will china be affordable during the Olympics?

Posted By poetryman69 on December 21, 2007, 6:42 PM

True, Europe is expensive with the US dollar's situation.

To us, it's an added incentive to hop off the main arteries of attraction, where prices are often double what they are elsewhere.

We're in Provence/French Cote d'Azur - the price difference across towns here is stunning, esp. with hotels.

You can drop by quieter and more affordable villages in the inner Maures Mountains, a short drive away from St.Tropez. Explore villages to the north of Cannes, etc...

There are still plenty of options everywhere.

Posted By AzurAlive on December 22, 2007, 5:16 AM

We will be avoiding Europe in 2008, and substituting China and India instead! However, EURAIL Passes have increased in price very slowly, and are an excellent and reasonable way to get around the entire European area. We enjoy Europe, but if they want our money and visits, they are simply going to have to reduce their prices! One way would be to establish a favorable exchange differential for a certain amount each day for each family. This could be easily controlled, using passport numbers and computers! If I were given one Euro for one US Dollar at the rate of $500 per day for my wife and me, we would definitely visit Europe again! Lodging, restaurant, and tour coupons would also go a long way in attracting visitors - perhaps a standard 35% to 40% reduction at any of these businesses! Implementation of Senior Citizen rates, across the board, in ALL countries, would also be attractive!

Posted By E K KADIDDLEHOPPER on December 24, 2007, 2:47 AM

I'm planning a belated honeymoon and we aren't considering Europe because of the weak American dollar. We're researching Asia right now and will likely end up somewhere in the East.

Posted By Julie on December 24, 2007, 3:02 AM

I was in Europe twice last year and have just cancelled a cruise and 3 week trip in February and also a month long cruse and trip in July. There is no blankity blank way I am going back to Europe and pay that much money to be treated so badly. To heck with France, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the rest!!!!

Posted By Vicky on December 24, 2007, 3:40 AM

I've cancelled a two week trip to Europe for next year and opted to take a 10 Day cruise from San Diego down to Mexico and back. Always wanted to see the cliff divers ever since I was a boy. Also going to see family at Thanksgiving, so I'm killing two birds with one stone because I live on the east coast.

Bruce

Posted By Bruce on December 24, 2007, 4:20 AM

Every two years my husband and I went to Europe. We just went again this year. Yes it is a bit expensive but we just budget our trip a little different like staying in a three stars hotel instead of four or we don't eat at nice restaurant everyday. We figure it will take a long long time for the dollar to recover its value or maybe never. We don't know so in the mean time we are not going to put our plan on hold. Next year we plan Alaska, Europe and Australia.

Posted By Anne Inda on December 24, 2007, 4:51 AM

We have traveled throughout Euroupe with our 13 year old daughter, picking a specific region each time, but last summer, we decided, with the dollar exchange, it was time for us all to see the USA. We are now selecting areas of this wonderful country, and enjoying our own history. It is great for us and she is seeing first hand what she reads about at school. What a powerful education

Posted By Jean on December 24, 2007, 5:15 AM

I just returned from Rome and Florence in Nov. I won't be going back to anywhere in Europe that is on the Euro until the dollar gets stronger. Everthing was so expensive. We will be going to Mexico and staying in the US for a while.

Posted By Jerry on December 24, 2007, 5:56 AM

I cashed in 300,000 FF miles for a "round-the-world" air pass but decided to only make one European stop in Prague and spend the rest of the time in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. I would have loved to have gone back to Italy and France but the hotel rates and other prices were just too high, especially since I will be on the road for several months.

Posted By Lia on December 24, 2007, 6:58 AM

We always go to Europe every year. We start with a river boat trip and pay for that in dollars. But, we still have to tip in Euros. Not happy about that so have reduced the tips... Less Americans last year even in the Off Season when we always go. This past year it was France and that country is expensive. We opted for apartment rentals by the week when not on the boat. Only ate out for lunch where the price fixed lunch is good and not incredibly expensive. We took public transportation and did a lot of walking --kept off the weight and we saw a lot more then we would have sitting in an expensive car rental.
This year going back to Germany and another boat trip up the Rhine and Moselle. Booked our trip early as Americans this year are filling up the boats in the off season. Also got our hotel a year ahead of time as the nice reasonable apartment hotels fill up fast in October. If you watch your pennies and plan ahead, it helps your cause. Now betting the Euro will go down...must be optimistic don't you think?

