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IN BRIEF
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As winter sets in with its share of grayness and cold, a pressing need to escape to sunnier skies is felt among the residents of Loir-et-Cher. The February holidays become the perfect opportunity for them to shake off the weight of bad weather and fly away to warm destinations. This quest for sunshine is largely supported by local travel agencies, which are observing a marked trend towards sunny getaways, confirming the growing desire to escape winter gloom.
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A desire for warmth and light #
The gloomy climate at the beginning of this year undeniably drives Loir-et-Chériens to daydream of sunny destinations. Through visits to travel agencies in Blois, Romorantin, and Vendôme, the conclusion is clear: the need for warmth is palpable. Sophie Cosson, a “travel planner” at Havas voyages in Vendôme, notes that requests for sunny destinations, such as the French Antilles and the Dominican Republic, are increasing sharply.
Key destinations
Among the expressed preferences, the French Antilles, with Martinique and Guadeloupe, top the list. Simultaneously, complementing this picture, the Dominican Republic also attracts many budding travelers. Other well-known destinations, such as the Canary Islands, are also making their mark in the sun, particularly due to their budget accessibility. The desire for escape is also directed towards countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, all popular this year.
Stays in the south of France #
For those who prefer to stay within the national territory, a large number of Loir-et-Chériens are opting for the south of France. The February holidays then resonate with the festivities of the Nice Carnival, which will take place from February 12 to March 2, 2025. Simplon voyages has noted a strong demand for stays on the Mediterranean shores, often organized by coach, a formula that delights many vacationers.
A decline in the appeal of snow #
In this sunny context, a worrying trend is emerging: snow seems to be losing its appeal. Travel agency directors are noticing a low demand for ski trips. Sophie Cosson mentions that high prices partly explain this disinterest, while Valérie Poitevin from Simplon voyages regrets the lack of requests for snow vacations. Choices are then turning towards other forms of accommodation, such as Airbnb rentals, which present an opportunity for escape without resorting to agencies.
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A rising budget #
The question of budget is also paramount. Travelers to the Antilles, for instance, often favor half-board combined with a car rental to explore at their leisure. However, with the reality of pricing in mind, it is worth noting that prices have significantly increased in recent years. The OpinionWay barometer for Sofinco reveals that the average budget of French households for their vacations reached €1,697 in 2024, up 12% from the previous year.
Future perspectives #
Despite the rise in prices, some industry professionals anticipate a very good year in 2024 followed by a strong start in 2025. Amandine from Leclerc voyages observes that prices for long-haul flights now reach around €1,500 per person for a week all-inclusive, while medium-haul flights range from €700 to €800. This alarming observation, especially compared to prices from ten years ago, shows a clear evolution in the expectations and needs of vacationers.
For the Loir-et-Chériens, the light at the end of the tunnel is often found under a sunny sky, and this desire for escape bodes well for many promising getaways.
