The impact of Euro zone’s 17-country economic turmoil could lead to better exchange rates favoring US travelers. But such a shift is not expected to be strong and chances are that Europe will not turn into a budget paradise, predicts Smarter Travel’s Ed Perkins.
The Greek financial crisis has been the most publicized and it is leading to cheaper vacations for North American travelers, writes deTraci Regula in About.com guide.
That was written late last year but little has changed since then.
Prices under the circumstances also tend to be more negotiable though that is not always the case, experts say.
Existing prices have generally been going down and more wheeling and dealing might be expected by visitors, say travel experts.
But continued unrest in Greece and perhaps other countries may lead to some hotels and popular tourist attractions deciding simply to close their doors. So travelers should be aware of that possibility.
Travelers should also be aware that transportation schedules might be cut if the euro’s crisis leads to strikes and other shutdowns, as it has in the past.
On the positive side, visitors to Greece and perhaps other countries impacted by the Euro might find fewer crowds. Restaurant reservations should also be easier to get.
Perkins agrees with the view that if the euro continues to be devalued, it could lead to even better travel deals for visitors.
"For several years following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, for example, much of Southeast Asia became a real bargain for visitors from strong-currency countries. That would be a best case scenario," writes Perkins.
By David Wilkening
