In many places, uncertain weather has delayed the start of the beach season, which officially kicks off with the June 2 holiday. On the occasion, according to estimates by the Federconsumatori National Observatory, about 15.3 percent of Italians will be away from home, a figure down -2.9 percent from last year. Most will remain in Italy (95 percent), but many will take advantage of hospitality with friends and relatives (more than 69 percent). Driving these choices are mainly the sharp increases in the cost of travel, hotels and accommodations, but also the increasing difficulties that families are facing due to the general increase in prices for months now. Many will choose to spend the hoilday at seaside resorts. However, Italians will not be sheltered even under the parasol: costs are registering increases of +11 percent. In detail, the cost of deck chairs (back in vogue among Italians' preferences), beach umbrellas, seasonal and daily passes are growing the most.
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