kissmekate

Strong dollar makes world travel cheaper for Americans. The U.S. dollar is enjoying its strongest run in nearly a decade. 1 dollar = 1.19 euro

Tabernash2

Wow-- that is good news. I wasn't paying attention, but maybe I'll look at planning a trip to Europe!

hetismij2

It could go even lower if the Greeks screw things up again, and it looks like they will.
I'm glad I got my US trip in last year.

Dukey1

Unfortunately, getting over there and back is not any cheaper than it used to be.

Tabernash2

True, Dukey. The airfare isn't cheap.

IMDonehere

This always happens in the years when do not go overseas. Conversely it will hurt foreign tourism in the USA.

FrankS

I wouldnt jump in just yet

Remember, the airlines know this little game too. Summer fares are approx $300pp less CDG-ORD vs ORD-CDG on the summer dates I checked. Unless you are dumping big bucks while there, its not really that great..yet

Lets see some $700 fares, then it will get interesting

PalenQ

Europe is less expensive than it was but still ain't cheap - compared to U S prices on almost anything except booze and cheese and bread.

Hihg VAT taxes in part explain that I think. And high wages and benefits workers get in restaurants, groceries, service jobs, etc.

Bitter

I checked airfares this a.m. and maybe it was the dates I checked but some were upwards of $2000 for economy. I thought the $1200 flights were bad enough.

cmeyer54

doubt we'll see those "under $50/barrel" for oil prices translate to lower airfares. my son scored a $900 fare roundtrip from MSP to Madrid but it required 2 stops each way.

tom_mn

Groceries: I found groceries in UK and France cheaper than USA last summer and other Americans we meet also noticed the same thing.

What is ironic is that the conservative US is benefitting from economically liberal policies due to Obama stimulus and federal reserve monetary easing, while liberal Europe is being suffocated by ridiculous conservative tight money and austerity. Both these are driving up the dollar.

vincenzo32951

>>What is ironic is that the conservative US is benefitting from economically liberal policies due to Obama stimulus <<

Incoming!

jaja

Worry not, Europe. I am coming to Ireland in June so the euro will rebound greatly against the dollar. Stand by.....