Europe now the best travel deal of the decade
The convergence of a strong US Dollar, a weak Euro, depressed oil prices and a series of unimaginable, tragic events recently in aviation have thrown Europe on a trajectory course to become one of the best travel bargains of the decade this spring and summer.
While writing this, 1 US Dollar equals approximately Euro .93 . That means a 100 Euro hotel room will cost American travelers about USD 107. Five years ago my parents popped over the Pond to visit and we spent a chunk of time in Italy. At that time a ridiculously strong Euro yielded an unfavorable exchange rate with a EUR 100 hotel room costing them approximately USD 135. You can see how the savings from the currency fluctuation can begin to add up, allowing you to splurge for extra nights, restaurant meals or purchases.
Although it’s cold and snowy here in Prague right now, the European travel deals are sizzling already. Here are a few I spotted that offer travelers enhanced value.
Getting there, around and back
New York to Milan. USD 450 roundtrip on Delta. I’ve spotted similarly priced fares in this market from Emirates. For years Emirate’s coach class offering ranks among the top of the line and my own personal experiences flying with them has only reinforced this opinion. Even if you don’t live near New York, it’s worth buying a separate ticket to get your hiney over to the Continent.
New York to Frankfurt. USD 716 roundtrip on Singapore Airlines. Consistently rated one of the world’s top airlines this route is typically flown using their Airbus A380. The astounding level of service and opportunity to fly in a newer, more comfortable plane make this an interesting value.
New York, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Oakland to Prague with Norwegian Air Shuttle. One way fares starting as low as USD 350 on Norwegian Air Shuttle which flies these routes on their brand new uber-comfy 787 Dreamliners. Although technically it’s considered a “discount” carrier — meaning you have to pay for onboard amenities aside from water and the lav — my positive experiences flying with them here in Europe means it is one of my perennial favorite airlines.
Intra-European travel from Prague
Prague to Rome. USD 112 for return flight son Wizzair.
Prague to Vienna. About USD 25 each way via train.
Sleeping
Berlin. USD 76 tonight at the Ellington Hotel
Prague. USD 48 tonight at the Pure White.
Rome. USD 85 tonight at the Hotel Kolbe.
Vienna. USD 98 tonight at the Urbanauts Street Lofts
The flight deals listed above came from Google Flights, hotels from Hotel Tonight and everything else from the top of my head based on experiences. Currency conversions are rough conversions from Euro. I guess I’m also supposed to say at this point that I’m not responsible for changes in these fares or currency fluctuations then again I think most of you already know that.
If you've got or spotted an awesome deal hit me up via email or Twitter.
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Link to this story: http://www.wessence.com/blog/europe-now-the-best-travel-deal-of-the-decade