So sad. With the news of the Fed bailout, looks like my thrill of $1.39 exchange was short-lived. Oh well, I suppose $1.48 (if it stays there for a few days) is better than the $1.60 plus that we were expecting a few weeks back.
Yes, the dramatic weakening of the dollar is frustrating given the timing of your trip. The typical ATM rate is interbank + about 2%, so add the 2% to the interbank rate and that will be what most people will pay at the ATM or if they use credit cards to pay for hotels, etc.
It may get a little better but I would check your bank a few times during the trip to see what rate you're getting so you can track your expenses....
I'm sorry! We are going in December, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. However, my mother is getting an inheritance from her aunt in Germany who just passed away, so she is happy about it for herself. She's a traitor! ; )
Some things are out of "our" control. Keep good thoughts and enjoy your journey!
I don't think we'll see the end of the bad dollar until we get the mortgage mess taken care of. Then the central bank can start focusing on the dollars value. If it's any consolation, Europe is going into a recession which should help prices with or without a weak dollar and the dollar may do well in the not-to-distant future (again mortgage mess first).