A la recherche de bons plans – Le Jeune Indépendant

Now that the rise in temperatures is well established, and the results of the end-of-year exams are known, Algerian families have decided to take a break to enjoy their summer holidays, so long awaited after a year of work. Everyone plans their holidays according to the free time they have, but also their means.

It’s summer, now it’s time for rest and relaxation. Several options are available to Algerians, each according to their budget and means. While some prefer to leave the country and spend their holidays abroad, others opt for local tourism. For the latter, the majority of whom suffer from the high cost of living and the decline in purchasing power, many of them have not been able to plan or schedule their holidays and are just content with a few weekends spent by the sea or night walks…

This is the case of Kamel, who works at the university in Algiers, who claims not to have planned his vacation yet. Due to work, he has to spend the entire month of July at work, until the end of the academic year. This father did not fail to point out that he never plans his vacations, that he decides instead at the last minute, and according to his financial means. “My low income and that of my wife do not allow us to spend vacations elsewhere, with our three children. Since we do not have a vehicle, we are forced to spend our vacations at home,” he confided, adding that this does not prevent him from planning weekend outings, such as going to the beach for a whole day or to the swimming pool to enjoy the children. “This is all we can afford, hoping that the situation will improve in the coming years,” he confided.

As for Radia, a young IT professional working in a communications company, seaside holidays are sacred, for her and for her family. “Every summer, I organize with my family to spend the months of July and August by the sea, in Beni K’sila, my hometown, in Béjaïa,” she said. “My family and I, we enjoy the beach, visits to our relatives and nights out,” she added.

Algerians who want to move here in Algeria, to enjoy the sea and the sun without spending a lot of money, opt for renting an apartment or a level of a villa on the waterfront. The prices are more or less affordable compared to hotels and tourist complexes. “Every year, I spend my holidays in Jijel, in the place called El-Aouana. It is a magical place that attracts thousands of vacationers from all over the country,” said Mohamed, father of four children.

Holidays in Algeria too expensive for Algerians

Summer holidays, it should be noted, are particularly experienced differently by Algerians. Holidays in Algeria? For Samy, it’s “no”. For several years, this executive in a foreign pharmaceutical company established in Algeria has chosen to go to Tunisia to take full advantage of these holidays. “I go there with my wife and daughter every year,” he said.

Doing the math, this father estimates that the stay in Hammamet is much cheaper for him. “I have my plans and I schedule myself in advance to get the best prices. With travel expenses, the apartment rented for ten days, meals and outings, the stay costs me much less than going to rent in Mostaganem or Tlemcen by the sea,” he explained.

“Before even taking my seat, I would have to pay 200 DA for parking, 1,400 DA for the parasol and 800 DA for the two chairs, not to mention the meal. So, if I decide, in addition, to rent an apartment right on the water, the price of which varies between 6,000 DA and 10,000 DA per night, the account is quickly done,” insisted Samy, who admits not understanding the high prices for a destination that is beginning to open up to tourism. Indeed, many tourist projects have seen the light of day this year but very few Algerians can take advantage of them.

Many Algerians complain about the exorbitant prices of accommodation in hotels and tourist complexes as well as in water parks, which offer very high rates, which are beyond their means. Thus, renting an apartment or a villa level remains the best option.

“I prefer to rent an apartment located in a holiday residence, located near the sea in one of the coastal cities. It will cost between 8,000 and 12,000 DA per night. Well equipped, it can accommodate up to six people, or even more,” Hamza said.

The retiree admits that he is used to spending his summer holidays with his grandchildren and his multi-member family. “After months of work and fatigue, my children and I organize ourselves. We agree on where to spend our holidays and the budget to spend on it,” Hamza said. “Holidays are sacred to me because they are an opportunity to reunite with my children and grandchildren.”

Comparing prices, this retired economic sector employee estimated that the gap is huge. “Algerians go abroad to get a change of scenery, feel like they are on vacation and find quality services that they will not always find here, but where the offers sometimes cost twice as much,” he regretted.

“There is also the environment that leaves something to be desired. Inside cities as well as outside, on the beaches, waste quite often litters the spaces initially intended to accommodate holidaymakers. At the end of the day, the state of the beach, left by its occupants, is unfortunately deplorable. Measures should be taken to reverse the trend and ensure that these beaches remain clean throughout the holidays,” added Samy.