Posted By Karen Boblett on December 24, 2007, 8:19 AM

We went to Italy four times in the last two years. Skiing in Cortina, twice and Venice twice. We travelled From Milan down to Rome, along the Amalfie coast. All four trips were a total of 52 days. We hit all the major cities and the Tuscany area. We broke the bank. This year skiing will be in Park City, Utah. Our other vacation will be a golf/wine trip to the Willamette valley area in Oregon..Alot less expensive

Posted By Thomas Donovan on December 24, 2007, 8:43 AM

We travel a lot and have made over 400 international flights. In the last two years, we have traveled to Europe twice and Scotland and Wales once. We documented our expenses. On our trips to Europe, we rented a car and started driving without any definate destination. We visited nine countries in one month, staying at affordale hotels and eating anything that we wanted without spending much for food. Without exception, the most expensive hotels were the worst. We paid the most for one night in Germany and the hotel didn't have air conditioning and was very hot. We still laugh about breakfast there. Usially, we didn't get eggs but they had them at that hotel. The only catch was that you had to cook them yourself on a hot plate that they provided. We laughed and enjoyed that. Three times, when I commented that the price for a room was more than our budget would allow, without me asking, they reduced the price to within our range. In spite of our budget restraints, every hotel was clean, safe and comfortable (except that some didn't have air conditioning). My wife and I agree that our favorite was a charming hotel in Italy near Cinc Terre which cost 45 Euros. On both trips to Europe, we spent $100 a day per person including airfare, food, hotels, car rental, admissions to museums tolls and all other expenses except gifts for family. I did get my pocket picked in Madrid by a very small boy but it didn't spoil our trip. I lost about $350 and pray for that little guy every time that I think about him. Believe me that language was ablolutely no problem and I know only a few words of Spanish and French. I would love to write pages sharing our experiences but don't want to bore you. Scotland costs more because we couldn't find rooms at B and Bs for less than $100 a night but the highlands keep calling us back. I am wearing my kilt to all Christmas celebrations this year. Our favorite city is Prague and second is Ayr in Scotland. Our least favorite was Paris, but were are going to give it another try sometime.

Willian (john) and Connie Hawthorn

Posted By William Hawthorn on December 24, 2007, 9:02 AM

Since my wife and I have retired from teaching, we travel quite extensively. Our travels have been over land as well as sea. We travel by sea because of the great deals we have been able to book, however, we have scrapped any future plans for European river cruises or a Greece Isles tour/cruise. The Euro has priced us out of the market.
There are a great many beautiful places and things to do in the good old USA as well as Argentina.

Posted By Jim McCann, Rochester, NY on December 24, 2007, 9:03 AM

I have been planning my trip to Venice in honor of my 60th birthday for years and I'm not stopping now.
I will be staying in an apartment (booked the trip with www.untours.com) and buying groceries with the locals. Since I travel alone I don't do a lot of eating in restaurants.
Yes, it will be pricey but the reason for going does not wait.
If terrorism doesn't keep us home why should having to spend a few dollars more?

Posted By Michelle Vaden on December 24, 2007, 9:03 AM

Wanting to visit a foreign locale, my husband, 19 yr. old daughter and I took a trip to Montreal last Sept. Quebec has very French atmosphere at about the same exchange rate as the US $. By staying in a hostel, we saved a lot on lodging and could cook wonderful local food ourselves.

Posted By Nancy Collins on December 24, 2007, 9:24 AM

We're planning for a trip to China in the fall of '08. We're hoping that the 'sprucing up' done for the olympics will be an added bonus. How did the traveler to China experience it? What were his/her favorite spots to visit, stay? Is a Yangtse River trip worthwhile? Money-saving tips? Thanx!

Posted By Tricia Sutton on December 24, 2007, 9:29 AM

We will travel to Nova Scotia, Puerto Rico and Florida. We did Italy in 2006, when the Euro exchange rate was reasonable.

