I will still eat, drink and be merry but NO shopping. As a person of a certain age, what is it that I really need except more travel and less work. Also I will refuse to have Burger King or Applebees, drive less, and instead have cafe creme, creme brulee, wine & fromage. Also really focusing on budget hotel or apartment.

gg

If I hadn't been to Europe at the introduction of the Euro, when it was about 1.25 Euro to the buck, I wouldn't feel nostalgic! I didn't know how cheap it was. It's remembering those hotel rates that makes my eyes pop when I look at the current ones.

But, hey, I'm probably not getting back until 09, and who knows? It could be far worse or better by then for us Yanquis.

We're off soon to Italy. I can't say what it will cost, but I pre-paid most of the expenses months ago, and I suspect I saved a bundle.

Once upon a time, I spent an entire summer going from Algeria to France to Italy to Greece to Yugoslavia to Crete to Egypt to Portugal. And it didn't cost me a dime. In fact, I made money. The only thing I gave up was my freedom. Working six decks down, in 120 degree engine rooms, eating slop, sleeping four deep, and wondering if a Russian torpedo would take us out. So this time I am having fun, no matter the cost. Gives you a different perspective, right?

I am Australian so we are used to a bad exchange rate. We had 8 weeks in Europe earlier this year and did everything we wanted to do and tried not to think of the money. However we did cut back by eating from supermarkets and we had some great picnics. When we did eat out we picked places away from the usual area's and they were often cheaper. We stayed in budget accommodation and B&B's all of which were clean and in great locations.

But at the end of the day I just kept thinking how lucky we are that we have jobs and are able to save up to travel, it took us two years of hard saving. It wasn't a 5 star holiday but the memories sure are. Now we are saving for a trip to Canada/Alaska and we can't wait.

Maybe those of you who are travelling to Europe won't have the same sort of trip that you are used to but think outside the square and do things a little differently - you might just enjoy it!
Happy travels.

USNR, you remind us it's all about context!

I know that this is beating a deader than dead horse, but I want to add that we've cut back a little at home: got rid of premium cable channels; no more cleaning person; less dinners out; less trips to the barber (easy to shave DH's head at home; grooming the dog at home; less beauty parlor visits for me; no manicures, pedicures at home.

It has been a choice. I have to admit that I'm a little tired of scrimping, but how happy will I be in Venice in two weeks? Would I really remember any local dinners out or pedicures or salon hair cuts with the same satisfaction that I'll remember Venice?

Also, we are staying in an apartment instead of a hotel, and sticking to public transportation. Other than that, though, when we are there, I'll do anything I want. And if I want to buy something, I probably will. I'm not much of a shopper, but if I want a little something, I'll get it. No gifts for friends and relatives, though. A little something for DD and SIL, that's it.

In the past, we would bring home candy for DH's office but I won't this time.

And don't forget, a weak dollar has made US products more desireable oversees. This has helped many US companies to record record profits, driving the stock market to all time highs. Our investments & retirement plans have more than made up for the euro/dollar difference in our vacations.

elaisticwaistband: oh yes! I send auction merchandise to European buyers at least twice a week. This has been a help to us financially, and not something I expected.

I think I understand what daveesl was trying to say. I am always amazed when gas prices go up 10 cents for summer and the news story is about people being unable to take their vacations because of the increase. I know some people are on real tight budgets, but on an average driving vacation they might spend $30-50 more.
We were in Ireland in April 2006 and I think the exchange rate then was about 1.23. We're going in October, so each of us, 7 in all, is prepared to spend about $50 more each while there. Our plane tickets cost only $35 more each this time. It's all relative. We really love being able to go to Ireland so we had a yard sale and raised $1400. It's paying for about 1/2 of our trip.

Somewhere I read that the reason air fares across the Atlantic are so high right now is that there are so many Europeans coming to the U.S. to take advantage of the weak dollar.