Trips to Europe are expected to become more affordable for US travelers, as airlines are gearing up to offer new non-stop routes across the Atlantic. According to the Wall Street Journal, airlines like United, Lufthansa, and JetBlue are looking to meet the increased demand from American customers.
Research conducted by Newser reveals that the cost of transatlantic flights to Europe in March is averaging around $500. However, flights to southern European cities such as Athens, Madrid, and Lisbon have seen a 20% increase in ticket prices compared to last year.
For travelers looking to save money, October and November 2024 are believed to be the ideal months to book flights, as demand is expected to dip significantly compared to the busy summer season. Gunnar Olson of Thrifty Traveler likened this decrease in demand to a “hangover for the airlines” after a bustling summer.
In related news, Barcelona has recently increased its city-wide tourist tax by €0.50 (about $0.53) per night in an effort to curb overtourism. The new tax rate of €3.25 (about $3.45) per night was implemented on April 1 as part of the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax.
Other popular European destinations like Amsterdam and Venice have also raised their tourist taxes for similar reasons. While these fees may add to the overall cost of a trip, they are intended to support local infrastructure and businesses while preventing the negative impacts of overtourism.
As travelers plan their European getaways, they should be aware of these additional costs and factor them into their budgets accordingly. Barcelona, in particular, continues to be a top tourist destination in Spain, welcoming millions of visitors each year.