HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Europe this summer are facing several big problems that are hampering their trips.
Rising costs for flights and accommodation are making holidays more expensive, however there are other concerns that are also making things less enjoyable.
An increase in demand for holidays means that tourists are able to see and do less on their trips abroad.
The number of people visiting some holiday hotspots has increased by around 30 per cent from last year, meaning popular tourist areas are busier than ever.
Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, has warned travellers that long waits and large crowds will be present throughout their European getaways.
He told Stuff NZ: "Be prepared for lines to clear border control, airport security, crowds at railroad stations, busy hotels, crowded museums, crowded restaurants, crowded points of interest."
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Although long queues are bad enough, there are places where tourists just aren't able to visit the sights they want.
Katie Parla, a tour guide in Italy, told Stuff that sold-out train and museum tickets are becoming increasingly common this year.
She is also struggling to provide tours to all who want them, with demand simply too high.
She said: "I just hired two more guides.
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"We're getting all these last-minute requests and we're trying our best to handle the volume."
One reason for the increase in demand could be the number of people choosing holidays in their own country this year, something which happening in Spain.
Numbers published this week by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics reveal that hotels had sold 52 percent of their available rooms for summer by June.
This is because higher travel costs, and an increase to the cost of living, are resulting in more locals opting for staycations this year, according to The Local.
They reported: "The price rises, which are not only tourism related but linked to the ongoing inflationary cost of living crisis, do seem to be changing the plans of many Spaniards.
"The main consequence is that more will forego foreign trips and stay at home the summer.
"Around two-thirds of Spaniards who plan to travel this summer will opt for domestic destinations, with the Mediterranean coast and Andalusia region among the favourites."
Meanwhile, this UK seaside town is getting a huge new tourist attraction this year.
And here are some of the cheapest seaside breaks you can book right now.
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