Pensioner Hasn't Seen the Sea in 15 Years
A survey among Zagreb residents reveals a growing divide: some vacation with relatives and spend €700 for three weeks, while others haven't seen the coast in years due to small pensions.
A survey among Zagreb residents reveals a growing divide: some vacation with relatives and spend €700 for three weeks, while others haven't seen the coast in years due to small pensions.
Going on a summer vacation has become a luxury for an increasing number of Croats, especially among pensioners who openly admit they haven't been to the sea in years due to low incomes. Zagreb.info conducted a survey among citizens, and the responses reveal divided experiences.
Vera vacationed in Rovinj this year and says that the prices of some services are even more affordable than in the capital. "Yes, in Rovinj. The prices are okay for me. Some things are even cheaper than in Zagreb, like coffee. In our neighborhood there, coffee is two euros; here it's more," she said.
Pensioner Josipa has had a completely different experience, as she hasn't been on vacation for a full 15 years due to financial reasons. "No, I haven't been in fifteen years because I don't have the money. It's too much for us pensioners, even though I'm a young pensioner, but it's too much," she said, adding that she could only afford a vacation "maybe for one day."
Dubravka shares a similar sentiment, having last been to the sea about ten years ago. "No, I haven't, due to financial reasons. Prices in Croatia are catastrophic. We can't afford to live on this, let alone anything more," she said.
Young Emil showed that with a good family network, you can get by much cheaper. He spent about €700 for a three-week stay at the sea. "Well, I was at the sea mostly, about three weeks, and around €700. I went to my relatives, so that's why, to my cousin's and my brother's," he said.
Pensioner Miljana also got off cheaply, as a friend hosted her in Rijeka. "Oh yes, yes, at a friend's place in Rijeka. I didn't pay anything, so that's how it was. She really hosted me; otherwise, I couldn't have done it with this pension and income at all," she said. When asked about prices, she replied: "Terrible, and pensions are too small, so life is poverty, you know."
Her namesake is only now going on vacation near Vodice but shares a similar opinion on prices. "No, not yet, my annual leave starts next week. Near Vodice. Prices are expensive for what's offered," she said.
When asked what's the most expensive, passersby highlighted accommodation as the main issue. "They really overcharge on accommodation. Cafés are okay," some said, while others added: "It depends, if you go for coffee in the morning, coffee in the city, or if you go out in the evening."