Posted By Mike Mooney on December 24, 2007, 9:31 AM

We did our first trip to Italy/France/Spain via cruise. Thought the trip would cost $7500 for the two of us, it was $10,000. This year we are going to California and a shorter Caribbean cruise.

Posted By Barb L from Minnesota on December 24, 2007, 9:44 AM

We weren't planning on Europe in 2008, but if we had, we would have changed plans because of the poor exchange rate. Instead we are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon. Hope to go to Italy in the next few years if we can afford it.

Posted By charles campbell on December 24, 2007, 9:48 AM

Hamburgers for $25.oo in London in May? Yes and I won't go back for a long time. South America is a much better deal.

Posted By Sally on December 24, 2007, 9:51 AM

The most expensive items in Europe are gas and hotel. I am taking three trips to Europe in 2008. The airfare is dollar, ditto the time share for a week, as are hotel stays through LuxuryLink.com. Food is a controlable expense. We like smaller cities/towns and the country side where food prices are fair. Car rental in not bad in most places. We don't drink, so are spared the expensive liquor in Europe. Even if none of the above were true, why would I deprive myself of a trip to my preferred destinations?

Posted By Lawton Thomas on December 24, 2007, 10:10 AM

If everyone is leaving Europe then it sounds like a wonderful time to go! Heading to Ireland in two days, Morocco in February, and Germany/Austria in June.

The right attitude can still create bargains.

Posted By Cindy on December 24, 2007, 10:12 AM

I went to Europe twice last year (France, Copenhagen, Canary Islands and a cruise around the British Isles). But in 2008 I'm going to the Caribbean and South America because of the weakness of the dollar against the pound and the euro. If I change my mind and decide to go to Europe, it will be Croatia & Romania - two countries not on the euro.

Posted By Karla Slattery on December 24, 2007, 10:17 AM

Ditto. We were in Venice in May and were stunned at the prices. After paying the equivalent of about $150.00 for lunch for four adults, we learned very quickly to check the chalk boards in front of the restaurants for prices and also for "cover charges". Our next vacation will be to Ecuador in February. I don't know when, if ever, we will vacation in Europe again.

Posted By Ann Stout on December 24, 2007, 10:22 AM

Having just returned from Germany, prices were much higher than last year. By traavelling smarter expenses can be cut on transportation, meals and by travelling in pairs instead of single. This year I went with the purpose of visiting Christmas Markets and had an enjoyable experience which I could not have any where else. As for next year? I hope the Euro declines back to the $ 1.25 USD level or lower to make travel more affordable.

Posted By Timothy Dykstra on December 24, 2007, 10:23 AM

My husband and I went to Germany and Austria in summer of '06. The last time we were in Europe was in '98 (pre-Euro)

We did notice the price increase and how much in euros things cost us with the poor dollar exchange rate.

To save money we ate at open markets and rarely at any type of sit down restaurant and even then, only at ones that were off the beaten path.

About half of our hotels were on rewards points and our air fare was free for the same reason and still we paid more for this vacation than for our past European vacations. It even cost more than our past vacations to the UK.

That being said, we are going back to Germany and Italy this summer. We will not be staying in Europe as long as we usually would have because of the high cost and are going to Prague and Turkey also both because of the relatively low cost and because we want to see them while they are still a "bargain".

Posted By Paula Partin on December 24, 2007, 10:29 AM

In '06 it was Spain for 2 mos., in '07 it was Italy, in '08 it will be SE Asia or S America. I live in Panama to stretch my retirement$; no reason to blow it all on Europe!

Posted By Bobette Jones on December 24, 2007, 10:30 AM

We took a trip to Poland in July. While not directly tied to the Euro, getting there was very expensive. We had plans for England and possibly Ireland but the greenback needs to show some more gumption. We are opting for NYC and perhaps out west (we live in NC).

