The unexpected holiday nightmare facing tourists in Europe this summer

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Europe this summer are facing several major issues hampering their travels.

Rising costs for flights and accommodation make vacations more expensive, but there are other concerns that make vacations less enjoyable.

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An increasing demand for vacations means that tourists have less to see and do on their trips abroad.

The number of people visiting some holiday hotspots has increased by around 30 per cent compared to last year, meaning popular tourist areas are busier than ever.

Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of the Atmosphere Research Group, has warned travelers that their European trips will experience long waits and large crowds.

He said Stuff from New Zealand: “Be prepared for border control queues, airport security, crowds at train stations, crowded hotels, crowded museums, crowded restaurants and crowded attractions.”

While long queues are bad enough, there are places where tourists just don’t get the chance to visit the sights they want.

Katie Parla, a tour guide in Italy, told Stuff that sold-out train and museum tickets are becoming more common this year.

Also, she finds it difficult to offer tours for everyone who wants them because the demand is just too high.

She said: “I’ve just hired two more guides.

“We get all these last minute requests and try our best to deal with the crowd.”

One reason for the increased demand could be that so many people are holidaying in their own country this year, as is also the case in Spain.

Figures released this week by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics show that by June hotels had sold 52 percent of their available rooms for the summer.

That’s because higher travel costs and a rise in the cost of living are leading more locals to opt for getaways this year, they say The local.

They reported: “The price increases, which are not only due to tourism but are also linked to the ongoing crisis in the inflationary cost of living, seem to be changing the plans of many Spaniards.”

“The most important consequence is that more and more people are giving up traveling abroad and staying at home over the summer.”

“Around two-thirds of Spaniards planning a trip this summer will opt for domestic destinations, with the Mediterranean coast and the Andalusia region being among the favourites.”

Meanwhile, this British seaside city is getting a huge new tourist attraction this year.

And here are some of the cheapest seaside vacations you can book right now.

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