The downhill spiral of the U.S. dollar against European currencies is among the most discussed (some might say ballyhooed) topics in travel.
XE.com allows you to compare currency rates from year-to-year. A recent 12-month comparison shows the U.S. dollar down a modest 1.5% against the British Pound. But other currency comparisons are dramatic: The U.S. dollar is down 15.3% against the euro during that same one-year time frame; down 17.2% against the Swiss Franc, 18.2% against Norway's Kroner and a whopping 27.5% against the Polish Zloty.
There are many strong opinions about how this should affect travel planning. For many would-be American travelers to Europe, it's a deal-breaker.
But if circumstances in your life allow a trip this year, it might be worth weathering the currency deficit and making plans. After all, none of us is guaranteed the health, resources and opportunities to travel in the future. Many would say if you can go now, get going.
The best advice for affordable European travel: look for opportunities to travel off-peak. Go in spring or fall, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Winter can be the most rewarding of all financially, but you'll deal with cold and darkness.
For people of any nation who are intent on enjoying Europe this year, here are 10 ideas to spark your search for savings.
Bargain 1: Intra-European Airfares
How would you like to fly across Europe for about $11 USD? Such base fares are still available, although they show up less frequently than when the budget airline bonanza began several years ago. Taxes and other fees drive gaudy low fares much higher, but adjusted to inflation, airfares between European cities are still an incredible bargain.
Veteran travelers snarl when you talk about flying around Europe. These flights make it far more difficult to enjoy the rich European countryside, and tend to result in an itinerary consisting only of big cities. These caveats are worth considering carefully. Don't make the mistake of flying for every leg of your journey or bypassing all but a few large cities.
But travelers gain valuable time savings by mixing in a few well-positioned budget airline flights. How much do you really see taking the Chunnel (Eurostar is the official name) between London and Paris anyway?
London is Europe's budget airline capital, but you'll also find bargains originating in Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands. Read more.
Bargain 2: Renault's Eurodrive Program
Renault's popular short-term lease program can be a better deal than renting a car, especially if you'll be in Europe for about three weeks.
Each short-term lease includes a brand new car, full insurance coverage with no deductible and unlimited mileage.
The low-end models can be leased for three weeks as low as $1179 USD, which comes out to $56/day. When you start looking at daily car rental rates in Europe, that figure is competitive.
One more thing to consider: A lease of this type is not subject to Value Added Tax.
This is nothing new. Renault claims more than half a million satisfied customers since 1954. They pick up and drop off at 35 certified locations in Europe. Choose these carefully, because many that might be more convenient require budget-busting add-on fees.
Click "next" to see some bargain destinations.
