How are the economic conditions/dollar value affecting travel and costs in Paris (and Europe) right now? Any specific stories? My wife and I will be traveling there in 2009 and I%26#39;m curious to see what we might have in store (assuming conditions don%26#39;t change that much). Thanks.
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Hi Pasqual,
The exchange rate is still bad but not nearly as bad as in say, Sept, of this year. Paris is a beautiful place and worthy spending on it. I was in Paris in September and just got back from Paris. After two months or so, I am now broke. However I got so much out of Paris though this past trip must have been my 8th or 9th trip to Paris.
Paris is always expensive regardless of the exchange rate. One has to think about the marginal amount one has to pay extra to enjoy Paris. Here is how I justified my trip to Paris this year. So what is the difference if one or two dollars extra to see the Louvre due to a bad exchange rate?
I have to tell you that, some of my best experiences in Paris did not cost me much. If you plan out carefully, you can save some money. For example, go to the Louvre on Wed and Friday nights when tickets are only 6 euros instead of 9 euros. Many other places are free, such as Musee Carnavalet, Petit Palais.
If you eat out, always order %26quot;menu%26quot; or degustation. I avoid a la carte at all cost. If you have some fancy restaurants in mind, do lunch instead of dinner. In addition, some of the great chefs oversee other less expensive restaurants.
If you decide to visit Paris, read up a bit of its history, etiquette, and try to avoid the knee-jerk reactions that some of us Americans have about Paris. You will get lots more out of Paris.
It is about planning and knowing where to look. Do not let cost deters you from visiting one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. I have been to Paris many times. Yet, each time, I learn another interesting layer about Paris.
I hope that you will visit Paris.
Bon Voyage!
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I wouldn%26#39;t assume too much.. things do change, and rapidly sometimes.
I paid 1.63 for euros in July, but late September people were paying 1.35 or 1.40, but now I hear its gone up again,, as I said, don%26#39;t assume too much ,, other then you will spend alot of money, have a great time, and you can%26#39;t take it with you anyways..!!
There are a few things you can assume though,,
Assume that hotels in big citys like Rome, London and Paris WILL be more expensive then hotels in smaller cities or towns. Assume you will pay more for a centrally located hotel then one on the outskirts. Assume the rooms will be smaller, if staying in a budget place do not assume there is an elevator or air conditioning, ask before you book.
Assume eating or drinking anything at a cafe overlooking a famous site in Rome, Venice or Paris is going to cost you the big bucks, you know, the 5 or 10 dollar cokes etc. Walk away from tourist sites to find places on side streets.
Assume that strangers are watching you to see if you foolishly put your bag down for %26quot; just a second%26quot; .. don%26#39;t assume everyones a crook ( yes the taxis ARE allowed to charge extra for luggage and can arrive with meter already running) but don%26#39;t think its ever ok to let your guard down.
Remember a holiday in Europe does add up, but its generally considered a very special trip to most people, and since I have heard that some people think nothing of blowing 20,000, 30,000, or even three times that on a ONE DAY WEDDING to entertain alot of ungrateful 1/2 strangers, for maybe 6 -8 hours, consider the 5-10 thousand invested in a two week trip to Europe a BARGAIN!!
Hopefully your dollar will remain strong with your new President at the helm, inspiring confidence etc.. but hey , on the other hand if it dives again thats good for me as we plan on Hawaii next spring,,LOL
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We%26#39;ve been thinking about this, since we usually plan our travel in the winter for next spring, summer.
In view of the impact we are all experiencing, we have decided to visit places in the USA for the immediate future. I feel better having our money kept here. The unemployment rate and the opportunities for young people are scary right now.
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Thanks for your input everyone. Yes, the economy is tough here in the states -- and abroad. I was just curious to see how far the dollar goes right now in Europe. My wife and I were in Italy in %26#39;06 for my 50th birthday and it didn%26#39;t go that far. We%26#39;ll go to France and Italy next year for her 50th. Fortunately, we%26#39;re in pretty good shape that we%26#39;ll still be able to go. Those incredible memories are priceless -- and a great escape from all the other stuff going on around us.
By the way, I%26#39;m also very hopeful that President Obama will do great things for everyone (although we do have to give him some time to address many of the problems left behind by Bush). In fact, I think he%26#39;ll be one of our best presidents ever! And glad to see that Obama is so well-received internationally.
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Thought my reply was what you were interested in :
%26quot; Economy%26#39;s affect on Paris/Europe travel for U.S. citizens%26quot;
Hope I did not effect the purpose of your post.
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We are keeping our Paris and Madrid plans intact for 2009. We aren%26#39;t going to reduce our traveling. We are going to hold off on a new car, though, instead.
We were in Paris during April 2008, when the Euro was 1.74. This morning it is 1.27. I find this encouraging for travel. I%26#39;d watch the exchange rate and prepay for your rail tickets and possibly hotels when comfortable. Buy your museum passes ahead as well.
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Paris was a pleasant surprise for me as far as meals and gifts for my family.
The 4-day Museum Pass, and the 5-Day Metro pass are also economical ways to get around Paris, and visit the priceless museums.
I%26#39;m only a secretary, and I saved up for my trip for about 18 months. I actually came home with $600.00 in my pocket, because I %26quot;over-estimated%26quot; everything.
I was just there, the first week of October. Go to Paris, you won%26#39;t regret it.
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Go, soon and often. We were in france in June when the exchange was @1.50. I had purchassed euros in advance at my bank, starting in February, so I got a better rate. Take all the advice you have been given here, and listen to joan1. We were there for just under 3 weeks, and it was fantastic. Just budget each day, as we did, and you will be fine.
We used points galore to fly and stay (Holiday Inn in Paris and Caen, Normandy), so thathelped make it very affordable. even so, we still budgeted and were careful. We are not foodies, so we didn;t eve spend more thatn 65 euros on a meal. It can be done for under $10,000 for 2-3 weeks, especially if you stay in one place long enough to rent an apartment.
Go, now!
:-)
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Just be glad you are not an aussie.
Our exhange rate today was $1.00 aussie equals .53 euro.
So my advice is grab those great big US dollars and have a great trip to France.
Have a great time and hopefully we%26#39;ll all have a little more $ to play with.
Cheers
Trish
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Trish, I watch the exchange rates every day and I feel for you Aussies! The decline has been tremendous in just a few months%26#39; time.
I am planning to do a fair bit of traveling in the next few (6-8) months, most to Europe and my Paris hotel is already looking less expensive than it was in March. It%26#39;s also less expensive to travel in the UK, the GBP is down enough to make a small relief.
I love traveling to expand my views of the world (and also I do some for work) but I also agree with the people who have mentioned buying American and spending our dollars here, too. I am going to try working more of that philosophy into my plans, too. Spread the love right? :)
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