The vacation at the sea it was a dream! During the several years my wife and I lived in Germany, we very often encountered the problem of extremely expensive offers for sea summer vacations. For example, the two of our friends vacationed in Egypt in a 5-star hotel for a week for 2,500 euros per two persons with a flight from Berlin. For us, native Kyivans, who rested practically in the same Egyptian hotel for 850 euros for two with a flight from Boryspil, such a price is very high.

Therefore, we remembered our tour operator past and decided to try to create our own vacation tour package. Of course, we had certain guidelines and limitations. Firstly, the price of the tour package should not exceed 850-900 euros for a full week-long tour per two persons with half board. Secondly, the search circle was narrowed by the routes of low-cost airlines flying from Leipzig or Berlin. Thirdly, we could only fly to a Schengen country. Schengen countries that offer sea holidays are Portugal, Spain including the Canaries and Balearic Islands, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece. Since 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have joined them (Air Schengen), but we have decided not to take risks and not fly there for now. Unfortunately, neither Cyprus, nor Turkey, nor Egypt suited us. In the resorts of Portugal, Spain and Italy, the sea is quite cool at the beginning of summer. Slovenia and Croatia are quite expensive. Therefore, we decided to fly to Crete, where we already rested in 2021.

We were very lucky to find cheap flights and accommodation in one day. Our tour package included: flight Berlin – Heraklion – Berlin with two backpacks and one suitcase, accommodation in a three-star hotel in a two-level 2-bed room with breakfast and dinner, and an individual transfer to and from the village of Agia Pelagia. The total cost of our tour was 599 (!!!) euros.

We deliberately chose a cheap hotel rather than a resort in Crete, so we enjoyed the sea for a week. We did not take any excursions or rent a car. And we were completely satisfied. For evening entertainment, we had a Greek evening with a barbecue at the hotel, a hookah trip, wine with freshly caught horse mackerel at a local restaurant and walks along the coast. The local service was quite good, the prices a little high, and the sincere hospitality – invaluable!

We met a couple who live near Cologne. Their hotel was located 500 m closer to the sea than ours and offered three meals, not two meals, as in our hotel. A week’s vacation, which the couple bought from a local travel agency, cost them 1,700 euros.

So, to summarize everything that was discussed above, independent booking of a vacation at sea has very significant price advantages. The price can be three times cheaper than the price of German travel agencies. If you do not have a knack for online booking, we will be happy to help you. Also, if you live in Halle (Saale) or near the city, we will provide transfer services to and from Berlin Airport. Remember that traveling is an investment in yourself and your outlook!