Americans needn't avoid Europe just because the dollar is in the dumps. Spring travel can offer a less touristy experience, surprisingly good weather—and much more bang for the buck.
"Personally, it's my favorite time to go," said Kendra Thornton, spokesperson for Orbitz, a leading online travel company. "You don't have the crowds or the heat—and you feel like you are experiencing the culture instead of rubbing elbows with other tourists."
Thornton reports that her customers are increasingly choosing to visit Europe off-season.
"In Europe, as long as [you travel] before about May 15, when prices start to skyrocket, you can find some good deals and better availability," she said. "We've seen an increase among our customers traveling at those off-peak times."
Airfares a Fraction of Summer Rates
Travelers can save significantly on airfare alone.
"I'm seeing Boston-to-London flights for [U.S.] $450, Los Angeles-to-London for $580," Thornton reports. "At peak times in June, July, and August [those fares] can be almost double."
Erin Corrigan, assistant regional publishing manager for the venerable Lonely Planet travel guides, also favors off-season travel for the both the experience and the savings.
"We use our frequent-flier miles," she said. "That's a lot easier to do in the spring, with more seats available. In the summer they release only a few seats on each plane, and you have to book really far in advance."
Corrigan also notes that travelers without miles can fly on the cheap by taking advantage of off-season fairs to European hubs like London. Savvy travelers can separately book flights to their final destination on discount European airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet or through European discount-airfare sites like www.openjet.com.
"Some of them have insanely cheap fares and are running crazy promotions. I've seen tickets for less than a pound just to get people flying," Corrigan said.
Indeed, the www.ryanair.com Web site is currently offering 99-pence (U.S. $1.86) fares from London-Stansted to many destinations including Berlin, Stockholm, and Rome. While blackout dates and restrictions apply, travel can be booked through the spring season.
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