{
  "id": 4618755,
  "title": "The school holidays are weeks away – and these family holidays are still up for grabs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/the-school-holidays-are-weeks-away-and-these-family-holidays-are",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T09:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/lifestyle/partnered/the-school-holidays-are-weeks-away-and-these-family-holidays-are-still-up-for-grabs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The school holidays are just around the corner, and families still have time to plan their getaways. Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa, assures that popular destinations and flight options are still available, despite the annual panic that sets in during this time of year.\n\nFor those seeking a local escape, Little Switzerland Resort in the Drakensberg offers an all-inclusive package for two nights, starting from R2,487 per person, totaling R9,945 for a family of four. The resort provides daily breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, and themed dinners, along with free activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, and birdwatching. Parents can enjoy complimentary beverages from 10am to 10pm, while children under 10 can share a Garden Family Room at no extra cost.\n\nFor families looking for a beachside getaway, The Oyster Box in Umhlanga provides a two-night stay from R6,842 per person, totaling R27,365 for a family of four. The package includes daily breakfast, a welcome drink on arrival, kids' goodie bags, transfers to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and a family sea view room with a lighthouse backdrop. The resort's oyster harvest is a highlight for parents, while children enjoy the lighthouse and beach views.\n\nFor a more international option, Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa in Thailand offers an eight-night stay, with flights costing up to R18,835 per person, totaling R75,339 for a family of four. The package includes daily breakfast, a family pass to the Andamanda Waterpark, private airport transfers, and a Dine Around Privileges Card for discounts at local restaurants. The resort is located near Patong Beach and provides a value-filled experience for South African families.\n\nFor those seeking a truly magical experience, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel offers a five-night stay, with flights costing up to R27,897 per person, totaling R111,585 for a family of four. The package includes five nights at the Disneyland Hotel, two-day Hong Kong Disneyland Park tickets, and private airport transfers. The hotel's location within the resort ensures round-the-clock magical experiences for children and parents alike.",
  "summary": "School holidays are just weeks away, but it’s not too late to plan a family getaway. From the Drakensberg and Umhlanga to Phuket and Hong Kong Disneyland, these holiday packages are still up for grabs.",
  "key_points": [
    "School holidays approaching in South Africa",
    "Family holidays still available at local and international destinations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}