Are you daydreaming about a European getaway this summer? Well, get ready for some real talk, my friends. The price tags for those European vacations are soaring sky-high, according to Hayley Berg, the lead economist at Hopper. But fear not, because your friendly financial guide, Wellthi, is here to help you navigate these choppy financial waters.
Now, if you haven’t booked your summer trip to Europe yet, you might be feeling a bit of sticker shock. Berg warns that procrastination comes at a price, and it’s a pretty steep one. The average plane ticket to Europe this summer will set you back around $1,196, which is about $500 more than last year. Ouch! It’s the highest it’s been since 2018.
But don’t despair just yet! Even though Rome, London, and Paris might be out of reach for many budget-conscious travelers, there are still plenty of amazing destinations in Europe where you can live your best European life without breaking the bank.
Did you know? By creating goals and sharing them in public with your friends and family, you’ll increase your chances of success! You can download the Wellthi app here, if you act by July 3, you could win $10,000 for just posting your financial goal in the app!
Let’s start with a hidden gem—Portugal. This country has been gaining popularity among tourists, and for good reason. Flights from the East Coast to Porto, a top city in Portugal, are averaging less than $1,000 from multiple departure points. That’s a steal, my friends! Plus, once you’re in Portugal, it’s generally cheaper to travel within the country compared to other hotspots. Berg predicts that this budget-friendly trend will continue for the next year and a half. So, get in on the action before Portugal becomes the next pricey destination like Croatia or Iceland.
Now, if Portugal doesn’t tickle your fancy, don’t fret. There’s still hope for your European adventure without draining your bank account. Consider planning your trip for early fall and be sure to book three to four months in advance to snag the best deals. According to Berg, September and October are the sweet spots for low prices. However, be warned—prices will start to rise, so now is the time to seize the opportunity.
While corporate travel might not have fully bounced back, the demand for leisure travel is booming. People like you and me are itching to explore the world again, and that’s a positive sign for the economy. Berg reveals that consumers are becoming more spontaneous with their travel plans, splurging a little more, and even squeezing in an extra trip each year. But fear not, my savvy savers, because deal-seeking behavior is still alive and well. We want those extra vacation days without emptying our wallets.
So, what’s the bottom line? If you want to score great deals on European travel this summer, consider venturing off the beaten path to Portugal or plan for a fall getaway. Remember to book in advance to lock in the best prices. And as always, keep an eye out for those budget-friendly travel options that will make your wallet and your heart happy.
Wellthi’s pro tip: True wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about making smart financial choices that allow you to enjoy life to the fullest. So, take a cue from Suze Orman and remember, “Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you should buy it.” Invest your hard-earned cash wisely and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels, my financially savvy friends!
You can download the Wellthi app here, if you act by July 3, you could win $10,000 for just posting your financial goal in the app!
You can download the Wellthi app here, if you act by July 3, you could win $10,000 for just posting your financial goal in the app!
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Go Deeper
- Hopper’s Travel Insights: Official insights and predictions by Hopper about travel trends and best times to book. Link
- Europe on a Budget: A guide by Nomadic Matt with tips and tricks for traveling to Europe on a budget. Link
- Portugal Travel Guide: A comprehensive travel guide to Portugal by Rick Steves, including budget tips and destination recommendations. Link
- Airfare Tracking Tools: Award Wallet’s guide on the best tools to track airfare prices and get alerts for the best deals. Link
