This holiday spot is at least as chic as the south of France, but a lot cheaper

Well, you have to have been there to know for sure. And I was there, this summer. What luck. Because this place - not in France, then - is at least as chic, luxurious, and handsome as the Cote d'Azur. Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez... That caliber. But just a bit cheaper.

Where you want to be, then? Lago di Como is my favorite. In Italy, by Lake Como, that is. That area is fantastic. Everything is located around that beautiful lake and it provides a spectacular view. A view that makes you keep taking photos: high mountains in the background, crystal blue water, boats sailing, the sun shining on it... Well. You get it. But this area is secretly quite a bit more affordable than that French coast. Not everything, because let's be honest, the rich and famous like George Clooney have been coming to Lake Como for years. So there are also very expensive villas to be found and very luxurious hotels where you pay a fortune. But that’s not necessary. You can also find a spot for a pittance.

And then you have the pleasures of that chic, but not the burdens. It actually all depends on where you stay: if you choose a slightly cheaper hotel or a holiday home for the whole group, it saves you a lot of money, but the vacation still feels just as luxurious. And it is also really a lot more affordable there than in La France. At beach clubs like Club 55 in St. Tropez, you won't leave the lunch table without first having shelled out 1000 euros. In Italy, you can still get your nice cup of espresso for a euro. Or a plate of pasta for ten euros. And that tastes just a bit better.

You always pay less in Italy on average than you do in the Netherlands for groceries and dining out, so... You might as well extend your summer in Italy, right?