But for such a flying holiday to the sun, people have to dig deeper into their pockets. Due to inflation, the aftermath of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine, airline tickets, hotels and rental cars are much more expensive than in previous years. For example, a family of four pays considerably more for a holiday to Turkey. “Last year they paid about 4,000 euros, this time the same family has lost 5,800 euros. That is no longer tenners’ work,” says Veenema.
Not only long journeys are more expensive, a holiday also costs more if you stay in your own country. Because campsites in Drenthe have also increased their prices. “We have gradually increased prices by 10 percent over the past year,” says Jos van der Weide of camping site De Berken from Gasselte. “Electricity is not included in our price, but must be paid separately. And then you notice that people have become price-conscious.”
That image is endorsed by Miranda Horstman of Marketing Drenthe. “Booking behavior is more erratic than in previous years. People book shorter in advance, so that they know for sure that they will be at the campsite in good weather. If you already have less to spend, you want to spend it well. And with nicer weather you can now do more once.”
The Van der Zee family from Raalte are also those ‘good weather campers’. “We have been camping for fifty years,” says Rob van der Zee from Raalte. “We look at the weather forecast. As soon as the weather turns nice, we leave for the campsite.”
Jaap and Joke from Oude Pekela are at the Berken campsite in Gasselte during Pentecost. “We always camp, we don’t do flying holidays. Very occasionally we book a house.”
A couple from the west of the country put up the tent for the first time today, and that is quite a job. Time for a break, while enjoying a cold beer. The sun, a drink and holiday. It’s priceless, but not a big deal in this case.