeing the world doesn't have to cost the world!
Discovery Bank clients are proof that you can stretch your savings and feed your wanderlust - with the right tools, the right rewards, and the right bank in your corner.
So open up your banking app, explore Vitality Travel, and start booking smarter today!
Need help with your travel booking?
Check our handy Vitality Travel info and tips page for step-by-step instructions and loads of FAQs.
- This article is meant only as information and should not be taken as financial advice. For personalised advice, please reach out to your financial adviser.
- Discovery Bank Auth FSP48657. Limits, Ts&Cs apply. Rewards based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Fair-usage spend limits apply.
- International flight bookings need to be made at least six weeks in advance to be eligible to receive the higher discounted percentage that you may qualify for on international flights. Bookings made within six weeks of the departure date will only qualify for the base 10% travel discount on the base fare of your flight.
