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SOME
THOUGHTS ON EUROPEAN TRAVEL IN TODAY'S MARKET
The
current economic climate presents a few challenges to Americans
considering European vacations. The exchange rate is not in our favor. The
rumors of recession loom. And airfares are not cooperating.
However, here are a few things to consider:
* When things get tight, traveling with a package
such as Il Chiostro's is much smarter. With activities, meals, and
accommodation included, it is more economical than trying to arrange a
trip on your own.
* By paying in dollars for this program, there is
very little need to spend extra money once you arrive in Italy, so the
exchange rate doesn't have to be an obstacle.
* Try to use points or frequent-flyer mileage
when purchasing airline tickets. American Express Member Rewards can be
applied to just about any airline with no blackout periods. Also, instead
of flying direct, making a stop can lower the airfare.
* Most of all, why deny yourself the gift of
spending a week in Italy -- the food, the wine, the art, the culture, the
people, the language? In the end it won't really cost much more than any
other vacation you might have in mind. And you'll be thinking about and
treasuring your time in Italy much longer than how much it cost.
here's me with
Linda Mironti and
Michael Mele,
who run Il Chiostro
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