Saving money in Europe even though the exchange rate is wonderful.
With airfares rising and the cost of daily adventures dropping, saving money in Europe is still a consideration for most Americans.
You've probably read all the stories about how Europe is getting outrageously inexpensive because of the great Euro vs. US Dollar exchange rate. You’re right. But with the increase in airfares the difference in total price from today and a decade ago, is about the same.
Allianz Partners’ “Top 10 Summer European Destinations” review, says that European travel has increased 600 percent this year as European countries have reopened for travel.
The travel insurance and assistance company analyzed more than 40,000 flight itineraries for trips of five to eight days in length between Memorial Day and Labor Day to determine that London retains the lion’s share of all planned trips with 22 percent of all bookings. Paris (No. 2) and Dublin (No. 3) also remain atop Europe’s most sought-after vacation spots for 2022 summer travel.
Other top destinations include Reykjavik, holding steady at No. 4, while Lisbon jumped into the No. 7 position, returning to the list for the first time since 2019. Rome and Edinburgh moved up to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, after Athens fell three spots from 2021 to No. 8 this year. Barcelona (No. 9) and Amsterdam (No. 10) round out the roster, each slipping one position from last year’s rankings.
You will still be focused on saving money, even with great exchange rates.
Here's how you can save money and see more during a continental visit. The exchange rate offers dramatic bargains at restaurants and hotels. So being smart about saving during your travels means more discoveries.
1. Plan ahead.
Buying packages, tours, hotels, and car rentals always cost more when purchased piecemeal than when you plan.
2. Travel during the off-season.
Winter, autumn, and spring are the bargain times to travel in Europe. These are also the best times to enjoy European cities when the residents are there. This is when the symphonies play, opera is performed and major attractions are not packed.
3. Use good guidebooks to research hotels.
Rick Steves' guidebooks have some of the best-researched bargain lodgings and Michelin Red Guides have the most accurate upscale ratings. I usually look for the least expensive hotel listed in Michelin, to know I am getting a well-kept, well-run establishment.
4. Go online or to travel agents for packages.
Use the Internet to purchase "dynamic packages." Purchasing air and hotels together can save money when working with travel agents or using Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, CheapTickets, and many others. The Internet sites allow travelers to select the types of rooms, and the location and have detailed maps of the hotel areas. It is hard to go wrong. Or, check with a travel agent. They often can match online package prices, and provide added personalized services, and a point of contact if things go wrong.
5. Check into transportation passes for the city bus and subway systems.
Tourist passes are almost always a bargain. Take the train from the airport into the city if possible to save even more -- these transfers are often included in the transportation pass. Some online travel sites sell these as an add-on to your package.
6. Buy a museum pass.
If you plan to visit more than three museums, these passes save you money. You also will avoid any lines at the ticket window when arriving at popular museums. Some online travel sites also sell these as an add-on to your package.
7. Get cash overseas using your credit card for the best exchange rates.
Be aware of the added credit-card fees. Credit Union credit cards usually are the best deal. Avoid credit cards with overseas charges, extra exchange rates, cash machines, and cash advance fees. Using the right credit card will only be charged a $1 transaction fee and the 1 percent minimum exchange fee.
8. If you insist on bringing cash or traveler's cheques, don't change money at the airports before you depart the USA or when you arrive.
Those banks have the worst exchange rates. The difference between those banks and others downtown can be as much as 10 percent. All airports have cash machines. Use your credit card.
9. If you want to rent a car, always call back to the USA and make your reservations a day in advance.
I suggest calling AutoEurope 1-800-223-5555 (check their website, autoeurope.com, or call in advance for their toll-free numbers from Europe). Their minimum three-day rental is often less expensive than a one-day local rental.
10. Use WhatsApp and Skype for your phone calls.
There are many types of telephone cards. But with the advent of apps that allow almost free international phone calls, concerns have been mitigated.
Charlie Leocha
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has worked in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
