Like many things, travel costs have increased in recent years. Everything from plane tickets and hotel accommodations to car reservations and event tickets have become more expensive, forcing many people to increase their travel budget or change their travel plans.
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Even higher-income households who can enjoy an annual or biannual family trip are starting to shy away from some of the traditionally popular vacation destinations. Although there are still ways to finance these trips, here are the best places that many middle-class people now struggle to afford.
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most popular travel destinations, but it's also becoming too expensive.
Aida Mollenkamp, travel organizer and founder of Salt and Wind Journeysnoted that many of his agency's clients are starting to struggle with Hawaii costs.
“The major problem is that prices for hotels, meals and tours are more expensive than before. Historically, our guests have been somewhere between a four-star traveler and a five-star traveler, but have largely had to move down a hotel class to meet their budget,” Mollenkamp said. “We now suggest they budget at least $800 per day for accommodation, transportation, activities and food for a trip for 2 (but again, that will rarely cover a five-star these days).”
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In some places, the time of year impacts your travel costs. But that hasn’t been the case in Hawaii.
“We're not seeing as much seasonality in hotel rates as we did pre-COVID,” Mollenkamp said. “Inflation and the cost of living have hit Hawaii hard in recent years, so companies are passing them on to ensure they can still pay competitive wages. Five-star hotels that previously cost around $500 a night now start at $800 a night in low season.
Specific locations, like Maui, are even more expensive.
“Here, a week's stay for a couple can run to around $4,200, which is if you limit your impulse spending on dining, local activities, etc. said Justin Albertynas, expert traveler and CEO of a travel technology startup. Ratpunk. “The reason this destination is expensive can be summed up in one sentence: many want to go there, but there are few places to stay. »
Italy
Italy is not much different from Hawaii in terms of travel costs.
“Italy is a fun scenario because you can still take a trip inexpensively if you go off the beaten track, for example to Sicily or the Alps. However, many of our clients want at least part of their trip to be in a major tourist location, whether that be Florence or the Amalfi Coast,” Mollenkamp said.
“Destinations have much longer peak seasons than before – now extending from early May to October – and hotel rates reflect this,” Mollenkamp said. “I would say on average we saw hotels 2x more expensive in these areas compared to their pre-COVID rates.”
Other areas where prices have increased, Mollenkamp said. This includes private drivers, alternative accommodations like Airbnb and tours.
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The Maldives
The Maldives has long been a luxury destination, already at the top of many travelers' budgets. But it has also become more expensive.
“Prices for a week's stay in an (iconic overwater) villa can easily run into the thousands, influenced by factors such as level of luxury, resort amenities and seasonality,” Albertynas said . “While experienced travelers may occasionally score hotel deals, dining costs, local activities, flights and internal transfers can significantly inflate overall vacation spending here.”
The price of flights alone can put the Maldives out of reach. You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for a single ticket. Multiply that by the number of people traveling with you and you're already looking at an expensive vacation, with nothing taken into account once you get there.
Paris and London
While many parts of France and the UK remain affordable, popular destinations like Paris and London are becoming less so for the typical middle-class family.
“Lodging costs in the central areas of these cities have increased, making it difficult for budget-conscious travelers to find affordable lodging options,” said Stephanie Webb, travel expert and Shepherd's trip travel Guide. “Additionally, restaurant and attraction admission prices have also seen considerable price increases, contributing to the overall affordability challenge. »
Take Paris, for example.
“In Paris, the average cost of a hotel room in central areas can exceed $200 per night, with luxury accommodations reaching several hundred dollars or more,” Webb said. “Dining at renowned restaurants or visiting popular attractions like the Louvre Museum can also be very expensive.”
In London, accommodation, food and entrance fees have also become increasingly expensive.
Ways to make these destinations more affordable
Just because these places are expensive doesn't mean you can't go there. However, you will need to plan accordingly. Here are some tips for your trip:
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Start saving in advance. Set aside a little extra money in a high-yield savings account each month until you have enough for the entire trip.
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Create a travel budget. No matter where you're going, it's important to have a realistic budget that covers things like flights, accommodation, food, entertainment, souvenirs and attractions.
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Have flexibility in your schedule. If possible, go during shoulder season or off season. This may not always help, but it can often get you lower prices on hotels, flights, etc.
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Bundle your trip. Getting a vacation package that includes things like flights, accommodations, and rental vehicles or events could save you money overall.
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Use a rewards card. Some credit cards offer rewards or bonuses in the form of miles or other travel benefits. Just make sure you pay off your card each month before interest kicks in.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Vacation Destinations Middle Class Families Can No Longer Afford
