Overview of European vacation summer 2024
Planning a European vacation this summer? Brace yourself for high prices, limited availability, and crowded tourist spots. The dollar’s decline against the euro and the pound, combined with record numbers of American visitors, is creating a challenging travel landscape.
Rising Demand and Record Visitor Numbers
Increased Demand from US Travelers
Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tourism Organisation, reports a significant rise in US travelers. “2023 saw higher numbers than 2019, and this year we’re comfortably seeing more – record volumes of Americans coming to Europe,” he says. Kayla Zeigler, owner of Destination Europe, and Graham Carter, director of Unforgettable Travel, echo this sentiment, noting record bookings and increased costs for their clients.
Expensive Europe: Is it Worth It?
With skyrocketing prices and high demand, many travelers are questioning the value of a European vacation. “It’s booking up in advance and prices are quite high,” Carter observes.
Currency Challenges: The Weaker Dollar
Exchange Rate Impact in European vacation summer 2024
US travelers face additional costs due to the weaker dollar. As of June 5, $1 was worth about 91 euro cents, down from 95 cents a year earlier. The dollar has also weakened against 11 other European currencies, making expenses higher across the continent.
Notable Exceptions in European vacation summer 2024
Despite overall currency challenges, the dollar is stronger against the Czech koruna, Hungarian forint, and Turkish lira, potentially offering some relief in these destinations.
Skyrocketing Hotel Prices
Inflation and Increased Entry Fees
Inflation is driving up costs, with notable increases in entry fees at major attractions. The Eiffel Tower, for example, has raised its prices by 20%, while Venice now charges day-trippers 5 euros on peak dates.
High Occupancy and Hotel Rates
Hotel prices have seen “spectacular” increases, particularly in major cities. Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com, explains that high occupancy rates lead to higher room rates. “It’s become, how much can the hotel sell that last 10% of inventory,” he says.
Finding Affordable Accommodations
Hentschel advises looking for deals in lower-star hotels or less popular destinations. For instance, Windsor offers affordable alternatives to London, and lesser-known locations like Murcia and Milos can provide similar experiences at a fraction of the cost.
Airfare Trends: Cheaper Flights
Declining Airfares in European vacation summer 2024
Despite the high costs on the ground, airfare from the US to Europe is trending lower. Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, notes that average airfares are down 16% from last year, with significant drops for major destinations like London, Rome, and Paris.
Managing Crowds: Avoiding Peak Times and Locations
Popular Destinations Overwhelmed
Tourist-heavy destinations are experiencing record crowds. Italy, for example, saw 134 million visitors in 2023, the highest in history. To avoid the masses, experts suggest visiting in less crowded months or exploring lesser-known areas.
Alternative Destinations in European vacation summer 2024
Travel experts recommend alternatives like Puglia and Sicily in Italy, Slovenia instead of Italy, and Croatia instead of the Greek islands. France’s regional areas might also be less busy due to the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Booking Tips and Future Planning
Last-Minute Travel and Future Trips
For those planning a last-minute trip, booking quickly is essential as prices are expected to rise. Berg advises considering September for lower fares. Hentschel suggests looking at alternative accommodations and Carter advises planning for autumn 2024 or spring 2025 for better value.
Final Advice for European vacation summer 2024
The further in advance you book, the more you save,” says Hentschel. As travel numbers rise, this should be your travel motto for future European adventures.