Posted By Paul on December 24, 2007, 10:37 AM

I sort of WISH that my boyfriend and I had picked the tour of Costa Rica over the tour of Central Europe last Nov./Dec. Although I knew the dollar was weak, we were going to Prague and Budapest and I mistakenly thought they'd be significantly cheaper than Munich and Vienna. NOT TRUE. For example, we paid nearly $1.20 to use the restroom in Budapest!

Posted By Glenda on December 24, 2007, 10:42 AM

Just did two weeks on the Danube, Main and Rhine with an extension in Amsterdam.
don't know how the locals can afford to live. especially for food. Spoke with an Amsterdamer who said they don't save any money - just keep up with their income.

Leaving soon for two weeks in Chile and Argentina where great dinners can be had for about $10 at good restaurants, and local transportation is very reasonable.

Posted By Hank Robinson on December 24, 2007, 10:43 AM

yes Europe can be very pricey especially in the major cities BUT:

I have survived very well
1- by using priceline's opaque bidding system not only around US but also Vancouver Zurich and Paris and in those cities stayed for app 25-30% % rack rate in really fine 3-4 star hotels!

2-If you have already seen the BIG cities and enjoy nature you can visit mountain resorts in Swiss alps .
By searching carefully- esp in sep AFTER prime summer season when weather still pleasant there are excellent hotel values to be found..

Posted By george kottler on December 24, 2007, 10:54 AM

The dollar has, since 2001, fallen unilaterally against most foreign currencies, Euro or non-Euro. Even in mid-2002, 6½ Norwegian kroner to the USD, down from 9. Currencies TIED TO the USD are the usual exception. I just now booked Budapest for March, $792 for flight from Albany, NY and 5 nights in a hotel-pension with breakfast buffet. I could have done it on American for $682 but that's not my loyal mileage network, and service would be much inferior to what I bought. I cannot dispute the better deals some other places, but the Euro hasn't risen; the USD has FALLEN against all European currencies, Canada, Australia, NZ, and much of the world. But I won't pay $8 for coffee in Dublin (but paid $5 for a cup in Marseilles in 1981). The most expensive hotel I've EVER stayed at was $99, AT JFK airport. OK, the taxes, too. Less than $40 this year in Berlin (but I looked hard on the Internet).

Posted By Bruce on December 24, 2007, 11:04 AM

I was in Italy for several weeks Sept-Oct of this year. I was in Ireland the year before. I won't be back until the Dollar gains significantly against the Euro.
I will be going to Alaska summer of '08 for two weeks and possibly Argentina. I was in Chile several years ago and found it reasonable, but not cheap in the way I've heard of other S. American countries.

Posted By Dr R Ramirez on December 24, 2007, 11:04 AM

We went to China in 2007, ahead of the Olympics. I am a frequent flyer junkie and got 4 business-class tickets to Italy (Naples/Rome), then to Finland for 2008. We cannot control the dollar, but have puchased several thousand euros as a form of trip insurance. Maybe the crowds will be thinner when we go due to the dollars' drop....

Posted By Flying Texan on December 24, 2007, 11:08 AM

My husband, 3 year old son, and I took my grandmother to Venice, Milan, and Austria for her 80th birthday in November 2007. We booked the trip back in July and I should have bought Euro's then but I did not think they would rise so fast. Austria was the most affordable because it was in between the summer and ski season so we had beautiful accommodations with Breakfast, Snack, and Dinner included. We had also traveled with friends to Tuscany in the fall of 2006 and the price difference in one year was substantial. I originally budgeted 8000 for the trip including airfare and we ended up spending around 10,500. We loved Austria and want to go back (many hotels have full child care options 7 days a week) but we will not being going back until the exchange rate improves.

Posted By Marisa Murdock on December 24, 2007, 11:17 AM

In 2008 my fiance and I will be getting married in Mexico and then traveling throughout the country. We looked into going to Europe for our honeymoon but decided to stay and explore Mexico. It will keep our cost down and I gather the dollar will stretch pretty far there.

Posted By Andrea Davies on December 24, 2007, 11:20 AM

This past year I vacationed in Barcelona and Dublin and spent absurd amounts of money. This coming year I am planning a trip with friends to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. My month long budget for Asia parallels the week long budget I had for my European travels.

