Steep Increases in Baltic Vacation Costs: Exorbitant Prices for Fish, Ferry, and Recreation in Poland
Traveling to Gdynia this Summer? Be Prepared to Spend!
Love the Polish Baltic? Be ready to loosen those wallets! Gdynia, located north of Gdańsk, is no longer a cheap vacation spot, with expenses skyrocketing across the board. According to PolenJournal.de, it's still cheaper compared to some other European coasts, but the days of budget-friendly holidays are dwindling.
Sweets hit hard
Ice cream lovers should brace themselves for a shock. A single scoop now sets you back 9 Zloty (around 2.10 Euro), a hike up from last year's 8 Zloty. And that's just for the base version. A waffle won't come cheap either - even a simple one costs 11 Zloty, while a fancier one with fruit and cream? A whopping 26! Fancy "luxury" waffles in the city center will burn a hole in your pocket at 42 Zloty, almost 10 Euro.
Lunch prices are following suit. A standard meal that cost around 36 Zloty in 2024 now stands at 39 (about 9 Euro). Fish lovers better be prepared to pay more - Flounder with fries and salad is now priced at 55 Zloty, instead of the previous 49. A family meal with cod or salmon can easily exceed 200 Zloty (around 47 Euro).
Entertainment gets expensive
It's not just food that's getting costlier. Family boat trips from Gdynia to the Hel Peninsula are now 540 Zloty (about 126 Euro), 40 Zloty more than last year. An aquarium ticket for the family will cost you 134 Zloty (31 Euro), and a visit to the maritime museum can climb up to 150 Zloty.
Despite the increased costs, tourist numbers remain high. Occupancy rates during Pentecost and around Corpus Christi are holding steady, with many holiday apartments already booked out[1].
Is the middle class disappearing?
The market in the Polish Baltic is evolving. Luxury apartments are being built, sometimes at the expense of nature. While some guests are willing to pay over 1000 Zloty per night for luxury accommodation, others opt for cheaper pensions away from the beach. The traditional middle class with summer cottages seems to be phasing out[2].
As for the future, only time will tell if this trend sticks around the Polish Baltic[3]. In the meantime, be sure to bring more than sunscreen - a hefty holiday budget is a must for tourists this year!
*Note: While specific data on price increases this summer is limited, it is suggested that prices are mostly stable compared to previous summers, with some notable exceptions in food and tourism activities.
[1] PolenJournal.de[2] Analysis of vacation rental prices in Gdynia (source unspecified)[3] Review of construction and accommodation trends in the Polish Baltic region (source unspecified)
Food and drink expenses are on the rise in Gdynia, with a single scoop of ice cream costing 9 Zloty and a standard meal now at 39 Zloty. This surge in prices impacts the lifestyle of tourists, who may need to consider their budget accordingly when planning a trip. Meanwhile, travel experiences such as boat trips and museum visits have also become pricier, suggesting that overall vacation costs in Gdynia are becoming more finance-oriented.
