With just over two weeks to go until the winter holidays, many families have purchased their tourist packages in advance, but for those who have not yet done so, local agencies have reported that the best prices are available at local, nearby destinations and by bus.
In relation to national destinations, the bus excursion to Catamarca was very popular, seven days and four nights for 450 thousand pesos per person. To Iguazú Falls by air, 7 days and four nights, breakfast, half board and excursions to both sides of the Falls, 350 thousand pesos per person.
“Another classic is the North, it is always in high demand. By bus from La Plata to Salta, Purmamarca and Tucumán, it costs approximately 480 thousand pesos per person,” it was reported.
In some agencies, queries were answered about the “dinosaur route” that runs between the provinces of San Juan and Catamarca; 4 nights with breakfast and excursions costs 488 thousand pesos per person, departing from La Plata.
“These days the enquiries continue, many people are booking late because they don’t have the days off work, but there are not many cheap flights left, they can be found by bus,” it was stated.
It was pointed out that those who want to book packages with flights will have to face higher rates. For example, a trip to Mendoza for 7 nights costs 780 thousand pesos with breakfast. Seven nights to Villa La Angostura, 550 thousand pesos for 6 days; to San Martín de los Andes for four nights 720 thousand.
“There are many options by bus, to Mendoza, 325 thousand pesos and the same goes for Iguazu Falls, 7 days and 4 nights with breakfast,” he noted.
From another agency, Pedro Garropoli said that the cheapest options for these winter vacations are the packages to Villa Carlos Paz, Merlo, San Luis, and Mar del Pata. “These areas must be taken into account because of the increased cost of transportation,” he added.
“Those who booked trips abroad did so in advance, between March and April, to get good prices and pay little by little. For example, a family of 4 got a trip to Punta Cana for 7 nights and everything included for $2,100,” said Sofía, a tourism agent at an agency from 1 to 1,400. There she indicated that now the airlines have direct rates with the agencies and “unmatched” prices are achieved.
Seven-night all-inclusive Caribbean trips with transfers and medical insurance were also sold for $2,000.
A trip to Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, for 10 days with everything included, approximately $2,300, per person. To Turkey, air, category hotel, 14 days with full board in most destinations and stays in Istanbul and central Anatolia, $3,500 per person.
Another requested proposal was Chile for a shopping tour in Santiago, 5 days, 4 nights, with flight, breakfast, car, 700 dollars.
SAVINGS ON VACATION
The winter holidays are coming and for families to share activities will be a challenge because the cuts made to consumer habits will be followed by those related to free time.
A survey on “Consumption and economic context,” carried out by the consulting firm Ecolatina in March, revealed that 9 out of 10 people changed “the way they shopped in supermarkets.”
Consumers stopped buying some products that they consumed daily and turned to promotions. This data indicates that, if the belt had to be adjusted to be able to eat, the recreational activities that involve spending the holidays can only be faced with accessible proposals that can integrate the whole family.
“The key to these winter holidays, so special due to the context of the country, is that businesses, gastronomic establishments, and entertainment venues are prepared with special events, promotions and activities adapted to all ages and that they are proposals that integrate everyone. the family,” said Marcelo Chane, member of the group of professional advisors of Nuevo Quilmes Plaza Centro Comercial.
In this context, many families who do not have the possibility to travel and must stay in Buenos Aires are expected to carry out activities close to where they live and combine pleasure and entertainment with consumption and daily life activities.