Also for the more adventurous consider Africa. Its very easy to travel cheaply throughout East Africa, and the coasts are definitely worth it.

Posted By Kelly on December 24, 2007, 11:47 AM

My wife and I were going to book a trip to South America, but she really wanted to go back to Venice. So I booked a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Venice with two nights in Venice pre-boarding. The cost was the same as a tour of Brazil & Argentina with the anticipated excursions. Plus, all the meals on the ship are included, not so on the tour. I know it will be a few bucks more in Europe, but how can anyone resist Venice and the Eastern Mediterranean

Posted By Ron Hendler on December 24, 2007, 11:51 AM

I spent March '07 traveling around Scandinavia and it was very expensive. I'm planning to travel through South America and through Carribbean Islands in 2008.

I think the islands won't be inexpensive but Sud America should be.

Posted By Craig on December 24, 2007, 11:56 AM

I visited mainly Germany and Croatia this October/November. Had heard the horror stories and was expecting the worst. After the initial shock wore off, I decided I would NOT let a weak dollar ruin my vacation. There are deals around, one just has to look a little harder. I had a picnic lunch and/or even dinner sometimes. Bought my train tickets online before I left and took advantage of the sometimes 29 Euro one way trips by ICE!! Tried to make friends in locales, they were then extremely helpful in steering me towards both eating and sleeping establishments. It can be done, just takes a little more work if one is on a budget. Do I plan to go back...you bet, already planning.

Posted By Bernhard Wentzek on December 24, 2007, 12:01 PM

Going to Saba, Dutch W. Indies, in Feb. for 1st visit to Caribbean since 1961. An article about an "Eco-Lodge" for only $85/night sparked it--much of the Caribbean is "sticker shock".
Also plan on England & Scandinavia in late summer, part of it with a friend from Australia. High Euro or not, it's time to do it before I'm too old to struggle to the high points I hope to reach (Ben Nevis, etc.). Also plan on the Hurtigruten, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, though it costs > I expected even with AARP discount.
--Roger Williams, Boulder, Colo.

Posted By Roger A.C. Williams on December 24, 2007, 12:03 PM

I agree, Europe is to expensive. Our Nov trip this year was to South Africa and it was fantastic. Last year we went to New Zealand the year before that to Argentina. For 2008 we are looking again to Argentina/Chile.

Posted By John Mraz on December 24, 2007, 12:08 PM

This year, 07, we spent a week in Wiltshire, England and 2 weeks in France (1 week in the south, 1 week in Paris) Expensive, yes, and certainly this affects our thinking. But things cost what they cost. Less expensive outside big cities, but our favorite Paris B&B across from the Jardin des Plantes cost $125/night for both of us with breakfast. We dislike the rising exchange rate, but at present, that won't stop us going to Europe. And we love the Italians, French, Brits and Scots, all of whom have been consistently kind and helpful to us in all kinds of situations - including visits to French hospital emergency rooms.

Posted By Loie on December 24, 2007, 12:25 PM

We're going back to Europe, and the sooner, and the more often, the better! We just did a Euro cruise in October, and have another planned for next October. Euro, schmuro--who cares what the economics are? I still want to see the sights! Suppose you get hit by a bus tomorrow and all of a sudden can't walk through the ruins of Pompeii or down the steps to the Trevi fountain or across the cobblestones of Amsterdam--are you going to feel satisfied, knowing you made some solid economic decision? Not me, baby! Gimme the sights, the smells, the tastes, the pictures, the memories of Europe, right now. And if it costs more than visiting Omaha, so be it. Milk costs more than it did last year, and I'm still drinking it! And I'll be drinking in more of Europe, just as soon as I get packed.

Posted By Tex on December 24, 2007, 1:19 PM

We cancelled plans to Scandinavia this summer because of the weak dollar. We figured we could take three trips for the cost of Scandinavia so we went to Guanajuato and Ajijic, Mexico earlier this month and plan to go to Costa Rica in March.

Posted By Jean Peterson on December 24, 2007, 2:17 PM

The exchange rate is discouraging for Europe but most of relatives and old friends live in Europe.
However, I find that traveling via cruise ships, one is not directly affected by the exchange rates as I assume that has been considered at the time of payment, but mostly forgotten by the time the cruise reaches a foreign destination.

