Winter holidays are increasingly popular among Moldovans, while the mountain range is the most desired destination. Asked by IPN, the Pandatur Travel Agency manager, Mariana Grajdeanu, said that many Moldovans have already planned their winter holidays in order to benefit from early bird discounts and accommodations at favorite hotels. The number of requests for Bulgaria's offers have increased by 30%, compared to five years ago. The number of requests for Ukraine and Romania increased by 20%, these destinations remaining the most popular vacation spots.
The most requested vacation days are during the eve of the winter holidays, both celebrated using the new and old calendars. The most popular destinations are mountain trips to Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Ukraine, followed by sea trips to Egypt, Maldives, Sri Lanka and City Breaks to Istanbul and Barcelona. Prices for a mountain holiday start from 69 euros per person, for 3 nights. Compared to last year, prices are 10% higher. Some offers did not get more expensive, especially if booking early, said Mariana Grajdeanu.
Asked by IPN, Dorina Zdaroveţchi, the Invest Tur Travel Agency director, said that Moldovan tourists prefer the sea coast more than the mountain range. However, because winter offers to the beach are expensive, tourists go on vacation to the mountains, while the most requested destinations for many years in a row remain Romania, Ukraine and Bulgaria. Prices are lower In January and February than on Christmas and on New Year.
The Invest Tur director said that a winter vacation costs starting from 150 euros for one person, which includes accommodation for three nights, transport, transfer, insurance and meals twice a day. Compared to last year, prices are higher.
Preparations for the holidays already take place at the agro-pension Casa Verde from Tribujeni, Orhei district, while the fir tree will be decorated at the beginning of December. Ludmila Buzilă, the agro-pension administrator said that the number of clients willing to spend their holidays at the pension is rising. Guests enjoy the traditional dishes at the pension. Most clients are young and middle-aged people.
Ludmila Buzilă added that the agro-pension is crowded over the course of the holidays and that she regrets that there is no infrastructure in the settlement allowing the expantion of the pension. The village is not connected to a natural gas supply, while power outages occur often.
The holiday offer covers New Year's Eve, surroundings excursions, snow sledging, folklore-themed show with carols, urături, the goat, sorcova, etc. The host offers wine and homemade ice cream to guests. The cost of a day at the pension is about one thousand lei.
