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".
Fly to Lisbon and Stay for just $963
In the 16th century, Lisbon was a hub of cultural, financial and mercantile activity for the world. Today, the mild-weathered city on the Tejo River has been reborn with a host of new museums, restaurants and cultural venues, making it one of the most exciting and affordable cities in Europe. Exploring Lisbon is easy and affordable with Azores Express/SATA’s newly discounted travel packages. Fly from Boston and stay six nights in the city for just $969 per person.
Packages from Boston to Lisbon, via the Azores Islands, depart Tuesdays and Fridays through mid-June 2010, and include a six-night stay and breakfast at a choice of three hotels. Tuesday departure packages cost from $969 to $1,769 per person, double occupancy, plus tax. Travelers can also chose a package that combines a stay in São Miguel in the Azores for the same $969 base price.
Children under six pay only child’s airfare and children under 10 pay 10% of the hotel rate, plus airfare.
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".