Three Reasons to go to Europe Now

Photo by Jann Segal

With so much happening in the the world today, it seems that Europe would not be a safe bet for travel, right? Well, unless your personal safety is at risk (and for the majority of tourists it is not), the decision not to go right now could be a mistake. You can always avoid countries (or parts of countries) that are politically inconvenient for you if that is an issue. Europe is large enough in geography, cultural diversity, and scope to offer you the vacation you are looking to have, and at a price you are willing to pay.

Travel is a consumer leisure commodity, so the cost varies according to how people are inclined to spend. Currency fluctuations, the laws of supply and demand, and other geopolitical factors are currently in your favor. Some of what follows might read like a mini course in economics because after all, world wide, its all about the money.

The Euro is at an all time low

The Euro and many other currencies worldwide are exchanging at all time lows against the dollar. Smart money used to bet on a weak dollar, but the decline in oil prices among other factors, has played a hand in giving Americans a boost. Your dollar will now go further in Europe than it has in decades. This might mean a hotel upgrade for you, a few extra nice meals, or even a few extra days unless you want to keep a plan you already had in mind, and just have a less expensive trip. Any way you play this one, you win.

World events cause demand to drop

The laws of supply and demand are on your side. When tragic events take place, or even just plain upheaval, tourism suffers. Europe certainly does not depend entirely on tourist dollars with the thriving economy of the Euro zone, but they still want tourist money coming in to help bolster the economy during uncertain times. The only way to ensure this when there are major world events, is to lower prices. Airfare, hotels, and escorted tours quickly reflect this desire to keep attracting tourism. One again, you win.

Gas prices are dropping

With gas prices at historic lows due to an oversupply worldwide which will likely continue, look for airfares to moderate, if not slide. And while in country, tours you might book will be less expensive as well, because of the the lowered transportation costs. Lower transportation costs filter down throughout the entire economy. If it costs less to transport food, it costs less to have meal out. Taxis become a more viable option, and the once mighty Eurail pass starts to look like a bargain again. Lower gas prices at home of course make it easier for you to save for the trip. All in all, it is a winning economic climate for you to plan your European vacation.