Has everything become more expensive? – Summer vacation: how to save money now

Summer sun sunshine! Many people are already longing for their holiday trip to the warmth or have already gone out. It is inevitable that inflation will be considered, despite the package of measures announced by the government. And the question is whether this will also be clearly felt abroad?

Inflation for many “not really the problem”
Opinions differ slightly depending on the travel destination. It is clear that Austrians in popular holiday countries such as Turkey, Croatia or Italy get (considerably) more for their euro than in Germany, and sometimes refuel cheaper.

“And because Croatia, Italy or Greece remain our favorite bathtubs and because most bookings are made before April, the current price increases are not really a problem for customers,” said Eva Buzzi, president of the Austrian travel association.

“We are not getting any feedback from the market that everything has become so much more expensive locally that people prefer to walk in the Prater. But it is conceivable that we will now get away with a black eye, but that the price increases will continue in the autumn and winter. ”

Beware of Potential “Internet Traps”
Whatever happens, expert Buzzi has some tips that can always help you save money

Off to the travel agency!
“People often think that they can get out cheaper on the internet. But there are some traps you can enter. The experts of travel agencies have a very good overview and can help if something goes wrong. They also have access to booking software that internet bookers are denied. As a result, ticket prices are often several euros lower than the alleged best-price tickets.”

Book early!
“The earlier you book, the better it is. The famous last-minute bargain is basically over. Travel agencies and tour operators also want to have as much planning certainty as possible. While Greek islands like Crete are almost fully booked for this summer, you can still get places in Turkey, which has been hit hard by the war in Ukraine. The exchange rate is also very favorable there.”

Inform well!
“The most important thing for any trip is to decide early on what and where you want to go – and to find out a lot about the travel destination. Especially in times like these. Measures have now been stopped practically everywhere, but sometimes corona waves start again – see Portugal Insurance can help prevent you from having to pay the costs later.”

The pitfalls of emergency measures
And then there are the federal government’s anti-inflation measures: especially households, including small and medium-sized enterprises, will benefit from the package of 28 billion euros. However, there are also pitfalls and criticism.

The family allowance will be increased this year to 2,000 euros per child for whom child benefits are received. However, if the descendants are older than 18, the bonus for them only rises moderately to €650.

Voucher by RsA letter
The climate bonus (500 euros for adults, 250 euros for children up to the age of 18) will be paid in October. But for the transfer, the account details of the adults must be available at the Treasury (in FinanzOnline) or the pension insurance company. If in doubt, check now.

Otherwise, a voucher will be sent by RSa letter, which can be redeemed in shops and banks. It is still unclear to the companies how exactly the energy subsidy is calculated.

“Too much strewn with the watering can”
“In general, however, too much is distributed with the watering can. In this way, the needy and high earners get the climate bonus instead of helping the poorest 20 percent in a targeted way. The abolition of cold progression is nice, just a shame that the government can continue to use a third of it freely,” says economic expert Franz Schellhorn (Agenda Austria).

And Wifo budget specialist Margit Schratzenstaller warns that the aid billions could be missing in the future due to major future problems in healthcare, education, etc.