If you are planning your vacations for 2024, you may notice many popular tourist destinations with a higher cost. As we head into the new year, there are a few vacation destinations that were once budget-friendly, but will now require you to shell out a little more cash. Several factors, such as inflation, infrastructure development and the influx of post-pandemic travel, will make many popular destinations like Aspen, Amsterdam and Venice more expensive than ever in 2024.
Why are certain tourist destinations becoming more expensive in 2024?
There are several factors contributing to the appreciation of certain destinations in 2024. One important factor is the recovery of the travel industry from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As demand for travel increases, popular destinations may experience a surge in visitors, leading to greater demand for accommodation, transport and attractions. This increased demand, combined with the need for the tourism business to recover from the financial losses incurred during the pandemic, may lead to higher prices for various services.
Furthermore, inflation can play a role in raising costs. Inflation affects the economy as a whole, causing the prices of goods and services to rise. This could affect the tourism sector, affecting the prices of accommodation, food, transport and other travel-related costs.
Infrastructure development and maintenance costs can also contribute to the rising costs of popular tourist destinations. As these cities seek to provide improved facilities and experiences for visitors, investment in infrastructure projects and maintenance of attractions may result in increased operating costs, which may translate into higher prices for tourists.
Cities expected to rise in price this year
If you want to plan a budget vacation this year, then there are a few destinations you may want to avoid. These are the cities that will require you to shell out a little more cash in 2024.
Porto, Portugal
Travelers planning to visit Porto in 2024 should be prepared for potential increases in accommodation prices, dining costs and other costs related to the city’s popularity as a tourist destination. In 2023, Porto welcomed 30 million visitors, breaking previous tourist records for the country. This is only predicted to increase in 2024 and the rise in popularity will eventually drive up prices. In addition, Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, is reducing flights to the city, meaning it may be more expensive to fly to Porto.
Aspen, Colorado
In a recent report from Savills, Aspen, Colorado, was once again ranked as the most expensive luxury ski resort for the 2023-24 season, with price growth of 2.3% per year. Aspen’s reputation as an upscale destination may contribute to rising costs, as luxury resorts and high-end amenities cater to a certain clientele.
Bangkok, Thailand
In recent years, Bangkok has been one of the top destinations for low-cost accommodation. However, this is expected to change in the new year. The city is expected to see a wave of tourists in 2024, which will significantly increase accommodation prices. Prices for boutique hotels and Airbnbs in the capital skyrocket, so book as early as possible if you’re heading to Thailand on holiday.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tourism in the Netherlands has been on the rise for the past few years and the city is starting to do something about it. At the beginning of 2024 Amsterdam increases tourist tax from 7% to 12.5%making it the highest tourist tax in Europe. “This allows us to deal with the effects of over-tourism and direct additional resources to keep the streets clean and solve acute problems in neighborhoods and areas,” said Hester van Buren, deputy mayor for finance in declaration.
Venice, Italy
Due to over-tourism, Venice recently proposed new restrictions for travelers heading to the City of Water. One of these restrictions is a fee for travelers who want to enter the city for a day trip. On certain days between April and July 2024, there will be a €5 ($5.45) fee to enter the city.
Mexico City, Mexico
Flying to Mexico City will become more expensive in 2024. For the first time in 13 years, the airport usage fee (TUA) for Mexico City International Airport will increase by 3.2%. Airline fees will also increase by almost 77%, causing airlines to charge more for tickets to Mexico City. Also, as Mexico City becomes an increasingly popular tourist destination, hotel and dining fees are steadily increasing.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali faces many problems with tourists, including people disrespecting the sacred mountains and disobeying the laws put in place by the island. Tourists are now banned from renting bicycles, and the island has vowed to deport visitors for disrespectful behaviour. In 2024, the island will introduce a tourist tax of $10 per person.
Start planning your vacations early
If you are looking for a more budget friendly holiday destination, then there are several places to choose from. However, just because these travel destinations are getting more expensive in 2024 doesn’t mean you should stay away entirely. There are a few travel tips you can keep in mind to make your trip to places like Aspen or Venice a little more affordable.
First, you must plan your trip well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts on travel-related expenses. You can also choose budget accommodation options like hostels or vacation rentals and explore public transportation or walking instead of relying on taxis or rental cars.
You should also be strategic about the time of year you travel, as off-peak seasons can offer much more affordable options. Also, make sure you keep an eye on promotions, discounts and loyalty programs offered by travel-related services to maximize your savings and make your 2024 travel more affordable.
Editors’ recommendations
