Israel’s festive season may have concluded, but Europe is gearing up for its winter travel peak and Christmas markets. Travelers looking for a traditional European Christmas experience might face significantly higher prices this year in several sought-after destinations.
A recent analysis by Israeli travel website lastminute.co.il revealed substantial increases in average airfares to various cities compared to last year. However, some destinations have seen price drops.
The sharpest fare hikes were to Austria. Flights to Salzburg surged by about 60%, with average fares rising from $398 to $637. Meanwhile, tickets to Vienna climbed roughly 57%, from $324 to $510.
Significant fare increases were also noted in Bucharest, with prices up 52% from $366 to $556, and Krakow, where the average fare jumped around 43% from $356 to $508.
On the other hand, flexible travelers may save considerably. Airfares to Zurich fell about 32%, from $482 to $328. Munich prices dropped roughly 25%, from $520 to $388, while flights to Amsterdam, Budapest, and London also saw declines.
The price variations highlight how crucial destination choice can be for a Christmas vacation. For instance, an average ticket to Salzburg is $637, while Munich costs $388, Budapest is $401, and Prague is $465.
Asaf Greenberg, vice president of marketing at lastminute.co.il, commented that this year’s data reflects a lack of a single “Christmas price” for Europe. Some locations are over 50% more expensive, while others are experiencing significant drops even during the same travel timeframe.
Greenberg pointed out that the Christmas travel period is short, leading to a decrease in the availability of budget-friendly tickets as the holiday approaches. He advised that being flexible with travel plans and booking earlier can lead to considerable savings.
Additionally, there’s a 10% increase in demand and bookings for the last 20 days of December compared to last year. The rankings of preferred destinations for Israeli travelers have shifted, with Athens and Berlin breaking into the top five this year, while Bangkok and New York have fallen out. The leading destinations now include Prague, Budapest, Dubai, Athens, and Berlin, contrasting with last year’s favorites. Meanwhile, bookings for Munich, New York, Salzburg, and Krakow are trailing behind last year’s figures.
