Vacations are getting more expensive every year/ Where will Albanians "escape" this summer

2025-06-29 08:26:00, Ekonomi CNA

Vacations are getting more expensive every year/ Where will Albanians

The summer of 2025 comes with higher prices, but also with more opportunities for vacations that are not only relaxation, but also an investment in experience. Despite the rising costs, tourism remains a priority for many consumers who are saving during the year to live an “Instagram-worthy” summer.

On the white sandy beaches of Greece, in the luxurious resorts with "all-inclusive" concepts of Antalya, in the modern villas by the sea in southern Albania, or in the picturesque villages of the Albanian Alps, holiday destinations are increasingly diverse, but the goal remains the same: to spend wisely, with care for the budget, but also with class and style.

Holidays are no longer just a break from routine; for many Albanians, they have become a "annual highlight" that should be carefully planned and enjoyed to the fullest.

Unlike previous years, where a standard package was enough to be satisfied, today Albanian travelers, especially the younger generation, are becoming increasingly demanding.

They no longer follow the clichés of "hotel - sunbed - buffet dinner" holidays, but seek experiences that combine nature, local gastronomy, physical movement, and adventure.

A mountain excursion to Theth, a week of remote work in a traditional house in the south, a cooking course on an Italian farm or a summer concert in a Mediterranean city, have become real vacation scenarios that remain long in memories and...in phone galleries.

According to data from travel agencies and online platforms, there is a clear increase in interest in travel beyond the peak season, as well as in new, more flexible formats.

June and September are increasingly gaining importance as months of choice, not only for the lowest prices, but also for the most peaceful experience.

Meanwhile, inflation and rising costs have affected the consumer's daily basket, but not necessarily the decision to travel.

According to communications with agencies, they claim that Albanians are saving on other purchases, less clothing, fewer outings, more planning, to afford a summer that should "be unforgettable." According to the Ilirida Travel agency, early bookings for January-March have now become much more common than 5 years ago and according to this booking logic, savings of up to 30% are achieved.

So, where will Albanians vacation this year? Will they stay loyal to the well-known beaches, or will they explore new routes? New trends show that the answer is no longer simple.

Vacations have become more than a destination, they are a mix of personal choices, cultural experiences, budget and small dreams to be realized, whether for a weekend or a whole week. Young people vacation differently

Unlike previous years, where a standard package was enough to be satisfied, today Albanian travelers, especially the younger generation, are becoming increasingly demanding. They no longer follow the clichés of “hotel – sunbed – buffet dinner” holidays, but seek experiences that combine nature, local gastronomy, physical activity and adventure.

Greece and Turkey, key elections

This year too, the same panorama, Albanians mainly choose their Greek neighbors and Turkish 'brothers' for vacations. Greece is chosen for destinations with quick and close access and especially, by adventure enthusiasts on its islands.

Turkey continues to be popular for the convenience of direct charter flights and ultra all-inclusive resorts.

The leaders of the Union Travel agency say that the most popular destinations in Greece are Corfu, Halkidiki and Parga.

The proximity and the possibility of going to this destination even by private vehicle make it more visited and accessible by a good portion of Albanians who choose to vacation abroad.

But, as all agencies claim, Greece this year has been 20% more expensive than last year. According to the ATHS agency, this happened because Greece has no new accommodation offers and the existing ones are "justified" by increased maintenance costs.

The offers for this destination are for four and five star hotels, for 5 or up to 10 days of stay. Another alternative is holidays in Corfu, starting from 500 euros per person in 4 star hotels; in Halkidiki, starting from 550 euros per person, according to Union Travel, which are favorite destinations over the years.

In Turkey, there are three destinations that are sought after due to their numerous offers: Antalya, Bodrum and Alanya.

Union Travel says prices start at 600 euros/person and reach up to 2000 euros in some of the more expensive resorts. Albanians in Turkey prefer to book in four- and five-star resorts with "all" or even "ultra all inclusive" services.

Antalya is the main destination, followed by Kemer, Bodrum and Alanya. The average length of stay is 7 nights.

"For early bookings, there were hotel offers in Antalya that applied up to 50% price reductions. A package for a stay in a five-star hotel, for 7 days, was offered at a price of 600 euros/person," say the managers of the ATHS agency.

Greece is getting more expensive

Greece this year has been 20% more expensive than last year. According to the ATHS agency, this happened because Greece has no new accommodation offers and the existing ones are "justified" by increased maintenance costs.

