More expensive dream vacation: Vacation in Turkey over 9,000 euros for the family!

More expensive dream vacation: Vacation in Turkey over 9,000 euros for the family!

The summer of 2025 has shown it once again: Turkey remains a popular holiday destination for many Germans, but prices are rising significantly. A German father from the region has now published his costs for 18 days in the Turkish coastal town of Gökova Akyaka, sparking a lively discussion about holiday spending. The family, consisting of two adults and three children, spent over 9,000 euros. This included 2,800 euros for the flights, 800 euros for the rental car, 1,600 euros for the holiday apartment right on the beach and a whopping 4,000 euros for meals and activities, such as the [ Mercury ] reported.

Although many holidaymakers continue to travel to Turkey, holiday costs have increased noticeably over the last five years. This is how the [ daily news ] points out that prices for holidaymakers in Turkey increased by around 36 percent in June alone. The high additional costs – from mooring fees to boat trips – do the rest. It was important for the German father to introduce his children to Turkish culture. But with rising prices that are higher than in popular travel destinations such as Greece, Spain or Italy, the question for many is: Is it worth it?

Price development and the impact on tourism

Tourism in Turkey plays a significant role in the economy, contributing up to 13 percent of economic output. Nevertheless, the industry is suffering from high inflation rates. The inflation rate is currently at an unimaginable 64.8 percent, as the [ Travel reporter ] informed. This means that prices for hotels, restaurants and leisure activities have skyrocketed. If you calculate the current prices for hotel rooms in Istanbul (138 euros) and Antalya (110 euros), you can see that they have increased by 37.4% compared to the previous year.

Catering prices are also high, so a glass of wine in the restaurant costs around 8 euros, and many holidaymakers are increasingly opting for “all inclusive”. The all-inclusive offers are particularly popular because they cover some of the planning and additional costs of your vacation. Tour operators report a price increase of around 6-7 percent compared to previous years. Still, Turkey's tourism minister has plans to attract record numbers of guests to the country, increasingly targeting more affluent tourists.

Alternative travel destinations and views

There is no end to the discussions about the high holiday costs on social networks. While some users are understanding, others find it difficult to accept the prices. Some recommend alternatives such as Scandinavia or Calabria, where vacation costs are often even more moderate. If you break down the numbers, it becomes clear that holidaymakers from euro countries benefit from the low lira exchange rate, as their currency gains a lot of purchasing power.

Demand remains strong despite rising prices. German holidaymakers tend to save money on their holidays rather than giving up traveling altogether. Bookings from Germany remain at a high level. But what does the future hold? The 2024 tourist season could see prices continue to rise, and tour operators will be required to develop innovative offerings to keep travelers interested.