The Dollar is Down, The Euro Up - Save Money Traveling in Europe

First of all, think American and the US dollar. You want to pay for as much as you can with the weaker US dollar, and pay as little as possible with the pricier Euro. Many economists think the dollar will continue to fall, so you might consider paying as much of your trip as far in advance as possible.

Consider a cruise - the Mediterranean is really hot this year and the cruiselines have scores of different itineraries on a plethora of ships. From the small Oceania ships (about 700 passengers to the mid-size ships (1500-2000 guests) to the large ships (2000+ passengers) of Carnival and RCCL, you can easily find a ship and itinerary to fill your needs. And, you'll pay in US dollars for a trip that might be prohibitive if you were planning it independently. A cruise includes all of your food (yes, some have alternative restaurants with a fee but you can choose whether you want to dine there or not), much of your entertainment, even a night with the captain's cocktail party where you can enjoy champagne and a selection of mixed drinks.

A few other tips when you choose a cruise to Europe. Check your gateway city on your flights - you might save some money by driving to a larger city but consider whether you'll pay for a hotel going/coming and the fee for parking your car (or the cost of a car rental.) Next, check the airline prices before you choose the city you will sail from - if it's an acceptable port, you can select the itinerary with the embarkation port where the airfare is less. Look for an itinerary which includes an extra night in your embarkation or disembarkation ports - this can save you a very pricey hotel room while allowing you an extra day in those ports. While in port try out the smaller restaurants and bars to save some money at lunchtime (the trattorias in Italy are usually excellent). A coffee at St. Mark's Square in Venice will be very expensive - walk a block away and enjoy it for far less.

If you do have to stay in a port before/after a cruise, have your travel agent check out hotel rates two different ways. One through the cruiseline - this will usually include your hotel room, all taxes and fees, and your transportation to the hotel and on to the cruise ship and finally to the airport after your cruise. Then, look at independent hotels and have them include all the taxes and fees plus all the transportation to see which is the best value. (Hint: in Venice the transfers are far higher after 8pm at night.)

Next, be sure your travel agent checks two different airline prices - one through the cruiseline and one that is market or published air. Get both quotes and determine which one fits your schedule the best. Remember, cheaper is not always the best value. If you select cruiseline air, you're at the mercy of the cruiseline - they decide when you fly, what carrier, etc.

Shore excursions are the next consideration. As a travel agent, I usually recommend that my clients use the cruiseline tours when in a foreign country. When on a cruiseline excursion, they're responsible to get you back to the ship (which will frequently wait for you if their own tour is running late) on time, or, get you to the next port at their expense. When you're on an independent tour, you're on your own if there is any delay. In a foreign country this can be quite an obstacle. And, this year, when you select a cruiseline excursion, you're paying with the weaker US dollar - another win-win situation.

But, there is another consideration. For example, when your port is Rome, you're actually quite a distance from the city itself. You can take the ship's excursion in a large bus with a crowd of people. Or, you can request your travel agent book you on a private, custom tour, paying with US dollars if it's an American company). You'll see far more with no crowds and less hassle. Last year we booked an American couple with two teenagers who raved about the company we used in Rome - they got right into the Vatican, walking past the crowds waiting in line (including those fellow passengers from their own cruiseship.) They had only one day in Rome but were very pleased with all they got to see in that one day.

Finally, remember a cruise touches several ports but for a fairly short period of time. You'll have a chance to sample several countries and regions of Europe and decide which ones you want to visit again - when the dollar recovers and Europe is a great value again.

If you decide on a land vacation, have your travel agent book you with an American company-again paying with the weaker dollar. Again, you'll find your transportation (usually via bus) lodging and most meals will be included in the basic price.

And, remember - it usually doesn't cost anything to use a travel agent. We get the same prices you find on the internet and from the cruiselines directly and we can help you with all those pesky details. And, we usually save you money when you're looking at tours because we work with companies who packages all the separate elements into one price.

Now, go call your travel agent - the best prices are the ones you find far in advance of your trip.

Bon Voyage!