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Is Europe too expensive this summer? Nyet

July 27, 2007

You’ve probably read this advice a hundred times this year: Stay away from Europe. It’s too expensive. But it’s not entirely correct, as my colleague Charlie Leocha pointed out in a recent column. And now there’s fresh evidence to support that claim.

A survey released late yesterday by Priceline finds that Eastern and Central Europe, which it says has been “long-overlooked by tourists,” has become one of the trendiest and most affordable international destinations.

Priceline lists some bargain hotel rates in cities such as Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vilnius — some under $100 a night. To save even more, the online agency suggests a package that combines airfare and hotel. For example, there’s one from New York to Prague, August 6 to 13, that includes round-trip airfare and six nights accommodations at the four-star Corinthia Panorama Hotel, for just $1,138 per person.

Does this mean Europe is affordable? Not exactly.

It just means that that there are exceptions to every rule, and that it wouldn’t be fair to write off an entire continent because of an unfavorable exchange rate — or even the advice of your favorite travel columnist.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

4 comments

  • Enrico

    Yes Elliott i agree with you.

    It’s not right to generalize “Expensive” for all Europe.

    There are thousand of regions and every region has its specific price/service.

    For me one of the cheapesta is the South of Italy (Central Sicily, Calabria, Apulia, some parts of Campania)

    And you? What do you think about Italy?
    Best regards
    Enrico
    http://www.volcanoetna.com/blog

  • Chris (Amateur Traveler podcast)

    You can find affordable hotels, but prices of airline tickets to Europe were very high this year (perhaps lower next year after the Open Skies treaty takes effect). Also many parts of Europe are just more crowded and less enjoyable in Summer. So, if you can travel in the Spring or Fall do that, but if not go anyway.

  • Chris – Anchorage, AK

    “Some under $100 a night”–as if that’s a shocking find! I can’t think of a place I stayed anywhere in Europe (with the exception of London) during the six months of my life I’ve spent traveling over there in 30-plus countries where I spent *over* $100 per night. My record: $6.88 per night in a small roadside unfinished inn somewhere between Arad and Sighisoara, Romania (if Google Maps had more detail, I could probably find it). Eastern Europe is dirt cheap. Even the (then–2001) brand-new, modern and comfortable Ibis in Bucharesti was somewhere near $30 per night.

    I suppose if you must have every luxury at a five-star hotel, you could spend several hundred per night…

  • joe truth

    This is my tenth time to Europe in 10 years. It has definitely gotten more expensive, even in Eastern Europe. The dollar is not doing nearly as good as it used to and prices in Eastern Europe have gone up quite a bit. I’m staying in hostels and cheap hotels for the best bargains, but I am here for two months. For what you pay for, the U.S. has better deals right now. I can get a double room here for 40-60 dollars a night (no stars ;), but can get a hotel room in California for cheaper in most places. Train travel has also gone up over here, but if you come over, don’t get the Eurail pass, a big rip off. Just get your tickets as you go and see it soon before these countries go on the Euro. Still a bargain if you know how to cheap it.

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