Posted By Francis Goodwin on December 24, 2007, 2:53 PM

Ditto for us. We were in the British Isles this past summer and prices were very expensive. So, in 2008/09 we are going to spend our vacation dollars in Alaska and the continental U.S. rather than Europe. We'll see how things look in 2009 before we make a decision to go back. Also looking at South America.

Posted By FlaDeb on December 24, 2007, 3:02 PM

I went for a long walk-about in Alsace, France in summer, 2006 -- I had purchased my Euros way ahead of time, when the exchange rate was much better -- and I had a wonderful time... met lots of really great people... covered many many miles -- all on foot -- all for about 10 Euros per day, excluding the airfare. There's no way I can afford to do this again with the Euro being so strong.

Until the dollar comes up in value again, I'll put off walking about England, Ireland, and Scotland... and head to Mexico and Guatemala in 2008.

Posted By Babs on December 24, 2007, 4:06 PM

We are staying out of Europe, too. This year, we have visited Thailand and Cambodia in Jan, Croatia and Slovenia with a stop in Venice in May where two coffees cost 16Euro. In November, we visited Vietnam which was great and will only visit non EU Countries in 2008.

Posted By Pat on December 24, 2007, 4:55 PM

Europe is definitely expensive right now but we are still going on our annual trip to Europe, its only money !
When you think about it you can still go and cut back a little on other areas like shopping or eating out at expensive places. We love to go and live like a local by going to the local restaurants and grocery stores to by food, bottled water and some gifts etc. to bring home.
If you are careful, you can still enjoy Europe when the Euro is costing so very much and just do it on a budget. There is no place like Europe if you ask me, I live going overseas.
Enjoy your vacation now, you never know if you would get to go again. Live for today.

Posted By Merrill & Marla Sinert on December 24, 2007, 5:17 PM

My husband and I are going to St. Lucia this winter and Alaska this summer. Why spend outrageous amounts of money in Eurpore now when there are so many wonderful places to go for less.

Posted By Gwen Paulson on December 24, 2007, 6:16 PM

We went to Buenos Aires a couple of years ago and couldn't believe how inexpensive everything was, especially after the sticker shell shock of Europe.

We're looking at a couple more trips to South America, specifically the Galapagos Islands, Peru, and Chile (and using that as a jump off point for Easter Island).

Posted By Scott on December 24, 2007, 7:02 PM

At one time I went to England or Scotland during the Fall season every year.
I stopped two years ago when the dollar was starting to weaken. As it stands right now, I doubt I will ever return again.
I'm spending my dollars traveling throughout the USA every year.

Posted By Don Steiner on December 24, 2007, 7:19 PM

My wife and I have traveled to Europe five times in the past 8 years, most recently in 2007. We do not plan to go back to Europe until the exchange rate becomes more U.S. dollar friendly. In the meantime, we will visit Latin America, the Carribean, and Canada.

Posted By Gary Perkins on December 24, 2007, 9:45 PM

I can understand all you people from the USA, but for us it is great. We are planning a 3 weeks trip to Florida this summer and can stay at 5 stars hotels for the same amount a 3 star will cost us in southern Europe.

We are planning a shopping spree out of this world, better do it before the excange rate changes.

Posted By Signe Bruun, Denamark on December 25, 2007, 2:59 AM

This doesn't help with the pain we feel paying European prices but we need to remember that prices are so high due to their social programs. Most Europeans do not need to save for college, retirement, medical bills etc. This makes their high prices much more "affordable" to them than to us!

Posted By Carol Sherwood on December 25, 2007, 7:52 AM

We are in the process (mentally) of taking Europe off the itinerary for a while until the exchange rate is better.

I don't care if I have a 50 - 70 Euro a night apartment - I still have the issue that the exchange rate is 42 cents US more than it was in 2001.

Our trip in September was $1200 more than our first trip to Benelux in December 2001. My lodging budget was less, we ate far more cheaply - it was the exchange rate.