Dubai and Egypt, growing demand

In addition to traditional destinations like Greece and Turkey, this summer there is increasing interest in places like Dubai and Egypt. These destinations, once considered more “luxury” or seasonal for winter only, are now becoming common choices for Albanians’ summer vacations.

Dubai, with its packages priced from 900 to 1,200 euros per person for 5-7 days (including flights, accommodation, and guides), is attracting travelers seeking a combination of modern city life with oriental relaxation.

Meanwhile, Egypt, with its numerous "all inclusive" resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, offers a quality-price ratio that is still competitive in the market, with packages ranging from 750 to 950 euros per person per week, including everything.

Travel agencies confirm the increase in reservations for these two destinations, which are attracting not only traditional vacationers, but also young couples and young adults seeking different experiences, beyond classic Europe.

The exotic climate, the service and the opportunity to post "something different" on social networks have become additional motivators in this choice, claim the agents contacted by "Monitor".

Economic packages

For those who want to relax without straining their budget, budget packages remain a highly sought-after alternative, especially in a summer where every expense is being weighed more than usual.

Continental Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, but also the Albanian coast, offer real opportunities for 4 to 7-day vacations, with prices ranging from 250 to 500 euros per person, depending on the destination, accommodation category and mode of transportation.

Matias Travel and Tours claim to have tailored their offerings to this market segment, offering budget packages with bus, nights in 3-star hotels, breakfast included and sometimes even local excursions. These packages are particularly popular with families with children and students, who are looking for relaxation and a change of scenery, but do not have the luxury of spending without limits.

One of the typical offers of the season includes a bus trip to Parga in Greece or Budva in Montenegro, 4 nights in a mid-range hotel and breakfast included, for around 270-320 euros per person.

Local alternatives, like a weekend in Radhimë or a mini-vacation in Velipojë or Shëngjin, can be even more affordable, especially when organized by yourself, without intermediaries.

September is also required.

Once considered the "end of the season," September is increasingly becoming a favorite vacation month, especially for those who want to avoid the crowds, extreme temperatures, and high prices of July and August.

Travel agencies report a significant increase in travel demand in September, both in classic European destinations and in coastal cities less explored by Albanians.

One of the most sought-after destinations this September, according to Ilirida Travel, is the Costa Brava, in Barcelona, ??a wonderful combination of Mediterranean beaches and Spanish urban culture.

The package costs 319 euros per person and includes: airfare, accommodation for 4 nights, breakfast, travel insurance, and departure on September 12th.

The price, for one these days near Barcelona, ??is an opportunity that more and more Albanians are taking advantage of, especially young people or couples without children in school.

Another destination that is arousing interest is Malta, the Mediterranean island that combines history, baroque architecture, and crystal clear sea.

Kalemi Travel claims that bookings for Malta in September have increased significantly, thanks to an offer that includes 4 nights of stay, direct line, breakfast included and health insurance, at a cost of 380 euros per person.

Organized travel and ease of procedures make this destination attractive to vacationers looking for something different, but within a reasonable budget.

For those looking for more unique destinations, Cappadocia offers the unique experience of hot air ballooning and views of the Turkish desert – a 4-day package departing in September costs around 460-500 euros per person.

While for nature and coastal lovers, Southern Italy (Puglia, Bari, Lecce) offers packages starting at 350 euros for 5 nights.

Region, more on weekends

For many Albanians, weekends abroad have become a quick and affordable way to get a change of scenery, without the need for multiple vacation days or large budgets.

Thanks to short car or bus routes and numerous offers from travel agencies, the region's destinations, from Montenegro in the north to Thessaloniki or Ohrid in the southeast, are among the most popular for short getaways, especially during off-peak seasons.

Budva, Kotor and Ulcinj in Montenegro offer the perfect combination of sea and vibrant nightlife, while prices for a 2-3-day weekend with accommodation and transport start from 99 to 150 euros per person.

Another destination that is attracting increased interest is Ohrid, with its tranquil landscape and very competitive prices, a typical weekend package costs around 85-110 euros per person, with breakfast and local excursions included.

Thessaloniki and Ioannina, easily accessible by car or bus, are also frequent choices for groups of young people or couples looking for a little shopping, a little sea and a lot of relaxation.

In most cases, these trips are organized on Friday afternoon with a return on Sunday evening, a format that is gaining particular popularity for those who do not want to miss either the working days or the weekend./ Monitor Magazine