Summer time, and the living is easier than it’s been for a while – and so is taking a vacation abroad. For anyone hankering for Europe, the good news is that euros are trading at around $1.27, and travel budgets will stretch a little farther than last year. Hotel prices are averaging $142 per night across 38 countries – a little over $5.00 more than in 2009, when a weak travel season spurred heavy discounting, and $26 lower than in 2008 (STR Global, in Hotelnewsnow.com). Best of all, tour operators are offering eminently affordable travel deals that go beyond the usual air/hotel combo to offer in-depth experiences of national cultures.
For those travelers following our SPOTLIGHT ON PORTUGAL this week at our sister site, YourLifeIsATrip.com, here’s a Portugal deal just begging to be seized.
Portugal is smokin’ hot since the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue was shot in Lisbon. Prices haven’t risen to match, however, and Portugal remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Here, even high-end hotels and tours come in at much less than one might think, such as Tours for You’s Elegantly Portugal package. On this eight-day/ seven-night tour, all hotels are Relais & Chateaux, Design Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties, each inaugurated or refurbished in 2009 and 2010.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
I’m headed to France in September for a walk with The Wayfarers and wish I’d snagged this deal when I booked my flight.
But, no reason you should miss out! Right now, you can find low fares on American Airlines to fantastic European destinations.
Purchase your tickets on AA.com by July 14, 2009, to get these low fares. Travel must be completed by November 24, 2009.
Source: American Airlines
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".