Posted By Rebecca on December 25, 2007, 9:11 AM

I'm in agreement with with Cindy, "if everyone is leaving Europe this is the right time to go". We travel abroad at least once a year and usually rent an apartment or small villa, eat breakfast and dinner at home and lunch at local restaurants, where we can dine with the locals. We stopped shopping on vacation years ago!

Posted By Barbara on December 25, 2007, 12:05 PM

You can still see Europe for $100 a day, including air fare. Just arrange a home exchange vacation. You stay in a European family's comfortable home while they vacation in yours. I detail how you can vacation in Europe almost as cheaply as if you stayed home at my completely non-commercial blog: homeexchanger.blogspot.com

Posted By Nicole on December 25, 2007, 2:23 PM

I am itching to go back to Europe. I spent the summer of 2001 there when the dollar & euro were about equal. I was back again in spring 2004 and winter 2005 and definitely felt the impact on my wallet! All of my other trips have been to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia because it's so much cheaper. I'm hoping to do Eastern Europe this summer, before it gets even more expensive but it might be too late! Yes, Europe has a lot to offer, but I want to make the most of my summer vacation on my teacher salary! If I can get 6 weeks in Latin America for the price of 1 in Europe I'm gonna go where I can get the best bang for my buck!

Posted By Jenn on December 25, 2007, 4:53 PM

Like many others, I have taken a return to Europe out of my future planning. I love S. America and there are many things to explore there. Brazil was great the first time and will consider going back there again before I waste the money in Europe. Too bad, but maybe things will change for the better in the future.

Posted By Mike Howie on December 26, 2007, 10:47 AM

Yes , my husband and I will return...our favorite is France, although we have traveled extensively thru Europe. Last couple of trips have been to France where we have rented a small, standard-shift car and stayed in B & Bs. We love the tiny villages and the little cafes. The people are wonderful and love that we have chosen to visit and speak (our best) the language. Our money doesn't go as far as we like, so we do 10-12 days rather than 14.
We budget the best we can and are happy to not do the fancy hotel, although each trip we find a fabulous restaurant every other day and bring home little treasures rather than large things...and we take lots of photos.

Posted By jessica on December 26, 2007, 12:24 PM

I was crushed the day I learned that Iceland Air would no longer be flying out of BWI. I love that airline for their GREAT deals and FANTASTIC customer service (talking to a human can be a rarity these days) and the option to stop over in Reykjavik for up to 7 days without penalty. Flying to Europe without my trusty friend seems wrong, especially without their deals!...Good thing I got it in my head that Thailand is my next destination!

Anne

Posted By Pret A Voyager on December 26, 2007, 2:26 PM

I am planning to spend six weeks traveling the length of Italy in the fall of 2008. Big fan of Budget Travel, both the magazine and as the only way to go.
I want to hit the regular hot spots (not Venice) but also smaller towns like Genoa, Naples and Agricento. Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive lodging in towns connected by rail? Thanks.

Posted By Pam Autio on December 26, 2007, 2:43 PM

If it's Vietnam, S. America or China I want to see - I would go. But I want to see Europe, and I will go, regardless of the exchange rate.

I agree with Cindy & Barbara - go to Europe, since so many Americans don't want to go anymore. Yes, the dollar has declined, so even in South Africa you don't get the same bang for your buck as you did a few years ago.

It's not the Euro that's the problem - what about the British Sterling pound - we get 50c to a dollar - but that won't keep me from returning to London. Also, there are normal price increases - food, accommodation, gas, car rentals - around the world. Budget accordingly. But go where you really want to go.

I just got back from Greece, and the breakfasts at the hotels were so huge, I was not even hungry at lunch time - so that saved purchasing one meal of the day. Same thing in Ireland, the Bed & Breakfast establishments supply you with a full (not continental) breakfast.

I am planning to take my mom to Paris or Venice or Scotland or Ireland in 2008 - and will just budget accordingly - just as I do now with gas prices in the U.S. what they are.

