First class choices, everyday savings: The Discovery Bank way to travel

Where are Discovery Bank clients flying off to? How do they travel smart - and save while doing it? SpendTrend25 reveals the destinations, habits and savings hacks shaping our clients' journeys - plus find tips to ensure a smoother, more stylish travel experience yourself!
If there's one thing SpendTrend25 makes clear, it's this: Discovery Bank clients know how to travel well. From choosing the best days to fly to taking advantage of travel discounts that saved in 2024, they've turned travel into an art - and a science.
Whether they're chasing sunshine in the Maldives or making the most of local escapes, their travel patterns offer insights into how to go further, smarter.
Top global spots for Discovery Bank travellers
The world is calling - and Discovery Bank clients are answering! In 2024, the top international destinations were the UK, Mauritius, Australia, the US, and the UAE.
These choices balance leisure, family visits and business travel - and they're not random. Clients gravitate towards destinations with frequent flight routes and robust rewards. For instance, prices to Australia dropped thanks to increased capacity, while US routes saw the biggest price hike at nearly 16% - yet many still made the trip, often by booking cleverly and in advance, to soften the impact.
Smart tip: Booking your flights through the Vitality Travel platform in the Discovery Bank app unlocks exclusive flight discounts and lets you compare and track prices easily.
Local love: SA stays on the map
Locally, travel remained steady - especially to Cape Town, which saw a slight rise in visitors last year. Johannesburg and Durban continued to attract strong domestic footfall, even as local flight prices climbed across most routes (up between 4% and 13%). One rare bargain? Flights between Cape Town and George, which dropped by 13%.
But savvy travellers didn't just accept higher prices - they got strategic. Vitality Travel members took advantage of off-peak days and times to save more:
- Tuesday was the cheapest day to fly local popular routes.
- The most expensive day? Friday or Sunday, almost every time.
- Want a great deal? Johannesburg to Cape Town is cheapest Monday at 20:00. The most expensive? Friday at 15:00.
Smart tip: Fly midweek and early for local flights - and avoid Sunday returns at all costs.
Upgrade your experience, not your budget
Travel isn't just about where you go. It's how you get there - and how you feel along the way. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, every trip is smoother, smarter and more stylish when comfort and convenience come standard. That's where Discovery Bank comes in, turning the airport hustle into a hassle-free experience before you even take off. Here's how:
1. Priority Fast Track - Skip the queues and breeze through security.
Long airport lines can slow down any journey - especially during busy travel periods. But as a Discovery Bank Black or Purple cardholder, you get Priority Fast Track access at major South African airports. That means:
- Shorter security and check-in queues
- Less time standing around, more time to relax
- A calmer, quicker start to your trip.
How to access: Simply present your eligible Discovery Bank card at the Priority Fast Track entrance.
2. The Lounge - Your calm before take-off
Step out of the terminal chaos and into a space designed for modern travellers. Discovery Bank clients can get exclusive access to The Lounge - a premium airport experience with:
- 5-star La Marzocco coffee and delicious healthy dining options
- A curated selection of cocktails and mocktails
- Quiet workstations with fast, uncapped Wi-Fi
- A restful and ambient space where you can connect, or get connected and recharge before your flight
How to access: Simply generate your voucher in the Discovery Bank app.
Make every journey a sleeker, smarter one
Whether you're jetting off to London or lounging in Langebaan, Discovery Bank and Vitality Travel help you do it in style - and with more money in your pocket!
The Future of Banking.Now.
This article is meant only as information and should not be taken as financial advice. For tailored advice, please contact your financial adviser.
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