Energy prices explode: pensioners should spend the winter on Mallorca - does the calculation work?

Created: 09/11/2022, 21:30

By: Kai Hartwig

The tourism industry is proposing to pensioners to spend the winter in Mallorca because of the energy crisis.

(Iconic image) © Jens Kalaene/dpa

The energy crisis is occupying Germany.

Concern is spreading among the population, including among pensioners.

The travel industry sees an opportunity to avoid costs.

Mallorca – The war in Ukraine has plunged Europe into an energy crisis.

After EU sanctions against Russia, President Vladimir Putin drastically reduced gas supplies to the members of the European Union.

Germany is also feeling the effects.

Many Germans do not know whether they will be able to cope with the sharp rise in energy costs for gas and electricity in the coming winter.

The federal government around Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted and wants to help the population.

The third relief package should also benefit pensioners and students.

Energy crisis: According to the tourism industry, pensioners should spend the winter in Mallorca

But another suggestion came from the tourism industry.

Why not escape the winter in Germany and spend the cold season in warm Mallorca?

According to a report in the

, some tour operators are coming up with offers that are intended to make a longer stay on the Spanish Mediterranean island palatable.

According to Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe of DER Touristik, his company on Mallorca offers discounts for long-term stays in around 64 percent of bookable hotels.

"Those who can set it up in time will stay abroad longer and take advantage of the mild climate and lower additional costs there," he said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper.

And do the math: If you opt for a 42-night hotel stay in Spain including half-board and flight, you pay 1,649 euros for it.

This corresponds to 39 euros per day.

Sounds tempting, if your own pension gives such an amount.

As early as May, Marija Linnhoff, Chairwoman of the Association of Independent Travel Agencies (VUSR), campaigned for seniors to "escape" from rising energy costs to warmer climes.

And argues that you can also temporarily unsubscribe from the license fee during your stay abroad and stop heating your own four walls.

Lower costs for gas and electricity through extended holidays in winter?

Fixed costs and risks remain

But this calculation seems to be a bit short-sighted.

After all, in the end, pensioners still have fixed costs in Germany, such as rent.

And hardly any senior can afford the double financial burden of rent and travel expenses - even with discounts for long-term vacationers.

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The heating tip from the head of the travel agency association also has its risks.

If you turn off the heating completely at home in winter, you run the risk of water pipes freezing or, in the worst case, even bursting.

Apart from that, holidays in Mallorca have also become more expensive.