And what if the dollar never recovers but continues to decline? I hope not - but in the meantime I will return to Europe
Debi

Posted By Debi on December 26, 2007, 4:39 PM

To Europe or not to Europe? Our 2008 plans are still formulating but Europe is not ruled out. Why, first I bought Euros through an EFT months ago so we are keeping up with costs. Second we feel the dollar/euro situation will not get better, only worse. We go and do while we can - you never know. Third, planning travel with a cruise allows you to know costs and we feel we have enough stuff so shopping is not an issue. Last trip to Europe was done as a group of 8. We shared and coordinated a villa in Italy a deal with a cruise line. We will go again as part of our over all plan to travel greater distances while we are still kids in our 60s.

Posted By Gene Gillette on December 27, 2007, 1:14 PM

My husband is Dutch and we have been planning to go to the Netherlands next year to visit his family. We're not changing our plans yet, though we are cringing at what this trip will cost us! At least we will stay with family and won't have to pay for hotels...

Posted By NdeBruijn on December 27, 2007, 1:29 PM

We went to Vietnam in 2006 with Gate One and it was great, an excellent buy
with all 4-5 star hotels, exceptional guides and a real bargain, compared to our eastern Europe river cruise that fall. We are doing 50 days in Mexico and seeing the Yucatan in Januray 2008. No more Europe for us until changes are made. We also thought South America was a great buy!

Posted By Carolyn Whitman on December 27, 2007, 11:19 PM

We're still heading for our Rhine cruise in August -- because the prices were set BEFORE the euro went crazy. We figure that with all meals and lodging and daily excursions provided, we can still enjoy.

Our focus will then be on South Africa. After the airfare, being there is sooo inexpensive, and so gorgeous and diverse. Lots of self-catering and off the beaten path places we've found in the past

Posted By Mary Nunnelee on December 29, 2007, 1:07 PM

After two trips to Europe with the falling more and more each time we opted for Bali. What a wonderful vacation we had. They love Americans and appreciate tourists. They are extremely courteous and generous of their time. They love introducing you to their culture which is breathtaking. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to meet many gentle, gracious, and loving people. There are tremendous bargains to be had and the Dollar is still strong. I plan to return soon.

Posted By Mary Regier on December 31, 2007, 10:56 AM

We have selected a prepaid river cruise
in Europe this spring to avoid the weak dollar and strong Euro. The problem is not the Euro but the dollar and as long as we have an administration that favors big business and keeps dollar in a free fall so the big corp. selling overseas this will continue. I pray for some leveling off in world currencies and further safety and stability coming post Bush. We love Europe but pick carefully which trips we can afford and pre pay as much as is possible. Also we will reduce Euro shopping drastically!

Posted By tOM & DEB MORRELLE on December 31, 2007, 6:02 PM

We live in south Florida. We are going to Russia this summer. The primary purpose of our trip is to see the total solar eclipse in the Novosibirk, Siberia area but we will also be stopping in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tallin, Estonia, and Helsinki, Finland. We're using mileage to get as far as Moscow. As always, we are looking for inexpensive but clean accomodations with a private bath. I trim expenses by using public transit whenever possible, and by eating where the local working people eat and sometimes out of groceries. Our Estonia-Finland side trip, which is't covered by our mileage, will be made by bus and boat, much cheaper than either trains or by air.

I spent a week in Italy in April of '06. The high Euro made it tough, but I managed to find decent rooms with private bath for $100 or less, and would get a small pizza at little pizzerias for one euro and then get a bottle of water or cold beer for another euro or so. it was only in Venice that it cost a bit more than that.

I never buy food or drinks in airports or on planes. I take stuff with me. one exception: I'll buy a bottle of water in the security area, and if a water fountain is availanle, I'll refill it there. And I'll take it on the plane.

Internet cafes are a godsend. They tend to be much cheaper in Europe and elsewhere than here. No more overseas phone calls except in emergencies. Or we'll e mail one of the kids to call our hotel at a pre-set time, using our low-cost AT&T international calling plan.

Posted By Richard Rosichan on January 2, 2008, 6:17 PM

We have always wanted to take a trip to Italy, now that we have the time we have been priced out of the market. Now we have decided to go to China after the Olympic Games.

Rosie

Posted By Rosie on January 3, 2008, 12:09 PM