Are you dreaming of visiting Europe in 2024? Well, it’s important to know that traveling to famous places like Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice will cost a bit more. Why? Because these places are starting new or higher taxes for tourists. The reasons include recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and needing more money for the cities.
Let’s explore what these changes mean for some of the most loved European spots. This way, you can plan better and save money on your trip.
What Changing in Top European Cities in 2024
1. Paris, France
Get Ready to Pay More
If you’re visiting Paris in 2024, prepare to pay almost 200% more in hotel taxes. This means if you stay in a nice hotel, the extra charge for each night could be more than €11. This extra money will help Paris recover from recent financial challenges.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Higher Hotel Room Tax
Famous for its beautiful canals, Amsterdam will now charge a 12.5% tax on your hotel bill. This also applies to people arriving on cruise ships. So, if you’re visiting by ship, your tax might jump from €8 to about €11 each day.
3. Venice, Italy
New Daily Charge for Visitors
Starting in 2024, Venice will ask visitors to pay a daily fee, especially during busy weekends in spring and summer. This is to help control the impact of tourism on the environment and to bring in more money for the city.
4. Spain (Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid)
Different Tax Rates
In Valencia, starting in early 2024, tourists will pay between €0.50 to €2 per night, depending on where they stay. Barcelona will raise its tourist tax from €3.25 to €3.70 in April 2024. Madrid is also thinking about a new tax, but nothing has been decided yet.
5. United Kingdom
New Travel Authorization Fee
In 2024, if you’re visiting the UK from countries like the US, Australia, Canada, or Europe, you’ll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This will cost about £10 (€11.66). Not having an ETA could mean fines.
6. Portugal (Olhao, Faro, Figueira da Foz)
Various New Taxes
In Olhao, tourists will pay €2 per night from April to October, and €1 per night the rest of the year. Faro will charge €1.50 per person each night in summer, for up to seven nights. Kids under 12 are free. Figueira da Foz’s tourist tax will depend on when you visit and how long you stay.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
To manage these extra costs, here are some tips:
- Choose your travel time wisely: Traveling during less busy times can save you money.
- Look for different places to stay: Small hotels or vacation homes might be cheaper than big hotels.
- Use public transport: Buses, trams, or bikes are often much cheaper than taxis.
- Enjoy free things: Many cities have free walking tours, museums with free days, and lovely parks for picnics.
Even with these new taxes, you can still have a fantastic time in Europe in 2024. Just plan a bit more and you’ll find many ways to enjoy your trip without spending too much.
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