Dickensdad, Are you willing to share the name of the b&b in Rome? We are going in September and would love to do something different than the usual big expensive hotel there.

Thanks.

Have you noticed that the US dollar doesn't go as far as it used to even at home in the US? If you have your heart set on Italy, make it happen! There must be some ways you can economize at home to make up for the difference in the Euro exchange rate. Look at your every day spending and see where you can cut, to save up for a dream vacation. Try brown bagging lunch, make your morning coffee at home and combine your errand trips to save on gas. Maybe give up premium channels on your cable service. Do you really need a new purse for $100? I gave up getting my nails done every 2 weeks! It all depends on what is important to you.

Once you decide to go to Italy, look for ways to economize there. An apartment will cost less than a hotel and will help you save on restaurant bills. I researched and booked a hotel in the Rome area for 2 nights then found the same hotel by booking through Hotwire for a savings of $150.

On the other hand, if you wouldn't mind seeing the UK, London is a great place to use Priceline for your hotel. The last 2 times we were in London, we were able to book 4 star hotels near Victoria Station and Buckingham Palace for about $100 per night. With 9 days, you won't need a car rental in England, just buy a tube pass and a Days Out of London train pass and you can see a lot of England without spending a lot. We ate lunch in pubs, then picked up sandwiches at the train station on our way back to the hotel for dinner.

I hope you are able to find a way to make your dreams come true. Have fun!

I only expect those that havn't been anywhere to say so, most do. Very few claim to know, yet have no idea. I don't expect a thing from YOU.

Zimbabwe: 50,000,000 local dollars for $1.00!

'Sorry, Europe. You have just priced yourself out of our lives'.

Hey - don't blame us for the state of your economy and currency. You did that yourselves.

I agree with nona1 - what a bizarre theory from USNR that Europe is to blame rather than the US of A.

To the original poster - have you thought about Asia - perhaps Vietnam??

Best Value for US Dollar? According to the SonntagsZeitung in Switzerland:

Go West! Tips for its readers:

1. USA is 20% cheaper than last year. New York is 26% cheaper than London.

2. What's cheaper? Food, clothes, souvenirs, gas, day trips and entrance fees

3. Hotels aren't cheaper. Major cities have increased their hotel prices for July and August. To save, don't book a room with breakfast.

4. Has the demand for US holidays increased? Yes. 20% more reservations than last year. Not only has the dollar made the USA more enticing, people are again willing to visit the States knowing Bush will resign.

5. When should people book? Now! Lots of hotels are already sold out. The Americans, not coming to Europe this year, are vacationing in their own land.

6. Book through internet! All catalog prices are based on previous months exchange rate.

7. The dollar has also made the following destinations cheaper: Mexico, Brasil, Argentina, the Carribean and the Near and Middle East. Southern Asia (Thailand or Vietman) has become more expensive because of its booming economy.

Author: logos999
Date: 04/06/2008, 12:46 am

I only expect those that havn't been anywhere to say so, most do. Very few claim to know, yet have no idea. I don't expect a thing from YOU.

>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>
Logos what a bizarre way you have of twisting things -- assuming you are talking to me. I clearly said I haven't been to Romania and so I didn't say ANYTHING about it. I most certainly don't "claim to know, yet have no idea" about anything in Romania. Get over yourself. My only point was that I HAVE been to Croatia, and anyone (including you) who thinks Croatia is all boring -- just traveled it poorly. Do you possibly comprehend that idea?

Hi T,

Go South, young man.

Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, etc....

If you're looking for an inexpensive European destination, I find Germany to be very reasonable.

Our trip this year, beginning May 1, will include 10 nights in Germany. The average of cost of lodging over those 10 nights is €67 per night. BUT...we are traveling with our 21 year old daughter so this quote is for triples and apartments. Breakfast is included 7 of the 10 nights.

For the record, we're not staying anywhere more than 3 nights, so no discounts for longer term rentals.

At the current exchange rate, that's $106 including taxes and breakfast. It's pretty tough to do that here in the US, at least at anyplace with character.

Good luck in your search.
H

In re-reading my earlier post, I find it difficult to say I blame anyone for the Euro/dollar discrepancy.

If any blame is to be attached to this unusual spread, it is the fact that America imports far more than we export. Oil, clothing, etc. Our federal treasury runs a huge deficit. We spend more than we tax ourselves. We run a huge trade imbalance. And American consumers do not save enough -- if any at all.

In our own case, my wife and I have visited every country in Europe except Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Finland -- we have about run out of places to see. You name it, and we have about been there. We refuse to travel just say we travel, and we certainly see no reason to assume debt.

There are those who say lodging in Europe can cost less than here in the States. Probably true. But the cost of getting there must be factored in. Air fares today are no bargains. Car rentals in the States, I would venture to say, are much less than in Europe, and so are operating costs.

Value for the US dollar? We're staying here in the States.

I agree that Germany always seems more reasonable than other European countries. Mexico is also a great suggestion --- so much to do there and quite inexpensive. Although I will admit that when we stay in Mexico City we always book El Presidente - just safer that way! Great room service and club level for those late noight munchies btw!

If you like Mexico City -- and we have been there many times over the past 40 years -- do NOT see Denzel Washington's film, "Man on Fire." It will give you very bad dreams -- blood, torture, mayhem, kidnapping ad infinitum. That said, we have never experienced a single act of violence while traveling in Mexico. We have always been treated with the utmost kindness and respect. Compared with many other locales abroad, Mexico is a marvelous bargain. Films can be so misleading, especially when situated in other countries.

Neo, no I don't comprehend anything you say. But you don't need to worry, the fault isn't on my side.

Well this has been a very interesting post. Thanks for the input - many have been quite helpful.

Thanks for the tip USNR!

We love Mexico City too and have been several times.

Like you we have always been treated well by everyone, including the political protesters a couple years ago when we wondered thru their encampment! They actually fed us breakfast and we were on TV! Much to the delight of my 70 yo+ in-laws and much to the dismay of our hotel hosts at the Crowne Plaza!

Logos, I can never tell if you are serious or kidding. Clearly in this case, accusing me of saying things I didn't say (or accusing me of talking about places I haven't been when I didn't) must mean you're just kidding. But I'll still say that anyone who is totally bored on a vacation in Croatia did it wrong! Sorry that you're offended by that statement if it applies to you. What that has to do with some other country being better, I have no idea. That wasn't part of the statement I made. So you're 100% right that I'm the one unable to comprehend what you're talking about.

I wish people would stop acting as if this is a euro problem when it is not. The USD has dropped in value a lot against virtually every major currency of the world, why cannot people understand that. It is the bad value of the dollar that is the problem, NOT THE EURO!!!!!

Where do people get these bizarre ideas that it is the fault of the euro and all they have to do is go to a country not on the euro and everything will be the same as it was five years ago in terms of exchange rate? I really would like to know why on earth people think that. If you know the value of the USD vs. euro, then I suppose you are reading the financial column in the paper that lists the value of several dozen major currencies. Try checking out the value of others against the USD and comparing to five years ago.

USNR, I believe people are saying you are blaming Europe for the issue because of this statement, which I interpret that way, also: <<Sorry, Europe. You have just priced yourself out of our lives.>>

Europe has not priced itself out of your life, the value of the USD has dropped, even if the price on something in Europe as remained exactly the same.

You're offended by your own words, I can't help you, just as I said.

?????
Sorry, I forgot there is a basic native language problem. My apologies.