European Economy & Travel Concerns

Well you are not going to Greece,,where there are some real problems( but I would go there too anyways) . I am going this summer too, and I see no issues that will affect me, the average tourist. Thats like someone from another country being nervous abougoing to Hawaii for a vacation, I mean stuff that has happened in your economy can sound scary too,, but it doesn't affect tourists. Bluntly, your concern is for nothing .

Rough times ahead especially for Italia but collapsing? Can't fathom that. Our economy is at it's worst but are Europeans putting off their first time visits here? No. The sky is not falling. Grey with storm warnings but not falling. Economies world wide are taking major hits. There is a recession and in some areas the outlook is bleak. However, American Airlines would fail before continental Europe. Take your trip.

If you are looking reasons not to go, then don't go. The Euro failing is pretty low on my list of things of worry about. In fact, cannot find it on the list. IF it was to fail it would not be overnight. It would be downward spiral with the dollar getting strong and everything getting cheaper in Europe. That would be great.

Actually bad economy there is good news for you. Your dollar will go farther.

not to worry, if you wait for the "perfect time" to go it will never happen.

Christine, While the financial situation in Europe isn't likely to improve any time soon, the economy of those two countries is too large for the IMF and Euro countries to allow them to fail. I'd have no hesitation at all travelling there (and hopefully will be later this year). As you've "waited years to do" this trip, there's really no reason to delay it any longer. I'm sure the tourist businesses will welcome all the visitors they can get! Happy travels!

The US has very close to the same debt problems as Europe. Would you encourage people not to visit the US? Both our currencies are dropping like a rock against gold. I'm not encouraging everyone to go buy gold, just remember that both the Euro and the Dollar are suffering because of the underlying debt of both the Eurozone and the US. You can travel Europe with the exact same confidence you would travel domestically. Even in a worst-case scenario (worst-case is breakup of the Eurozone, hopefully it won't be worst case scenario), I don't expect major impacts on travel.

Mark Twain once said that he worried about seven disasters in his lifetime, and one of them came true.

I have visited Japan, a country whose economy has been stagnant for the last 20 years, and for the casual visitor the problems are almost invisible (except for the near zero interest rates you see advertised at banks). I think it will be the same with Europe. Even if the Euro is abolished there will probably still be a transition, much like the transition to the Euro.

It's probably true that there will be more labor action across Europe because of these austerity measures, but that doesn't mean one shouldn't travel in Europe or somehow become overly-concerned about something she has no control over. And it's not like European-style strikes are anything new...they've been happening forever. I was just talking with a retired fine arts dealer who lived in Europe for 12 years...said she always packed light (one bag) so that she could manage her own luggage when the trains weren't running due to strike. If you're worried about cancellations, delays, etc., just buy a good travel insurance policy...cheap for the peace of mind it will give you. And be prepared for the potential to make some changes if your travel plans get a little screwed up because of strikes. Being connected with laptop, iPAD, etc. when traveling is becoming more and more essential IMHO. BTW, as someone pointed out earlier, it's not like the Euro will crash and burn overnight. This isn't the 1920s. It's also unlikely that any country on it will pull out. Make sure you have a couple of credit cards and a couple of debit cards. As for strikes, roll with the punches if they jack with your plans. You've waited years for this trip...don't let a poor economy and a little negative press ruin it now. I'll bet a Euro (Romney might bet $10,000) you'll be so happy with your trip and the memories you'll have that you'll start planning the next one on your flight home...seriously! Maybe we could start a list of legitimate random reasons to cancel a trip: I'll start with nuclear meltdown right in the center of the city I am to visit. Strikes? No. Terrorists? No. Volcano? No. Acute radiation poisoning? Yes.

Thanks everyone for your wise and thoughtful comments. We are definitely going and looking forward to every moment.

I guess I'll be the contrary voice here. There is one possibility that could significantly affect your travel plans. Budgetary cuts raise the liklihood that a union strike could interfere with your plans, particularly if it involves transit workers. Although these can (and do) occur even in good times, strikes could be more frequent and severe this year... witness what's happening today in Belgium. That's really all I would worry about, though.

Tom, that is always the "could be" argument. Do a little risk assessment. The probability of something happen to you is very remote. The probability of a strike somewhere in Europe is high but the probability of both happening at the same time and place is remote. Remember the risk of injury is the drive to the airport but we seldom let that bother us.

"The probability of a strike somewhere in Europe is high but the probability of both happening at the same time and place is remote." Huh? What is the other factor in this "both" which must happen at the same time? I agree with Tom that transport strikes are likely, especially in Italy. Our last two trips there have encountered transport strikes. But they don't shut down the country and some trains run in any case. If you are going to Italy I'd say just build a bit of flexibility and a relaxed attitude into your plans, so if you do happen to encounter a trasnport strike, you can take it in stride.

I repeat again... "witness what's happening today in Belgium." We're likely to see more of this before we see less.

One time I was glad I didn't have a hotel reserved for the night was when I was stranded in Savona, It. by a strike. I was able to stay overnight in a hotel there and continue my journey the next day.

Christine, I would have no concerns whatever about traveling this summer. I'm headed to Croatia myself this fall, used to live in Milan (the economy hasn't been great there in a while), and was in France this past summer. Economies are having a tough time pretty much all over but you won't even be noticeable to you guys as visitors. yes, perhaps there will be a short transit strike in Italy or France while you are there but that's just a minor inconvenience and there are always workarounds. Even if the Euro zone collapsed (which it won't), it wouldn't happen overnight. The Euro is actually at a better exchange rate now. Don't be concerned with this issue AT ALL, and have a fabulous trip!

Well you have paused and thought about it. But now it's time to pack your bags and make your dream a reality! Make sure you pack something to barter with and you'll be fine :)

Thanks for all of your comments. We are past worrying and cannot wait for June to arrive and be on our way!

Tom has a point, strikes can disrupt your plans. They are like snow storms, not easy to plan for but can be very disruptive. Many times they are announced a short while ahead of time, which may give you some time to react. I like snow as long as I don't have to be anywhere. The problem is, on your vacation, you are trying to get somewhere without losing too much valuable travel time. Probably the only thing you can do is be flexible. Think ahead about back up plans if the trains aren't running. If possible, leave some flexibility in your schedule for the disruption.

Way back in '92 when we went on our class trip to Italy there was a bus driver strike. Our driver kept on driving us regardless. Someone did break the glass in the back of our bus as a result of the strike. Added a bit of drama to the trip but I honestly hadn't thought of it in years until reading this thread. The trip was still fabulous despite the strike!