Europe's Summer Travel Costs Vary Widely: Expensive Switzerland and Iceland Versus Affordable Balkans and Eastern Europe

As summer approaches, travelers planning European vacations face significant price disparities across the continent. Recent economic data reveal that Switzerland and Iceland top the list of the most expensive destinations, with prices nearly 50 percent higher than Germany's average. Norway and Denmark also rank among the priciest, with costs 34 and 29 percent above Germany's, respectively. For example, a three-course dinner for two in Switzerland averages 107 euros (about 371 shekels), soaring to 161 euros (559 shekels) in luxury cities like Lugano or Zug. Even a simple cappuccino costs 5.50 euros (19 shekels) there, compared to 3.76 euros (13 shekels) in the Netherlands.

The high costs in Switzerland are largely due to elevated wages, with workers earning between 4,000 and 4,500 euros monthly, versus under 2,500 euros in the Netherlands. Despite a relatively low VAT of 8.1 percent on restaurant food, prices remain steep. Conversely, the Balkans and Eastern Europe offer budget-friendly alternatives, with prices often half those of Central Europe. Countries like North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and the Czech Republic provide meals for less than 50 euros (173 shekels), with Kosovo offering the cheapest dining at around 20 euros (69 shekels) for two.

Classic Mediterranean destinations such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece maintain moderate prices despite high demand, with two-person meals ranging from 45 to 50 euros (156 to 173 shekels). Cities outside major capitals, like Seville, Alicante, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, offer even better value. Drink prices in Spain and Portugal are notably low, with cappuccinos costing around 2 euros (7 shekels) and half-liter beers between 2.50 and 3 euros.

The official "sun hours" index, measuring daylight per cost, ranks Tallinn, Estonia, highest in July with 17.7 hours of sunshine and low prices, partly due to no tourist tax. Tirana, Albania, also offers nearly 15 hours of daily sun and affordable sightseeing. Other budget-friendly spots include Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and southern Italian and Spanish cities like Bari and Malaga, which are cheaper than pricier Greek islands such as Corfu.

Travel experts caution that advertised flight and hotel prices rarely reflect final costs. Hidden fees for luggage, airport transfers, local tourist taxes, and hotel extras like parking or air conditioning can add up. Additionally, tipping customs vary: Spain and Portugal typically expect 10 percent, France and Switzerland often include service charges (look for "Service compris"), and Italy usually suggests 5 to 10 percent if not included. Careful planning and attention to these details can help travelers avoid unexpected expenses and find the best value for their summer trips.