Yes, you can afford an overseas holiday! 3 Rand-friendly destinations

Good God almighty, it is cold! Those of us with cupboards that don't have a firm grasp on the concept of winter are starting to come to the realisation that, if the current temperature status quo continues, our next outing is likely to end in either hypothermia or shivering so hard that someone will think you are an abnormally large rattlesnake and shoot you "just in case".

Passports offer a fantastic opportunity to escape the chill. The only problem is, where can South Africans go without their bank accounts being downgraded to junk status?

Here are a few suggestions:

1) PORTUGAL

For reasons unknown, getting a return flight to the western edge of the Iberian peninsula is cheaper than discount Chappies, provided one uses the right airline, that is.

If luxury is not one of your flight requirements Angolan carrier TAAG offers return flights to Lisbon and Porto for a little over R5,000, including taxes.

Generally, the euro is not friendly to South Africans, but Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is wonderfully suited to our pockets.

If you don't mind backpacker-style accommodation you can find rooms for as little as R400 to R500 a night; and if you like something a bit fancier you can get cool, clean and convenient Air BnB rooms from around R700 a night.

It is also not hard to find beer for under €3 (about R44) and Lisbon's cost of living is not dissimilar to our own. 

2) THAILAND

This southeast Asian country is fast becoming a favourite among South Africans, because a trip there is likely to cost you less than paying all of your outstanding traffic fines and it looks better than Gal Gadot doing come-hither eyes.

Packages that include return flights can start from as little as R8,000 and if you feel like embedding yourself with the locals Air BnB owners will put you up from as little as R500 a night.

Depending on where you go, you can find beer for less than R30 and the food is intensely interesting. Perhaps best of all, Thailand is great for anyone trying to step up their Instagram game without committing themself to a lifetime of debt.

3) SRI LANKA

If you are looking for something a little different to fan the flames of Instagram jealousy, look no further. You are much less likely to run into South Africans in Sri Lanka and, for those who don't mind being a little thrifty, food is cheap as well.

Return flights will cost about R9,000 if you find the right carrier and entire Air BnB homes can be found for R800 if you're quick.

The island has everything from beaches to rainforests and tea museums. It looks like more fun than playing with a fidget spinner while taking LSD - and is perfectly suited for people who hate the idea of layers of clothes.

• For tour packages visit STA Travel.

• This article was originally published in The Times.