The increased interest of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in New Year’s trips abroad marks this year’s holiday season, according to data from several domestic travel agencies. Among the most sought-after destinations are European metropolises such as Prague, Rome, Budapest, Venice, Paris, and Istanbul, as well as exotic locations – Dubai, Morocco, Cuba, and Iran.
Sarajevo travel agencies state that city break arrangements are still the most popular among travelers from BiH, and interest has significantly increased compared to last year.
“Citizens are increasingly planning their trips in advance and showing a desire to spend the holidays outside the country, which indicates a growth of optimism and a greater readiness to travel,” several agencies stated.
The most popular destinations are Prague, Rome, Budapest, Venice, Paris, and Istanbul, which traditionally attract travelers with a rich New Year’s program, a recognizable atmosphere, and affordable arrangements. Prices, as they state, range from 300 to 1.000 BAM, depending on the length of the trip, transportation, and type of accommodation.
The average budget that travelers allocate for New Year’s air arrangements ranges between 800 and 1.000 BAM, while for bus trips, one should set aside between 300 and 700 BAM. Prices, compared to the previous year, are mostly stable, with minor variations due to dates and accommodation availability.
“Discounts from 50 to 100 BAM per person are always included in the price, and there are still available spots, although the interest is great. The prices of offers range from about 500 BAM for shorter arrangements to 2.500 BAM and more for distant and more luxurious destinations, depending on the duration and category of accommodation. Prices depend on the type of transportation – air arrangements, such as Istanbul, can be found in the range of 700 to 800 BAM per person, Dubai from 1.000 BAM upwards, while bus arrangements for Vienna, Budapest, or Ljubljana cost between 400 and 500 BAM,” agencies state.
Bookings usually start up to three months in advance, but the majority of travelers reserve arrangements 15 to 20 days before departure. Agencies recommend early booking to ensure the best choice of destinations and prices. The profile of travelers who book New Year’s arrangements is very diverse – from young people and couples to families and pensioners.
Along with foreign arrangements, travel agencies also offer domestic destinations and organized celebrations, as well as a large number of exotic trips.
However, the most sought-after destinations for the New Year holidays this year are Andalusia, Dubai, Istanbul, Morocco, as well as Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast.
According to their data, there are three dominant trends when it comes to New Year’s arrangements – city break trips to European metropolises, mountain resorts and wellness arrangements, and exotic destinations. Agencies explain that city break trips are ideal for those who want a combination of culture and entertainment, emphasizing that Rome and Barcelona are among the most sought-after.
“Mountain vacations attract travelers who want peace, relaxation, and an active holiday in nature, while exotic destinations such as Dubai, Morocco, and Cuba record growing interest among those who want an escape from winter,” agencies say.
Great interest this year is recorded for Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Cuba – countries that, as they say, enchant travelers with their authenticity and spirit.
That the trend of traveling abroad is strengthening is confirmed also by an agency from Mostar, where they say that offers for Advent and New Year are booked very early, already after the end of the summer season.
“The most sought-after destinations for the New Year are abroad – Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Ljubljana, and Dubai. European metropolises are most often booked. For some destinations, there is early booking and special prices that last a certain number of days, after which the regular price returns,” they state from the agency.
The profile of travelers who book New Year’s arrangements is diverse – families, couples, young people, and pensioners, and especially popular are “no sleep” trips to concerts in Budva, Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi, and Bar.
Agencies agree that organized celebrations in BiH are less in demand, while interest in traveling abroad is growing. What all travelers have in common, they say, is the desire for change, fun, and new experiences, whether they celebrate the holidays on European squares, in warm regions, or on mountain vacations.
