Package holidays to sought-after destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal are commanding prices 20-30 percent higher than in 2019, marking a significant increase for summer travelers. Moreover, previously budget-friendly spots like Turkey, Tunisia, and Egypt have seen notable price hikes, with holidaymakers facing up to a 35 percent surge in costs compared to pre-coronavirus levels.

This year’s holidays will be very expensive for those planning a holiday in one of the popular seaside towns. According to an analysis by travel portal Holidaycheck,

package holidays to Spain, Greece or Portugal will be some 20-30 percent more expensive this summer than in 2019, and prices in previously relatively cheap holiday destinations – such as Turkey, Tunisia or Egypt – have also seen a steep rise. Holidaymakers planning a holiday in these countries may have to fork out up to 35 percent more than before the coronavirus outbreak.

There are several reasons for the price rises. In Turkey, for example, inflation is high, and in Egypt, a new law means holidaymakers have to dig much deeper into their pockets. However, the price hikes are primarily driven by flight tariffs. Looking at airfares alone, we see double-digit increases across the board.

Summer flights to Greece or Croatia are 16% more expensive this year than in 2023. Flights to Spain – whether to the mainland or the islands – are up by around 25 percent, with particularly large increases for flights to Bulgaria, Turkey, and Egypt, which were previously considered cheap. These are now up to 28 percent more expensive.

Classic long-haul destinations, such as the Dominican Republic and Thailand, will also be particularly expensive this summer. In 2023, due to the pandemic, demand for these destinations was subdued and the prices were moderate, but this year an average holiday will likely cost 50 percent more.

Justifying their price hikes, airlines are citing higher staff costs and all the additional expenses they have to pay because of climate change legislation. However, experts have rebuffed this explanation, arguing that prices are much more determined by supply and demand.

For example, if you want to travel from Germany to Egypt in the summer, you will have to pay much more than if you go to New York, which is almost twice as far.

Those looking to travel on the cheap this year will have to look for particularly unusual, unknown destinations. A holiday in far-flung Zanzibar, Mexico or Cuba can now be cheaper than in the classic Mediterranean regions, experts point out.