How has poor economy in Southern Europe impacted travel?
Oct 3rd, 2014, 08:10 AM
#1
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How has poor economy in Southern Europe impacted travel?
I'd be interested in hearing from travellers on this forum if they've noticed a significant difference in their travels to Spain, Greece and elsewhere from before and after the economic crisis. Have prices gone down, are restaurants, hotels etc less busy, are more people trying to rent out their houses etc.?
Oct 3rd, 2014, 09:00 AM
#4
Hi robincal,
we spent a few days in Spain [Valencia] in May and prices did seem to be lower but not substantially so in hotels etc. however food prices were down - you could get a good 3 course lunch for about €10 and we saw 4 kgs of tomatoes on sale for €1 in a market - and transport is cheap.
it is said that Greece is full of germans enjoying the low prices, which seems fair enough to me given the amount of money they have ploughed in to keep it going.
we spent a few days in Spain [Valencia] in May and prices did seem to be lower but not substantially so in hotels etc. however food prices were down - you could get a good 3 course lunch for about €10 and we saw 4 kgs of tomatoes on sale for €1 in a market - and transport is cheap.
it is said that Greece is full of germans enjoying the low prices, which seems fair enough to me given the amount of money they have ploughed in to keep it going.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 09:33 AM
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Having read a question of yours here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...avel-costs.cfm
I have to ask are you in college studying rather than travelling?
This question of yours:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...each-place.cfm
You say you will not be coming to Europe for another 5 years. Maybe ask this sort of question say 6 months before you travel. It will give you a better idea if you can afford to "do Europe" then
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...avel-costs.cfm
I have to ask are you in college studying rather than travelling?
This question of yours:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...each-place.cfm
You say you will not be coming to Europe for another 5 years. Maybe ask this sort of question say 6 months before you travel. It will give you a better idea if you can afford to "do Europe" then
Oct 3rd, 2014, 01:06 PM
#6
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No, not in college anymore, actually in my late 40's. Because of family commitments I don't foresee the possibility of a long trip to Europe for another five years or so, and I don't want to take a short trip. I'm just interested in hearing about people's experiences in general without a specific trip in mind right now of course, but love all the trip reports and insights on this forum.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 01:38 PM
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Spain is kind of funny. At first sight, the ticket price hasn't come down much for accommodation, meals, tours etc, but discount will be available if you haggle. Same with real estate. Local sellers haven't lowered the sale price of their property, but they will be open to offers. So they may accept a figure substantially less but only if you ask. Many hotels which were full in peak season now have vacancies, with whole floors closed etc.
