"Macarena Herrero Romero, who manages hostels in Madrid, Brussels and Bilbao, said inflation has caused a massive spike in day-to-day running costs."The increase in the price of utilities [post-pandemic] was huge," she said.
"Electricity, water and our laundry service all increased their prices.
"We make huge efforts not to increase our prices, but it was crazy last year."
Hayden Alexander, who manages a hostel in London, said electricity has definitely been a factor in the increased cost of a bed."
Just paying $$$$$$$$ electricity bill here. It's like almost everything else I buy or pay for now. At least 100% more than a few years ago. Cheap and Cheerful back packing example above is just one of the ongoing impacts in rising prices. Putin's invasion of Ukraine on food, grains and more. Trumps/USA tariff wars and reduction in free trade all add up to increasing costs despite the smooth slick words of many suggesting it's all under control. Bifurcation of trade was never going to bring prices down or allow for stability.
Swings and roundabouts of course. Some might wake up tomorrow. Or later with Trade protectionism growing.
What is clear is trends and mega trends exist in and outside worlds bifurcated trade disconnections. Investments in smart sectors and areas can still work. Not stocking up on solid gold bars here
