According to the latest holiday survey by the ANWB, no fewer than 73 percent of Dutch people are planning a summer holiday, compared to 65 percent last year. Europe remains the favourite, with the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Belgium as top destinations. What is striking is the increase in intercontinental travel by 5 percent, with 15 percent of holidaymakers going outside Europe.
This year the summer holidays were mainly booked in May. A fifth of Dutch people had even scheduled their holiday for 2023. Despite the increased desire to travel, a third find the holiday too expensive due to increased prices. Last year, 31 percent opted for a shorter holiday, while this year 37 percent opted for a cheaper destination, such as Albania or Slovenia. Extremely warm summers in Southern Europe also cause more people to move to cooler destinations. Almost 17 percent avoid the heat and prefer to stay in the center and north of Europe. Yet an equally large group continues to travel to Southern Europe for guaranteed warm weather.
Germany is gaining popularity
The car holiday remains the most popular (19%), followed by beach holidays (15%), camping (11%) and city trips (9%). Germany is the most popular foreign destination this year, just above France. Outside Europe are the US, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, Morocco and Egypt favourites.
The Netherlands itself attracts 30 percent of holidaymakers, with Gelderland, Limburg and Drenthe as top destinations. Popular activities include eating out, beach visits, shopping and nature walks. Castles, churches, museums, amusement parks and zoos are also popular.
The car remains the preferred means of transport (55%), followed by the plane (32%) and the train (7%). Sustainability plays a less important role this holiday. The percentage of people who believe that holidays are a time to relax and not think about sustainability has increased from 23 to 26 percent. The number of people who are willing to pay extra for sustainable choices has fallen from 17 to 13 percent.
Holiday behavior in figures
- 50% go on holiday for one or two weeks
- 28% last longer than two weeks
- 20% have already booked a holiday for the autumn
- 37% put money aside for the holidays every month
The school holidays are as follows: South region from July 6 to August 18, Central region from July 13 to August 25 and North region from July 20 to September 1.
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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Traveling has become a lot more expensive. Flying has even doubled in price.
In the article it says:
“The number of people who are willing to pay extra for sustainable choices has fallen from 17 to 13 percent.”
To be honest, I don't feel like spending more on the green guys. If these price increases continue the same trend, long-distance holidays will only be available to the 'happy few'.
Flying in general has not become twice as expensive. It depends greatly on factors such as season, airline, non-stop or not and a few others. Where you used to fly for 600 Euro, you now fly for 750 to 800 Euro.
People forget that flying was much more expensive 40 to 50 years ago and that prices have only fallen while prices (kerosene, labor, services, food) have only increased. Most airlines are making a loss. You could say that if prices do not go up, more airlines will go bankrupt and soon no one will be able to fly anymore.
Maybe you should read some threads. Many readers know all too well that airline tickets have easily doubled in price.
I just got back from Europe and can confirm this.
Yes, if you compare the prices in economy class in the low season, with inhumane times and transfers with inferior airlines, with business class, non-stop and in the high season with a top airline. But NOT for comparable or identical products.
Dear Chris,
My son went on holiday here in March this year. If I'm not mistaken he paid more than 1000 euros for his tickets.
I have been living in Thailand for 5 years now. Before I retired, I came to visit my girlfriend twice a year. I remember that I regularly paid less than 2 euros for the plane.
I have the impression that after Covid prices have been artificially inflated and that there is little incentive to lower them again. The losses during the pandemic must be eliminated, it's that simple.
I booked with Thai Airways because they fly directly to Brussels again.
Brussels-Bangkok-Brussels now costs me 945 euros for the first 2 weeks of December.
A few years ago I paid less than 500 euros for the same trip.
The people who claim that prices have not doubled are selling nonsense.
Let them prove this with hard figures.
https://www.kiwi.com/en/search/results/city-of-brussels-belgium/bangkok-thailand/2024-11-30/2024-12-20.