How to get a bargain on this year’s Balaton holiday

Is it possible to get a bargain on this year’s Balaton holiday? Similarly to previous years, we can read unfortunate news about the price hike in Lake Balaton. Everything is getting more expensive: drinks, food, spa passes and accommodation. The skyrocketing prices are usually fueled by inflation. However, if you pay attention to certain things, you will be able to get away with a Balaton holiday on a budget.

Experts’ advice

As Sonline writes, Balaton tourism experts advise people to be more mindful of information online. For instance, articles may feature extremely pricey ice cream and lángos places, however, the prudent traveller can dig further and find cheaper alternatives. Some may go as far as discouraging people from going to Lake Balaton this year, while with a little preparation, you can make the most out of your Balaton holiday even if you are on a budget.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Plan ahead

According to a hotel manager at Lake Balaton, winter and spring are challenging for large hotels due to consistent fixed costs throughout the year. Despite these challenges, 2024 pre-booking statistics indicate a potentially better high season than last year. Foreign tourists, including many from the Czech Republic and Dubai, are returning, with extended stays of two weeks or more, as opposed to the typical 3-4 day stays of Hungarian guests, according to Bernadett Antal, sales manager of Hotel Laroba in Alsóörs.

Choosing the destination for your Balaton holiday

As Sonline also notes, due to a more conscious approach, many people are now opting for previously less popular destinations with cheaper accommodation and a relaxed atmosphere. There is a resurgence in apartment rentals and camping tourism. These guests aim to spend less on entertainment, leading to an increase in free events at Lake Balaton. Therefore, you can save big money on your Balaton holiday if you choose free programmes and do not pay an arm and a leg for your accommodation.

Food and drink prices

You can indeed have a scoop of ice cream for HUF 800 (EUR 2.07), but you can usually also bike to another location for a cheaper alternative. In addition, the bike ride can be a perfect addition to your Balaton holiday activities. Tamás Fekete, vice president of the Balaton Tourism Association, notes that ice cream vendors have faced criticism from anti-Balaton travel campaigns. Despite this, most confectioners in the Balaton Fagyija competition report minimal price changes, with quality ice cream prices rising slightly from HUF 550 (EUR 1.42) to HUF 600 (EUR 1.55).

Photo: Daily News Hungary

Read also:

• Holiday home prices in Hungary decreased compared to last year
• Lake Balaton forecast: guest workers to ease labour shortage, relatively low price increase