Summer holiday prices swing—where to find deals and where costs soar
Summer Holidays: Sharp Discounts in Top Package Destinations—But Some Prices Soar
Travelers planning a summer getaway to some of the most popular package holiday destinations can currently take advantage of significant price cuts, with discounts of up to 15 percent compared to last year. However, prices for other destinations have risen sharply, according to a price analysis by HolidayCheck. Geopolitical tensions are now shaping booking trends.
Summer Holidays: Egypt Cheaper, the Azores More Expensive
A one-week all-inclusive trip for two to Hurghada this summer now costs an average of €1,830—15 percent less than the same period last year. A holiday in Fuerteventura is 8 percent cheaper than in 2023, while a break on the Costa Brava comes in 7 percent lower. Even Mallorca is 6 percent more affordable than last year.
Yet some dream destinations are now pricier: travelers heading to the Azores must budget 16 percent more than last year. Madeira ( 15 percent), Sicily ( 13 percent), and the Costa del Sol ( 11 percent) have also seen notable price hikes over the past 12 months.
Demand Dips Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Tour operators reported stable booking figures at the start of the year, but since February, prices have risen for two-thirds of classic holiday destinations. Current demand, however, remains below last year's levels—partly due to the Middle East conflict. As a result, operators have shifted capacity to more popular regions, leading to steep discounts in some areas. While Rhodes is now at least 1 percent cheaper, Crete has become 6 percent more expensive.
"The further development of prices will largely depend on demand and external conditions in the coming weeks," said Nina Hammer, travel expert at HolidayCheck.
Book Early for Long-Haul Trips
Among long-haul destinations, the Cape Verde Islands and the Dominican Republic have seen a surge in demand. With limited availability, HolidayCheck advises booking these trips well in advance.
German tour operator Vivido, meanwhile, highlights a substantial price premium for travelers departing from German airports who wish to avoid layovers in the Middle East. Those bypassing the Gulf region on routes to the Maldives or Bali face additional costs of between 10.6 and 26.7 percent, averaging 17 percent more overall. These surcharges vary by season, peaking in August and dropping in December.
