Welcome
Prices continue to rise, in both the diving and travel industries.
There was a time, not so long ago, when you could find a low budget getaway somewhere in Europe for around £ 600, including some diving. Today, it would be close to impossible for all but the most creative penny pinchers. Across Europe, package holiday prices have been steadily increasing since the pandemic. Portugal is up 6.8 % this year, Cyprus by 6.4 % and even low-budget destinations such as Bulgaria have seen increases of up to 10 %. Tenerife is down 2 % though, which is nice.
Why are we seeing these price hikes? As ever, there are a number of factors at play: high demand; rising energy costs; airline and hotel room capacities and the cost of living situation.
This issue’ s Travel Special focuses on shorthaul dive travel, asking which destinations offer value for money at a time when every penny counts. While researching the feature, I asked a cross section of friends in the diving industry( in person and on social media) which destinations they would recommend when it comes to value for money.
Quite a few of them highlighted perennial favourites such as Malta, Cyprus or the Canary Islands. An almost equal contingent said the Red Sea( by which they meant Egypt) continues to offer the best value, despite being on average £ 500 a week more costly than its European counterparts. A few others said the diving enclaves of South East Asia offer yet greater value, especially if you have plans to stay for two weeks or more.
Such arguments have their merit, but I think UK-based divers continue to appreciate the possibility of a shorthaul flight to a beautiful coastal setting with blue water and European sophistry. What do you think? Do write in and let me know about your own bargain holidays.
Please enjoy this issue of SCUBA, and I wish you all a wonderful summer.
Simon Rogerson – Editor simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk
Cover photo: Tompot blenny in a pipe at Swanage Pier, by Sandra Stalker
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