Jaunted

Europe Travel / Euro / Greece Travel / Spain Travel / Portugal Travel / Money / Political Travel / Italy Travel / Bulgaria Travel / Romania Travel / → All Tags

Where to Find the Best Euro-Driven Travel Discounts

We've emphasized before that, especially if your travel plans are flexible, you should strongly consider going to Greece. The economic turmoil has caused tourism to plummet, and prices have declined accordingly. But Greece's problems are the Eurozone's problems, which means that there are also macroeconomic issues driving the Euro down relative to the dollar.

Not to be too callous on the point, but Europe's woes are creating some fairly interesting options for American tourists. Portuguese hoteliers have been sending up red flags about the state of their tourism industry, and even government officials have begun to pay attention. The exact same logic holds for Italy: dependent on tourism, and in a broad economic slump that makes it highly vulnerable to fluctuations in the Euro. And by "vulnerable" we mean "welcoming," and by "fluctuations in the Euro" we mean "tourists."

more ›

Euro / Currency / → All Tags

Happy Tenth Birthday to the Euro, Europe's "Convenient Scapegoat"

We remember when the euro was launched, ten years ago. We smirked and snickered here in America as it sank lower and lower against the dollar, thinking of all the bargains we'd snatch up in Rome, Paris, and Frankfurt, which we'd parade through like royalty while tossing our cherished greenbacks to the little people.

What a difference ten years makes. Even amid the global financial crisis, the euro remains a secure and stable currency, trading strongly against the dollar and increasingly becoming the currency of choice for international transactions. An interesting item from msnbc points out that the 1999 introduction of the euro provided an excuse for the various European governments to get their financial houses in order to meet the eurozone's strict requirements. All of a sudden, leaders were able to muster the support necessary to pay down government debt and overhaul national budgets without having to pay a price in political capital. As Professor Randall Filer puts it, the euro became a "convenient scapegoat" for politicians to use while putting in place austere economic reforms.

What started out as a non-cash currency for just eleven nations is now the sole currency for sixteen nations, with more on the way. To celebrate the euro's birthday, head down to your local European bar or pub and order up a five euro cocktail. We'd join you, but all we have are these worthless dollars.

[Photo: euro.lt]

Related Stories:
· At 10 Euro Looks Like It's Coming of Age [msnbc.com]
· Euro Coverage [Jaunted]

Europe Travel / Euro / Meltdownomics / → All Tags

Spending Greenbacks Travel: Who's Laughing Now, Europe?

The government of Iceland has taken over the country's largest bank, after snatching up two others earlier this week. And in London, frightened investors are buying up dollars, the last refuge for Europeans looking to keep their assets at least somewhat safe.

In travel terms, that means going to Europe has just gotten way cheaper for people spending dollars.

more ›