So, leads to the question...what would be the title today? I'd say...for no frills...

"Europe on 100 euros a day"

I have an old guide to Paris where the listed costs for a night at the Ritz and a 10 minute transatlantic telephone call were about the same. I guess if you could afford one, you could afford the other too.

I still like the currency exchange rate back when Clinton was president. Do you think Hilary could bring back that same exchange rate?

Using the CPI index, $5 in 1957 is about $36 today.

However:
European currency is much stronger vs the USD than it was 50 years ago.

European wage rates and prices are much higher than they were in 1957.

OTOH, airfare is much lower than it was.

I used to plan on 1 week of vacation costing about 2 weeks salary. I don't think that it has changed too much.

Europe on $10 a Day anecdote:

Following Mr Frommer's advice we booked reservations at the Hotel Bonaparte in Paris. We also took his advice on how to get there.

Take shuttle bus to Bus stop. OK
Take bus to Regional train station.
He didn't mention having to staamp the ticket before getting on the bus, so I had to get off and stamp our tickets.

The bus pulled away as I got off.

Fortunately, other passengers stopped the bus.

Arrived at train station.
Bus and train arrived at the same time.

Unfortunately, the bus stop was 3 flights of stairs above the train platform.

My Lady Wife ran down the stairs as I pursued her, throwing the suitcases down the stairs.

"Stand in the doorway", said I, throwing the next-to-last suitcase on board, as the train started off.

Blocking the door, did not prevent the train from leaving.

Fortunately, other passengers stopped the train.

Arrival in Paris.
Mr Frommer didn't mention the many miles of walking to get to the no. 4 metro line.

Arrival at Blvd St. Germaine station.
Mr Frommer didn't mention the turnpike gates at the exit. I had to hoist our large suitcase over the gate, because it wouldn't accomodate me and the suitcase.

Beyond the turnpike gate was the exit from the Metro.
Mr Frommer didn't mention that it was an itty bitty folding door that was barely wide enough to get the suitcase through, and that it closed with a forceful slam after my Lady Wife went through it.
By almost sacrificing my arm, I was able to hold the door open while pushing the suitcase through, while LW pulled.

Needless to say, when we left, we took a cab to the airport.

((I))

OOPS, that was $5 not $10

I am reading each and every post and marveled at the wealth of experience that gathers in this forum. The parallel between the cost of a night at the Ritz and the cost of a transatlantic call is an amazing fact!

I am just glad to be able to afford Europe, even if on shoulder season! :-D