How much did a student spend on a two-week vacation in Madrid. "I didn't pay for accommodation, and meals were provided"
For a much cheaper vacation, many Romanians plan their holidays to stay with relatives or friends, especially if they live abroad.
The invitation from loved ones includes accommodation and often daytime meals, so the vacation budget is significantly improved, and the atmosphere is warm and family-like.
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Luciana and her husband went to Italy, to a charming little town 35 kilometers from Rome. They chose to stay with relatives, where they could have all the comfort they need. The vacation budget was nearly a thousand euros for two people, for seven days. And the advantages are countless, they say.
Luciana: "We save not only on accommodation by staying here but also on meals, coffee, and transportation. We even went to a pretty good restaurant and ordered an extra bottle of wine. We want to visit things that we wouldn't otherwise have had the money for. Maybe one day, we'll even go on a trip nearby. We spoil ourselves more by staying with friends".
And the hosts spend their free time with guests from their home country.
Bianca: "We try to make time for guests, and we have our jobs, but we have two days off, and we spend them with them".
Alex is a student and has been away for two weeks with his grandparents, who live in a province near Madrid. He decided it was the best vacation option for this year.
Alex: "Since I didn't pay for accommodation, and meals were provided, I only brought some money. Like... I don't know, 500 euros".
Denisa went with her best friend to Castellon, Spain, also staying with relatives. In seven days, they spent 600 euros each.
Denisa: "We wanted to visit Valencia, which was close to our relatives' place. Since we had accommodation and meals provided, it reduced our costs significantly".
Experts also explain why vacations with acquaintances established abroad become the best option for some.
Ioan Hossu, sociologist: "The rising prices of tourist packages, the loss of purchasing power, inflation or the increased cost of living over the past year are some of the reasons why some Romanians choose these options".
Lucian Fanea, economist: "We Romanians are very hospitable. Certainly, these cost differences stay in people's pockets, and many choose to perhaps take another trip, another city break".
For a successful vacation with friends or relatives, it's essential to plan in advance and adapt to the house rules.
Author: Alexandra Clej
