Is a summer European vacation affordable this year when the dollar's value against the euro is low?
This certainly isn't the dollar's finest hour in Europe. The U.S. currency's value is down roughly 8 percent against the euro since last May, despite strengthening since January.
That doesn't mean searching for another destination. Experts say there are several ways to cut costs and still enjoy your trip.
Do you really have to travel in the summer? That's when hotel rates and air fares are at their peak and visitors crowd star attractions. May or September offer warm weather, lower rates and fewer tourists.
Consider the type of European experience you desire. The Baltic states as well as countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans haven't adopted the euro, so they are generally more affordable. They can provide less pricey but still wonderful alternatives to classic destinations.
Beachcombers headed to the French or Italian Rivera may want to think about the Croatian coast or the seasides of Lithuania or Latvia, said Stuart Robinson, editor-in-chief of the "Let's Go" travel guides, which cater to the budget conscious. Architecture buffs with a hankering for cafe culture could visit Krakow, Poland instead of Amsterdam, he added.
Robinson suggested travelers ask themselves: "What are you looking for and are you really set on Western Europe?"
But those longing for a July trip to Spain don't need to resign themselves to an expensive getaway. There are still ways to save.
Flights that leave midweek or land in smaller airports tend to be less expensive than weekend runs to a major hub, said Kathie Gonzalez, spokeswoman for CheapTickets.com, which sells airline tickets and vacation packages. Smaller carriers and flights with stopovers also offer savings from nonstop flights with major airlines. Gonzalez said savings can range between 5 percent and 15 percent.
"You have to be flexible," said Gonzalez.
Credit cards typically have better exchange rates than banks, according to Robinson, so he suggested using them as much as possible. But banks still beat independent money exchange outlets for rates, he said.
Depending on the number of people traveling and the length of stay, Gonzalez suggested renting a house or apartment. The per-person nightly rate is likely to be lower than a hotel. Plus you can save money by eating some meals at home.
Robinson said tourists may want to stay at hotels or inns either outside the major cities or on the town's outskirts to save money. He suggested a visit to the local tourist office or picking up local papers that list attractions to check for specials and free events. Robinson said many major European museums have a free day.
By: N. Peter Kramer
