When the euro fell to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in nearly a decade on Jan. 13, travelers scrambled to book brag-worthy European vacations at rock bottom prices.
While the prices for airfare, cruises and group tours have not dwindled, the exchange rate between the euro and U.S. dollar has. The euro is nearly equivalent to the dollar, and the two currencies haven’t been equal since late 2002! The result is a close-to-perfect situation for European travel.
For the first time in nearly a decade, Europe is on sale. Perennially pricey Paris and other bucket list locales like London and Rome remain high-price destinations, but total trip costs are lower to these cities than they were a year ago. Plus, savvy travelers headed to up-and-coming cities like Riga, Latvia, Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius, Lithuania are stretching their strong dollars further and getting more bang for their buck. Here are 10 European getaways to make while the buck is back.
London is calling
Celebrate the royal baby with a trip across the pond to London. In addition to visiting dozens of iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and Piccadilly Circus, this summer brings additional reasons to visit, including the grand opening of Shrek’s Adventure! London, the summer opening of Buckingham Palace and an Audrey Hepburn exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery.
Paris is for lovers – and bargain hunters
The City of Lights is rarely a cheap destination, but this is the time to see the Mona Lisa at The Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, dig into a Michelin-starred dinner and shop the luxury boutiques that line the Champs-Élysées.
Be fashionable in Milan, Italy
Italy’s fashion capital and its luxury wares are on sale. But there is more to Milan than shopping ‘til you drop. Catch an opera at La Scala and drop by The EXPO Milan 2015, a six-month celebration of food that kicked off May 1.
Don’t miss a chance to see Greek ruins
Visit the ancient ruins of The Acropolis, stroll the streets of the Plaka and sample Greek treats from street side souvlaki stands during a trip to Athens before island hopping to picturesque Crete, Rhodes or Santorini.
Sip and savor Barcelona, Spain
Admire Pablo Picasso’s art at the Museu Picasso, stroll Las Ramblas, walk through Gaudi’s Parc Guell and sample Spanish wines and savory tapas in Barcelona.
Live it up in Lithuania
Palatial palaces, cobblestone streets and rich culture have attracted European tourists to Vilnius for decades, but recently more and more American tourists are discovering the Lithuanian capital. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Presidential Palace, the National Museum of Lithuania, the Museum of Genocide Victims, where you can learn more about the area’s devastating history, and Užupis, a small “republic” of artists.
Riga – the capital of culture awaits
Latvia became the 18th member of the Eurozone on Jan. 1, 2014 and the occasion brought with it increased attention from tourists. Soon to be a bucket list destination for Americans, visitors can step back in time in old Riga on the right bank of the Daugava River, admire Aglona Basilica, explore the Latvian National Museum of Art and people watch in Dome Square and Town Hall Square.
Tallinn – a hidden treasure trove
On the northeastern edge of the European Union, Estonia has been described as similar to Scandinavia, but with a twist. Nearly 50 percent of Estonia is forest, but its medieval capital, Tallinn, is a gem, boasting ornate cathedrals and palaces, cobblestone streets and some of the best food around. Try Chef Peeter Pihel’s Nordic cuisine at Neh, fine Mediterranean cuisine at the Bohemian Alter Ego in Rotermann Quarter and seasonally changing fare at Ribe on Vene Road, the capital’s restaurant street. The history and fine dining alone make Tallinn a timeless treasure worth seeking out.
Zagreb – full of life and fun
Croatia is popular for ecotourism and beautiful beaches, and its capital Zagreb is populated with quaint kaletas (tiny, narrow streets) rich with charm and culture. People watch in Ban Jelacic Square, ride the funicular in the upper part of town and buy a necktie. After all, Croatia is where the necktie was invented!
The Balkans beckon
Even though Serbia is not part of the Eurozone, the U.S. dollar is strong against Serbia’s currency, the dinar (RSD). The capital, Belgrade, with a population of 1.7 million people, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, the Residence of Princess Ljubica and the National Museum.
(Main Image: John Sawicki)
