For those doing Europe in 2009
#21
Join Date: Mar 2008
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We are going to Italy in May and while my husband was a bit more tentative about booking such a big trip, I don't think it's worth putting off.
One thing I have been excited about is that all four of the hotels we are staying at don't charge us until we check out, so that gives us more time to save, as well as more time for the dollar to hopefully get stronger against the euro. We did end up switching our vacation plans this fall from London/Paris to the Caribbean due to the 1.6 exchange rate. That was too much for us!
One thing I have been excited about is that all four of the hotels we are staying at don't charge us until we check out, so that gives us more time to save, as well as more time for the dollar to hopefully get stronger against the euro. We did end up switching our vacation plans this fall from London/Paris to the Caribbean due to the 1.6 exchange rate. That was too much for us!
#22
Join Date: May 2008
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I admit the time may not be the best. But I have not been for four years, and my trip next June will celebrate two landmark events: finishing my PhD (last May) and turning 50 (next April). So I feel entitled. I do have enough FF miles to cover the air, and enough $$ to pay for a trip at a budget level. On the good side, the exchange rate is better than it's been in some years.
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
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We had a daughter in Europe for 5 months during the spring and summer. We also traveled to Germany and France while the dollar was almost at it's low for this year. When we returned, we vowed no Europe next year.
After researching a dozen other destinations from Asia to the Caribbean, we're going back to Europe. The exchange rates have a bit to do with it, but it's also about going somewhere you love.
Stu, your comment about your wife hit home for me. I think part of my desire to travel comes from the fact that my mother, who loved to travel, passed away at 56. I'm fast approaching that age and refuse to put things off.
I figure Mr. Fan & I can sit on a beach someday - when we're no longer able to handle cobblestones!
H
After researching a dozen other destinations from Asia to the Caribbean, we're going back to Europe. The exchange rates have a bit to do with it, but it's also about going somewhere you love.
Stu, your comment about your wife hit home for me. I think part of my desire to travel comes from the fact that my mother, who loved to travel, passed away at 56. I'm fast approaching that age and refuse to put things off.
I figure Mr. Fan & I can sit on a beach someday - when we're no longer able to handle cobblestones!
H
#24
Join Date: May 2008
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I've been to Europe twice this year and right now I'm planning on going back in 2009, first to Madrid, Spain in March to celebrate my birthday and Greece in September. I have not yet purchased my airfare to Madrid, but when I checked this week the price was $581.00 which I know can fluctuate. I love Europe and even with the economy in the state it's in I will travel, especially to Europe. I'm hoping that one day I can live there for a few years.
jdc
jdc
#25
Join Date: Jan 2007
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I combine my business travel with my personal travel. Business takes me to the UK 4-5 times a year. I tack on a few days on either end for my personal traveling. Outside of that, I use airmiles when I can for flights, and rewards points for hotels whenever possible. The $$ is so much stronger these last few months that I feel I should take advantage of it.....we may not be so fortunate in the months & years to come.
#26
Join Date: Jul 2008
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I go somewhere in Europe every year. The only thing that's going to be different for me in 2009 is going somewhere where the Euro hasn't been initiated yet. There are great deals to be had with a little research!
#27
I've been wanting to go back to London for a while, and now is the best time in years, with a fare of $518 and the exchange much lower than the 2:1 it has been. So I'm doing it. This will come out of saving and bonus money.
#32
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I am watching the air prices with horror, dreaming of summer or fall trip. They did go down a little, but how affordable will they be for me?
Yes, I really want to go to Europe, but I don't plan to do it "at any cost". Still hope for a "special". There are some for winter/spring, hopefully for summer/fall as well.
Ready to adjust the destination to the price. Haven't travelled that much, many places on the list, so the exact destination is not too important.
Maybe a shorter vacation? Yes, I will be using credit card for points, but only up to what I can pay off without paying interest.
Yes, I really want to go to Europe, but I don't plan to do it "at any cost". Still hope for a "special". There are some for winter/spring, hopefully for summer/fall as well.
Ready to adjust the destination to the price. Haven't travelled that much, many places on the list, so the exact destination is not too important.
Maybe a shorter vacation? Yes, I will be using credit card for points, but only up to what I can pay off without paying interest.
#33
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I booked a Paris trip last summer for May 2009 using frequent flyer and hotel points. My husband lost his job in September, and has been working very hard to find another one without success so far.
I guess whether we go or not depends on how much vacation he gets at a new job, assuming he can find one by then. The whole situation is depressing and a little scary, but since the bulk of the trip is paid for with points, we're hoping to still go.
I guess whether we go or not depends on how much vacation he gets at a new job, assuming he can find one by then. The whole situation is depressing and a little scary, but since the bulk of the trip is paid for with points, we're hoping to still go.
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Hi, sheri_lp. You wrote "Marie" but I think you meant me.
If we have to cancel our trip, we will have to pay $300 (I believe) to redeposit the airline miles. The hotel points can be redeposited for free. However, Marriott is changing the program in January so our seven night stay would cost a lot more points than it did when I reserved last summer. (Many more points than we have.) The hotel is also being switched to a higher category.
If we have to cancel our trip, we will have to pay $300 (I believe) to redeposit the airline miles. The hotel points can be redeposited for free. However, Marriott is changing the program in January so our seven night stay would cost a lot more points than it did when I reserved last summer. (Many more points than we have.) The hotel is also being switched to a higher category.
#40
Join Date: Sep 2003
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We swapped from France to Spain/Portugal in part because they cost less! We are using my Frequent Flyer miles and have two of our nights using my Marriott rewards. (I don't get these via Credit cards, they are bottom in seats or body in bed based on business travel LOL!)
It's my mother and I and we tend to travel pretty "cheap" Our hotel in Combria for example is something like 40 Euros. Our big expense will be the rental car. Most of the budget hotels don't really like credit cards so it's not always even an option! I do put the car on my card that comes with free insurance!
Last summer I did a week in Paris with FF miles and a free stay at the Marriott. (The one I use hasn't been quite as badly effected by the changes to the program) So while the dollar was weak..
Now I am about ready to quit this traveling life and when I do my mother will have to fork over for air and sit in the back. (which she does for her tours already)
It's my mother and I and we tend to travel pretty "cheap" Our hotel in Combria for example is something like 40 Euros. Our big expense will be the rental car. Most of the budget hotels don't really like credit cards so it's not always even an option! I do put the car on my card that comes with free insurance!
Last summer I did a week in Paris with FF miles and a free stay at the Marriott. (The one I use hasn't been quite as badly effected by the changes to the program) So while the dollar was weak..
Now I am about ready to quit this traveling life and when I do my mother will have to fork over for air and sit in the back. (which she does for her tours already)