Taking vacations has become more expensive in recent years. Airfare, hotels, car rentals, and event tickets all cost more now, making it harder for people to afford vacations. Even families with higher incomes are starting to avoid some popular vacation spots. Although there are still ways you can afford this trip, here are five places that many middle-class families find too costly to visit.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular travel destination, but it’s getting very expensive. Aida Mollenkamp, a travel planner and founder of Salt & Wind Travel, noted a few things. She said many of her clients are having trouble with Hawaii’s high costs.
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“Hotel rates, meals, and tours are more expensive now. Our clients used to stay in four-star or five-star hotels. But now they have to choose cheaper options to stay within their budget,” Mollenkamp explained.
Vacation: Spending Suggestions for Hawaii
Mollenkamp furthered said we now recommend that they should plan to spend at least $800 per day. They would spend this amount for a trip for two. The $800 will cover lodging, transport, activities, and food, although this usually won’t be enough for a five-star hotel. In some places, the time of year affects trip costs, but that’s not true for Hawaii.
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“We don’t see as much change in hotel prices by season like before COVID,” said Mollenkamp. “Inflation and the high cost of living in Hawaii have forced companies to raise prices to pay competitive wages.”
The Effect of Inflation on Vacation Spots
Before the inflation, five-star hotels used to be around $500 per night. Now, they start at $800 per night during the less busy season. Places like Maui are even more expensive.
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A week-long stay for a couple in Maui can cost around $4,200. You will spend only this amount if you don’t splurge on dining and activities, says Justin Albertynas. Albertynas is a travel expert and CEO of Ratepunk. The reason it’s so pricey is simple: many people want to go there, but there aren’t many places to stay.
Italy
In terms of travel costs, Italy isn’t far off from Hawaii. “You can have a cheaper trip in Italy if you visit less popular places like Sicily or the Alps,” said Mollenkamp. “But many of our clients want to visit major tourist spots like Florence or the Amalfi Coast.”
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“The busy tourist season is now much longer, from early May through October. Hotel prices have doubled in these areas since before COVID,” Mollenkamp added. “Other things that have gotten more expensive include private drivers, Airbnb, and tours.”
The Maldives
The Maldives has always been a luxury vacation spot, and it often costs a lot. However, due to inflation and subsequent increases in the prices of things, it’s gotten even pricier.
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According to Albertynas, a week in one of the famous overwater villas can easily cost thousands of dollars. This amount depends on the luxury level, resort features, and the time of year.
Expensive Vacation in Maldives
Even if you find a good deal in a hotel, things can still be expensive in Maldives. The costs of food, activities, flights, and local travel can make the vacation costly.
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Just the flights to the Maldives can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per ticket. If you’re traveling with others, it adds up quickly, and that’s before you even spend any money once you arrive.
Paris and London
While many places in France and the U.K. are still affordable, other places are not. Popular spots like Paris and London are getting more expensive for the average family.
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“Hotel prices in the city centers have gone up a lot. This is making it hard for budget travelers to find cheap places to stay,” said Stephanie Webb. Webb is a travel expert and guide for Tripshepherd. “Eating out and visiting attractions have also become more expensive, adding to the cost,” she said.
Pricey Vacation Spots: Paris and London
“Take Paris, for example,” Webb said. “In Paris, a hotel room in the city center usually costs over $200 per night. Luxury hotels can be even more expensive.” “Eating at famous restaurants or going to attractions like the Louvre Museum can also be very pricey,” she said.
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“In London, hotels, food, and accommodation are now costly. Entry fees to major attractions sites have also gotten very expensive.
How to Make These Vacation Destinations More Affordable
“Even though these places are pricey, you can still visit them. You just need to plan carefully. Here are some tips to make it happen:
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- Start saving money early. Put a bit of extra cash into a savings account every month until you have enough for the trip.
- Make a travel budget. Plan out how much you’ll need for flights, hotels, food, fun activities, souvenirs, and sightseeing.
Vacation Tips: How to Afford Expensive Trips
- Make sure you are flexible with your schedule. If you can, travel during the off-season. It might not always work, but you can often get cheaper hotels and flights.
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- Get a vacation package. Bundling things like flights, hotels, and rental cars can save you money.
- You can make use of a rewards credit card. Some credit cards give you miles or travel perks. Just make sure to pay off your card each month to avoid interest.