Just as millions of Americans started to think about crossing the pond again, the dollar decided to take a dip.
Last summer it took about $1.17 to buy a euro, compared with about $1.32 this month, calculates David Montgomery, a vice president of Travelex Currency Services. Last summer it took $1.66 to buy a British pound; now it’s about $1.93.
Travelers trying to plan for spring and summer trips could book now and hope the dollar’s slide against the euro won’t accelerate, take the trip but scale back costs or opt for a less expensive destination. But where?
“The dollar still has good value in Central and South America and in Asian markets, Japan, Korea, China,” says Adam Toro of the U.S. Tour Operators Association.
The dollar also still buys more in Canada but not as much as it used to. During summer, it was worth $1.33 Canadian; lately it’s fallen to $1.22.
Those willing to explore beyond Western Europe also will find good buys.
“Eastern Europe is the great new frontier,” says travel author Rick Steves, host of PBS’ “Rick Steves’ Europe.” “Hotels are about the same, but eating and drinking costs less. The mug of beer that’s $4 in Munich is 50 cents in Prague. A concert that’s $40-$50 in Vienna is $10-$15 in Prague.”
The November issue of International Living suggested Bulgaria, whose sunny Black Sea Riviera is far cheaper than the coast of Spain. The newsletter says a bottle of good wine costs $3.60 and a large pizza $2.70; a three-course dinner with wine is as little as $8 per person.
Even with a weak dollar, plenty of travelers still want to see England, France, Italy and other places in Western Europe, says Arthur Salus, president of Duluth Travel.
Tour operators are offering deals that may offset the euro’s strength, Salus says.
“There is such competition that tour operators are cutting their prices and offering extras like free car rentals … or more meals included,” he says.
Another way to beat the growing costs of traveling in Europe is taking a cruise.
“Cruising has always been a great value in Europe,” says Howard Moses, president of Cruise Authority in Marietta, Ga. “You can see many more places in a shorter time, there is no schlepping of luggage, and many ships overnight in the better ports.”
But if you’ve been dreaming of Spain or France, just travel cheaper.
“There are plenty of ways to travel relatively inexpensively in Europe,” Steves says. “Dine at the same great little restaurant in Paris, but instead of ordering a bottle of fine wine, order a carafe of the house wine. Instead of staying at the name-brand hotels, opt for a mom and pop two-star.”
He notes that bed and breakfasts “provide double the cultural intimacy for half the price.”
“Philosophically, Americans are going to have to get used to the idea that our buying power is less,” he says. “They’re just going to have to have a reality check and travel smart.”
Travel smart, travel cheap
Here are a few suggestions to improve the bottom line when traveling:
– Shop for tours and cruises whose prices were negotiated before the dollar tanked.
– Be careful where you exchange money, since rates can vary significantly. The worst rates are generally at hotel desks and airport exchange booths. Arthur Salus, president of Duluth Travel, offers this advice: “Go to ATM machines, which are the best deals, or go to the banks.”
– Credit cards usually give good exchange rates but charge commissions of 1 to 3 percent. Travel author Rick Steves suggests paying with local cash, not credit cards. He says many places offering Europe’s best deals accept only cash.–COX NEWS SERVICE, THE WASHINGTON POST.
———-
Edited by Curt Wagner (cwwagner@tribune.com) and alBerto Trevino (atrevino@tribune.com)
