Now it can get really expensive!Crisis in the Middle East: Book your summer vacation NOW or would you rather wait? That's what travel expert Ralf Benkö says

The escape to the western Mediterranean

Even if the Foreign Office has not yet issued any warnings for countries such as Turkey, Cyprus or Egypt and the tourism industry hopes that these regions will not be drawn into the war – booking a trip for the western Mediterranean would avoid this problem. Tour operators assume that this could be an additional incentive to book. Some holidaymakers quickly look towards Mallorca, the Germans' favorite island. The already high travel prices during the holidays are making some island fans a little nervous because they could rise again in the next few weeks and months.

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Travel expert Ralf Benkö can imagine that, on the other hand, some people are still waiting to see how the situation develops in the next few weeks due to uncertainty and bookings for the Eastern Mediterranean – even if there are currently no travel warnings for classic tourist areas in Turkey and Cyprus, but only current additions to the travel advice from the Foreign Office, which describe changes in the situation and risks. A partial travel warning for areas in Egypt has been in place for years and only applies to regions such as the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula and, for example, certain areas in the Sahara – i.e. areas away from the holiday resorts.

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What would travel expert Ralf Benkö do?

How supply and demand can influence travel prices is no secret. But what does that mean specifically? So would Benkö book now or wait out the crisis and wait to see how the conflict and prices develop? The RTL travel expert's answer: “If you want to travel to the western Mediterranean or the Canary Islands during your summer holidays, you now have good reasons not to wait long before booking. For the eastern Mediterranean, for example for Turkey, the tourism industry is now taking a close look at the extent to which booking numbers are declining sharply. If this happens, then that could lead to discounts. To what extent this will then become a kind of last minute opportunity for some travel destinations on the eastern Mediterranean is still unclear at the moment. But the possibility of this exists.”

Another reaction to the Middle East crisis would be to take a vacation in your own car. There are signs that more Germans are now looking at destinations that are nearby. “For some, that could mean a vacation in Germany. But a trip to Austria or Italy could also be a good idea for more people at this time, not only to avoid the topic of the crisis in the Middle East, but also increased flight prices.” Flights to and from airports with a high proportion of low-cost airlines would be a travel option that keeps costs lower. They are found towards the western Mediterranean, often to Barcelona, ​​Girona and Milan.

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Not to be underestimated: the Flex tariff

Mallorca may be the first thing that comes to mind for many people. But if you include a few more destinations in your comparison, you should still find some travel offers that feel safe and affordable, even in the current situation. Another tip not to forget: If you book a package holiday with a Flex tariff for a lower surcharge, you would still have a free cancellation option for trips to the Eastern Mediterranean up to a few weeks before the trip and you wouldn't have to worry about it!