Data from consumer associations is not needed to certify the crazy increases in summer holiday prices. Just make a simple comparison with estimates from previous years to find out how much the increases amount to. If in 2022 a family with two small children spent no less than 1000 euros for a week in July in an all-inclusive village in Calabria, in Tropea, a kilometer and a half from the sea, in 2023 they had to shell out around 1500 (we talked about it here ). This year, however, he will have to pay 2000 euros, plus 190 euros of compulsory club cards. A figure that rises to 3500 euros if you choose the week of August. A real drain, which pushes more and more Italians to look for alternative solutions. Saving is possible, here’s how.
Sting on spring bridges
Summer is upon us and we are already starting to fantasize about summer holidays. First, however, there are the spring long weekends to consider, even if the price increases are scary. The 1.7 million Italians who traveled between 25 April and 1 May spent on average 10 percent more than last year: a 780 million euro hit, reports Assoutenti. In fact, holiday packages recorded an increase of +8.2 percent on an annual basis while hotels adjusted their rates by +6.9 percent. Higher prices also in B&Bs and holiday homes: +8.4 percent.
Sting on the bridge of April 25th and May 1st: what happens
But the real sore point is transport, with increases of up to 20 percent on national flights, 16 percent on European ones and 7 percent on international routes. Ryanair also intervened in the indiscriminate fare increases, denouncing the pirated increases on flights applied by some very popular online travel booking sites. “So you end up paying more than double”, thundered the Irish airline, asking for Agcom’s intervention (see photo below).
Higher fares also for those traveling by train, of around 8 percent. In the case of the Cinque Terre, tickets can even cost double, due to the increases decided upon at the table to contain mass tourism. Result: to travel 6 kilometers you go from 5 to 10 euros. The price increases do not even spare coaches, with prices rising by 4 percent. Higher bills even for those who travel by car, with petrol above 2 euros per liter just a few days before the spring long weekends. However, the wave of increases also swept away restaurants, museums and amusement parks. This is just a taste of what the prices will be for summer 2024, with thrilling estimates.
All the tricks to save money
Despite the price increases, Italians do not give up on leaving. Rather, they study alternative solutions that are more accessible for their wallets. They certainly reduce the number of nights spent away from home, or choose less expensive destinations than Italy, such as Albania, Greece and Croatia. But among the various tricks suggested on TikTok by influencers to get the lowest price on online booking sites, a new trend is also emerging: that of the shared house, suitable for both young people and families.
The tourist trend of short-term rentals in villas and luxury residences is not recent, but it is becoming increasingly successful, as also confirmed by the 37 percent growth in bookings recorded by the Emma Villas Observatory over the latest Christmas and New Year holidays. For the rental of houses, farmhouses or villas there is not only Airbnb, the US portal that we are all familiar with by now. There are also other companies that operate in the vacation rental sector, including Italian ones, whose sites are worth taking a look at before making the final choice. Especially if you want to save money.
Let’s try to make a quote for two families, always in Tropea and always in the second week of July: we find a beautiful villa with 4 bedrooms at 2671 euros, 320 euros per night, where it is also possible to bring the dog. Just over 1300 euros per family. For meals you just need to organize yourself. But on balance it is always worth it, also because there are 900 euros missing to reach the 2200 euros of the all-inclusive village. I don’t think a family can spend more in a week, between shopping at the supermarket and a few dinners at a pizzeria. And if you want, there is also the solution with a swimming pool for 3200 euros, 1600 per family or 400 euros each if you are traveling with friends (see photo above).
If, however, the aim of the holiday is to take envious selfies to publish on social media, there are luxury villas for exclusive use with swimming pool from 2300 euros in Sicily or in the Marche, or extra luxury solutions such as the one with 4 suites and breathtaking views in Ischia from 10,000 euros (see photo below and on the cover). In short, there is something for all tastes, but above all for all budgets.
However, there is another way of understanding the holiday, which is not exactly conventional. It’s called “workation” and it’s a cross between work and vacation.
All we have to do is travel and work
Hotels or residences, in the most famous holiday resorts, have also thought of this: they offer single or multiple rooms for those who want to save money, co-working spaces where you can concentrate during working hours and common areas where you can eat and socialise. Then many other activities, from yoga to climbing. There are some abroad but also in Catania, Bari, San Vigilio di Marebbe in the Dolomites, or in the many uninhabited villages.
Even among the very young, working holidays are becoming widespread. An opportunity that allows you to offer your efforts in exchange for food and accommodation. A great way to travel and experience abroad, even on a rather limited budget. Many destinations of this type are free, such as those proposed by Save The Children Italia, Woofing, Focsiv and Lampedusa Turtle Rescue. Or you can choose paid but low-cost volunteer camps. Like those organized by Legambiente, Ibo Lunaria, Sci Italia and other associations with the aim of creating a cultural exchange based on commitment and civic respect. Other solutions are offered by private companies: they find you accommodation and a job abroad, allowing you to work as a waiter and take courses to learn the language better. In short, against the high prices of summer 2024 you just need to equip yourself. Forgetting the traditional idea of a holiday: that is now only for the rich.
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