It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.
Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities

The value of the U.S. dollar has been slowly moving up since the last quarter of 2008 and gas prices are at their lowest levels in four years. If you can afford a vacation, 2009 promises to be a year for travel bargains.

Travel to Europe

On April 2008, it cost $1.60 to buy a euro. As of mid-December, a euro cost just $1.36. Today, the Euro is trading at $1.28.

The slowing global economy and the dollar slowly gaining on the Euro means 2009 may be the right year to visit Europe.

Rick Seany, FareCompare’s CEO recently reported “the airlines are offering deep discounts in the face of weakening bookings”.

According to Seaney, “international travel is going to have the best deals in the last three to four years,” due to decreases in fuel surcharges.

Travel Trends for 2009

A recent Associated Press report published a list of Top Travel Trends for 2009.

Among them were:

• unconventional lodging, such as home swaps or staying in a monastery and
• “glamping,” or glamorous camping, where a tour company provides comfy bedding and nice meals so you don’t have to rough it while experiencing remote or wild places.

For more information on “glamping” in Corsica and other European destinations, download my free Easy Guide to Trekking in Corsica or visit these websites:

www.tour-aventure.com/gb

www.europe-active.com/gb

These tours are not just for athletic 20-30 year olds. Tour Aventures offers itineraries for all ages and fitness levels including families with children.

I paid 510€ during peak season for a seven (7) day hike with 3 meals a day included. Normally the price for that particular tour is 460€. See photos of this trip here.

I will continue presenting ways of traveling in style while saving money in future posts so stay tuned.

Related posts

Bad News: Fewer Fliers. Good News: Cheaper Flights – for Now.
Buying Euros
Flying to Corsica from North America

Filed under: Travel