How to save on summer travel to Europe

An excerpt from the International Herald Tribune

Tiffany M. Luck

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Forbes.com

The weak dollar doesn't mean you have to substitute "Roman Holiday" for "National Lampoon's European Vacation."

In Pictures: 10 ways to save on summer travel to Europe

Though it's more difficult than ever to travel the continent without going over budget, it's not impossible. By looking for incentive packages with added value, booking an apartment stay over a hotel room and exploring lesser-known regions, for example, travelers are able to overcome a lousy exchange rate and end up with a luxurious stay.

It's possible to visit Italy, France and the United Kingdom, which are the continent's most popular destinations, says Barbara King, co-president of Leawood, Kansas-based Great Getaways, if you're smart about your accommodations.

Exploring off-the-beaten track properties - such as a countryside villa instead of a city hotel - can offer great savings, especially when you factor in transportation, says Sandy Cutrone, president of European Connection, a Roslyn Heights, New York-based specialty tour operator and a preferred member of Virtuoso, a network of travel agents. Villa Olmi Resort - a luxuriously restored old farm estate on about 15 acres of land with 62 rooms - is one such place. It offers guests a heated outdoor pool, a restaurant and wine bar, and is located near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, with complimentary transportation to and from the city. Cutrone says the villa is a third less expensive than a comparable stay in the city.

Those set on a hotel stay may find working with an experienced hotel booking company can help them navigate the exchange rate by negotiating better nightly hotel rates.

Christian Tours

As I research great places to go at great prices, I usually come across some pretty cool events as well.
I wanted to know about tours that mainly focused on Bible history. I ultimately found the perfect site. A blog called Christian World Travel. On their blog, the author spoke about the very popular, Oberammergau Passion Play which is only performed once a decade, so planning a trip for 2010 would be a good idea if you want to attend this special event in the Bavarian Alps.
You can set up a group travel there or join one of theirs. They offer a wide selection of tours that incorporates the play, with tours to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic or they'll help you set up your own custom group tour.
This was a great find since it was exactly what I was seeking.
What a great blog!