Belgians earmark 2,120 euros for holidays

http://www.flandersnews.be/cm/flande...70701_holidays

Belgians earmark 2,120 euros for holidays

Sun 01/07/07 - Each year, Belgian families spend 2,120 euros on
average to go on holiday. That's according to research carried out by
holiday insurer Europ Assistance. Holiday makers want the sun, the sea
or some peace and quiet in return. The study also shows that city
trips are gaining popularity.
6 in 10 Belgians are going on holiday this summer, either for a short
or for a longer period.

This summer, a lot of people are taking the plane to Turkey
Most holiday makers say that they are looking for the sun, the sea or
some tranquillity.

'Culture' and 'adventure' are not the top priorities and are at the
bottom of the list, the daily Het Nieuwsblad reports.

France remains the most popular destination. Belgium - and the Flemish
coast in particular - follows in second place, with Spain in third
position.

Fourth-placed Turkey is closing the gap with Spain though. Turkey is
booming this season, as is Bulgaria.

Belgians have discovered the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, where life is
still cheap.
No surprises
The average Belgian family earmarks 2.120 euros for holidays, which
puts Belgians on third place in Europe.

Belgians don't like surprises while abroad and like to have everything
arranged as much as possible beforehand.

More and more Belgians choose an all-inclusive holiday.

Another trend is that Belgians spread their holidays over the year,
preferring different but shorter holidays over one longer period.

They don't want to spend the whole budget on just one holiday, but
want to have something left for other destinations.

That's also the reason why city trips are gaining ground. Paris
remains on number one, followed by Barcelona and Rome.

2120 Euro may be sufficient for two weeks of holidays, but not five or
six weeks. Or to put it differently, it would be extremely tough to
enjoy five or six weeks of holidays with the entire family for just 2120
Euro - especially in expensive Europe.
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Alfred Molon
http://www.molon.de - Photos of Asia, Africa and Europe