After two years of pandemic travel restrictions, many Germans are looking forward to their summer vacation this year. But reports of high inflation and rising prices have not stopped the tourism industry. According to an analysis by price comparison platform ideals, this summer season some travelers will have to spend 46 percent more than last year.
The data shows that 42 percent of consumers are trying to save money by cutting back on vacations and travel. The experts analyzed how high inflation is affecting the cost of holiday travel this year using the example of two different trips popular among German holidaymakers: a flight to Mallorca and a camping holiday in Austria.
The cost of arrivals and departures, as well as accommodation (excluding meals) for six nights per person in August, were compared with the corresponding period last year. In addition, the analysis includes examples of average prices for individual products that are classically included in the packing list.
Expensive summer holidays – Mallorca is 46 percent more expensive
If in August 2021 a return flight to Palma de Mallorca still costs an average of 65 euros per person, this summer travelers will have to pay an average of 41 percent more – the average price will be about 92 euros. Overnight stay in a hotel on the Spanish island is also significantly more expensive this year: if in August last year, vacationers had to pay only 69 euros per night, this season an overnight stay will cost about 101 euros. For arrival and departure, as well as six nights in a hotel, consumers will pay a total of 695 euros in August this year, and thus 46 percent more than last year.
In addition to higher travel and accommodation costs, this summer travelers will have to dig deeper into their pockets for typical items such as suitcases (+30 percent), swim shoes (+36 percent), and suntan products (+4 percent).
Fuel prices increase the cost of camping holidays
Anyone who decides to go on a camping holiday with their vehicle (caravan alternative) this year will have to brace themselves for high fuel costs despite the fuel discounts. While last year a round trip with average fuel consumption from Berlin to Zell am See cost about 161 euros (with a caravan: 252 euros), this year drivers will pay an average of 43 percent more for the same distance (without a caravan: 230 euros, with caravan: 359 euros).
The cost of overnight camping in Austria has increased by an average of 7 percent compared to the previous year – in the high season of this year, tourists will pay the equivalent of about 17 euros per person. Thus, a weekly stay in August 2022 will cost approximately 101 euros. Overall, travelers will have to spend €341 this year on a camping holiday in Austria, including the round trip from Berlin – up 29 percent from last year.
Campers looking to stock up on gear should also expect higher prices: outdoor shoes (+7 percent), backpacks (+6 percent), and hiking gear (+10 percent), for example, are more expensive than in the same period in 2021.