Contrary to regular patterns, holidaymakers from Ireland seem to be holding the upper hand over airlines recently. Traditionally, holiday reservations peak during January and February, providing a much-needed escape from midwinter gloom. By May, airlines and accommodation rates usually skyrocket due to dwindling supply as summer approaches.
However, 2024 has proven to differ drastically from conventions. As we draw closer to June, many airlines find themselves with extra seats to fill, and there’s plenty of room at popular holiday accommodation during peak season.
TravelExtra publication owner and travel enthusiast, Eoghan Corry, has noted a decline in air ticket prices to frequent European destinations as consumers hold back on reservations. Corry illustrates increased flight options from Ireland to Turkey, Greece, Italy, and America, but emphasizes the additional services to Malaga and Faro have considerably influenced prices.
Airlines initiated the year with hefty prices, according to Corry, with Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary stating that this year’s rates would peak due to challenges with Boeing deliveries and engine recalls. However, Corry has observed that the consumer demand hasn’t reached expected peaks, leading him to be more hopeful about prices than he was six weeks prior.
Corry adds that the outcome could potentially lead to a 20% decrease in prices on certain routes compared to last year leading into the summer season. Despite the increase in flights from Dublin to Faro and from Dublin to Malaga, both routes remain competitively priced. According to Corry, these are the most sought-after routes.
Ryanair CEO, O’Leary, has recently corroborated Corry’s evaluation, stating that air fares failed to rise as expected, with a maximum increase of around 5 per cent, rather than the 10 per cent initially projected. While it wasn’t anticipated that ticket prices would surge for a third consecutive summer, O’Leary has recognised that the demand was not as high following the conclusion of Ryanair’s financial year on 31st March.
He noted evidence of customer hesitancy and a lack of confidence across Europe. Furthermore, he stated the company would not hesitate to slash prices to drive demand, and sales since March resulted in a promising response from customers.
Apart from air travel, there are also hints of positive changes for consumers with sea travel. Ferry prices from Ireland to France have witnessed a slight reduction from the spikes earlier this year.
The managing director of camping operator Kelair/Campotel, Pearse Keller, highlighted that there is still availability throughout the summer as nothing is fully booked yet. He says a family of four can spend eight nights at Domaine Des Ormes in Brittany, inclusive of a cabin on the ferry, for €3,120 in July, reducing to €2,285 by the end of August.
Keller noted the ferry companies’ downward revision of their prices allowing them to offer better value holidays. Campsite stays are a budget-friendly option for many families, particularly larger ones, as purchasing multiple airline tickets and added extras are not necessary.
For families of four planning to visit Domaine Des Ormes in Brittany, and using the ferry crossing with a cabin included, costs start from €3,120 in July. By the last week of August, costs drop to €2,285 and come mid-September, a holiday can be as inexpensive as €999.
Parents with school-age children are all too familiar with the fluctuating prices during peak holiday seasons, which explains why many parents choose to take their children out of school during off-peak times. Tusla figures reveal a dramatic increase in instances of extended absences due to holidays, rising from 60,000-65,000 in 2019 to 350,000 in 2022.
Parents seeking to cut costs often plan holidays around the Irish school holidays, but it’s crucial to account for term times in other countries. English school children break for half term on May 27th this year, so a price surge can be expected during this period. Their summer holidays commence on July 25th, so Irish families should ideally plan to travel before this date. German school holidays echo the English system, with a 10-day break starting from May 21st and the summer holiday beginning on July 25th.
Paying for expenses during the holiday trip can present a separate challenge altogether. The increasing cost of living is a global issue and has resulted in a significant price climb in hotels and restaurants compared to pre-pandemic figures. However, dining in places like the Algarve or Spanish Costas is still considerably cheaper than back home.
According to Paul Hackett, the managing director of online travel agency Click & Go, the cost of living has remained relatively steady this year with greater stability in pricing. This sentiment is mirrored by Corry, who notes that despite minor increases, the costs on the ground in Spain and Portugal have not surged drastically. He also reports that the problems which impacted the car rental industry in 2022 and 2023 have largely been rectified.
Corry states that despite meal and hotel prices slightly increasing in some areas, Portugal continues to offer great value. Hackett also remarks that there has been a shift in attitudes towards holiday planning, with many people choosing not to get caught up in the January booking rush, but to instead review their options nearer the time.
Hackett mentions the vast amount of individuals who are yet to make reservations. Aer Lingus is offering discounted prices for August and September while Ryanair often has sales. Thus, plenty of tickets are available, offering great choice at reasonable prices.
Hackett observes that car hire costs have dropped back to the same level as 2019. Post-pandemic travel has resumed, yet people’s approach to holidays and travel has transformed. Many are comfortable with refraining from the rush to reserve in January and prefer to wait until they are sure about their budget and travel desires.
Hackett’s partner accommodation providers in Europe have experienced successful sales in June, not so much in July and August, indicating that there are plenty of options providing good opportunities at fair prices.
When questioned about potential travel bargains, he points out a €589 per person trip for a family of four to a five-star resort in Gran Canaria, including return flights, on June 20th and a €339 per person trip to a four-star aparthotel in the Algarve, including return flights, set to leave on the same date.
Despite last summers’ conditions, Hackett has not seen any hesitation from prospective holidaymakers to book holidays in areas that were extremely hot. “People quickly forget,” he asserts.