Affordable Holidays
Strategies to secure affordable holidays have turned around in just a few years
This article is part of the new newsletter 'Ajuste de cuentas,' which offers practical advice for managing our daily household economy.
The strategies to secure affordable holidays have significantly changed in just a few years. Who doesn't remember waiting until the last day, the famous 'last minute,' to grab a bargain and then boast about it to acquaintances? "I got it for very few euros." That was the trophy. However, holding out until the last minute for an economical break no longer seems to be the best route in a context marked by the surge in both national tourism and inbound tourism from abroad. There are pressures everywhere causing prices to keep rising.
The latest data from the INE reveals that the average cost of a hotel room has already surpassed 110 euros per stay. Prices continue to skyrocket in areas like the Community of Madrid, where staying costs 17% more than a year ago, or 35% more than before the pandemic. Destinations such as the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Andalusia, and Catalonia are aspirations that not all budgets can afford. Opting for areas further away from the 'sun and beach,' like the interior or the Cantabrian north, also does not escape this tourist frenzy, with record prices.
Faced with the most expensive holidays in history, and with almost 30% of families admitting they can't even afford seven days of rest due to ongoing financial constraints, it is possible to find some saving strategies to minimize these costs. Saving some money is what it's all about.
Although we are already in peak season, with half of the country resting and the other half on the verge of packing their bags, it is still possible to save up to 30% if we know how to navigate, compare, and choose at the right time. It is true that planning the trip months in advance can save you from the 7% price increase expected this summer. The higher the demand for accommodation, the higher the prices imposed. Last-minute deals during peak season are very hard to find but not impossible. However, one must know how to adapt and be flexible.
Part of this strategy involves looking for dates and tourist destinations that are less demanded by the population. Going to Marbella, where hotel prices already exceed 200 euros per night, seems challenging. But there are other coastal areas you can find through accommodation search engines by activating the price filter. Letting the application show us possibilities throughout Spain.
On another note, for holidays during peak season months, there is a significant difference between renting on weekdays versus weekends. Therefore, when changing destinations isn't possible, it's better to change dates to get better deals. This summer of 2024 has two dates we should mark in red to avoid due to potential high costs: August Bank Holiday weekend with four days off for many citizens; and also regions where July 25th will be a holiday.
As we find saving opportunities, we must apply a more sociological or psychological tactic rather than purely economic: patience. The best advice when looking for affordable accommodation, or at least the cheapest available, is knowing how to wait for the best moment. This means not settling for the first price that appears or is offered but analyzing possible alternatives we might have. Before jumping on an offer, it’s essential to be clear about our travel intentions and consider not only price but also traveler ratings, location, hotel category, or extra services. Additionally, booking well in advance gives us enough time to check offers on agency websites directly, avoiding additional charges from other booking sites that may inflate prices.
