R3000+ saved — but is the longer journey worth it?
Angela swaps the airport and car for the bus terminal, takes the scenic route through the Karoo and sets out to discover whether travelling by bus is worth the extra time.
A few months ago, I flew to East London. It was quick, convenient and, before I knew it, I was there.
This time, I'm doing things a little differently.
I've booked with Intercape, the same bus company I used for a trip to Pretoria last year. And I've done the calculations. By taking the bus instead of driving, the two of us (hubby and me) expect to save at least R3,000. Yes that's right Three thousand rand!
That's money that could pay for a few good meals, contribute towards accommodation, fund another little outing or simply stay safely in the bank account. And with the cost of travelling continuing to bite, I'm rather fond of the idea of keeping it.
But there's a catch.
The bus takes longer and is less convenient than driving. So the question is whether saving R3,000 is worth spending all those extra hours getting there.
I'm about to find out.
From airport queues to bus terminals
I've travelled by air, I've travelled by car, and last year I travelled with Intercape to Pretoria. Now I'm heading to East London by bus, travelling inland through the Karoo on the way there and returning along the coast.
It's an interesting way to approach a journey. Instead of covering the distance as quickly as possible, I'm giving myself the opportunity to see more of the country along the way.
The Karoo has always appealed to me. There's something about those wide-open spaces, big skies and long stretches of road that makes you feel as though you've left the hurry of everyday life behind. The coastal route home promises a completely different perspective.
Of course, a scenic journey is only part of the equation. A beautiful view doesn't automatically make an uncomfortable seat comfortable, and no amount of scenery makes a badly timed comfort stop any less inconvenient.
Which is why I'm treating this trip as a little experiment.
Can a long-distance bus journey be a comfortable, practical and affordable way to travel? And what should we consider if we're no longer particularly keen on driving long distances ourselves?
I'm not a professional travel reviewer. I'm simply Angela, a curious traveller with a notebook, a ticket and a few questions.
The real cost of getting there
When we think about the cost of a road trip, we tend to start with the fuel bill. But there's more to it than that.
There's fuel, tolls, wear and tear on the car and, depending on the distance, perhaps even an overnight stop. Driving gives you flexibility, but that flexibility comes at a price.
The bus has its own costs, of course. There's the ticket, getting to and from the terminals, food and drinks, and any transport needed once you arrive.
For our trip, I've compared the costs and calculated that we'll save at least R3,000 for two people by taking the bus rather than driving.
That's a meaningful amount of money. But I'm not going to declare victory just yet.
If the journey leaves us exhausted, if the arrangements are difficult or if we arrive wishing we'd paid more for a quicker option, the saving might feel less attractive.
On the other hand, if we can sit back, enjoy the scenery and arrive ready to explore, the bus may turn out to be a rather sensible alternative.
The things you don't think about until you're on the bus
One of the things I want to pay attention to is the practical experience of travelling.
How easy is it to board? Is there enough time to get settled? What are the seats like after several hours? Are the stops frequent enough, and are the facilities comfortable and accessible?
There's also the question of luggage. I want to have the things I need close at hand rather than discovering that my reading glasses, medication or phone charger are buried in a suitcase underneath everyone else's luggage.
These details matter to any traveller, but particularly to older passengers who may appreciate a little extra time, clear information and some consideration when boarding or getting off.
I also want to see how the service works in practice. Are the arrangements straightforward? Is help available when needed? And how much of the journey can I simply relax and enjoy?
I suspect I'll discover that some things are easier than expected and others deserve a little more planning and is it worth the R3000+ saved.
That's travel for you. If everything went exactly as planned, we wouldn't have nearly as many stories to tell.
A little Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Do you remember the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles? The idea that getting somewhere can become an adventure of its own, complete with unexpected complications, interesting characters and moments when you wonder whether the universe is having a joke at your expense?
I'm hoping for the entertaining version of that experience, preferably without any major disasters.
Perhaps I'll meet an interesting fellow passenger. Perhaps I'll discover a lovely little view I would have missed from behind the steering wheel. Perhaps I'll learn that the secret to a successful bus journey is a good book, a comfortable travel pillow and realistic expectations.
Or perhaps I'll spend several hours wondering why I didn't simply get in the car.
Either way, I'll report back.
Next stop: East London with R3000+ saved
For now, I'm looking forward to the Karoo, the journey itself and the opportunity to see what long-distance bus travel has to offer.
But before setting off, there's quite a lot to think about. What should you pack? Which essentials belong in your hand luggage? How do you plan for comfort stops, medication, luggage and those little inconveniences that can turn a pleasant trip into a tiring one?
In the next instalment of this series, I'll share the practical side of bus travel: what to prepare, what to keep close and what I'd want to know before booking a long-distance journey.
And after that comes the return trip along the coast, when I'll be able to reflect on the whole experience and answer the question that started this adventure.
Was saving R3,000 for two people worth the longer journey?
Watch this space. I'm about to find out.
Angela
The Voice behind PensionersPayLess!
Angela is part of the team driving PensionersPayLess forward, building on its mission to help South Africa’s over-55s discover news, views, savings, opportunities and useful discoveries.
Through her work with Pensioners Forum and its community, Angela spends her time connecting with older South Africans, hearing real stories, sharing practical information, and helping people find ways to make everyday life easier and more rewarding. She writes about topics inspired by conversations within the community, personal experiences, money-saving ideas, lifestyle topics and the things that matter to people navigating life after 55.
