STABIILITY OF THE EURO

Why depend on US news sources when international news is available at your fingertips? For Germany, you could read "Die Welle", or the English online edition of "Der Spiegel", a very highly rated and informative magazines. One of the best sources, is also BBC News for information abou all of Europe.

What, exactly, are you worried about? I'm not sure what you are asking, or what you are thinking might happen...

I'm with Angela, what exactly are you worried about? The Euro being unstable likely means it may fall on the dollar, a good thing for us going there. Are you worried about political stability? As in Greece, there could be localized protests and strikes. Some of these could affect specific travel plans - but in your case it sounds like you won't be taking trains and buses. I really don't think Europe will be bringing back fascism any time soon...

Europe simply cannot "turn off" the Euro, so it will be around. Plus, if the Euro sinks to say, $0.75, that means that 1000 Euros will cost you $750 instead of $1250 that it is today. That's bad for people living in Europe, but good for you as someone visiting. Weak currencies make for cheap trips (that's why so many Europeans have been coming to the US in recent years).

There are lots of thing to worry about and this is not one of them. Worse case for us as a country in many ways is the continuing decline of the Euro but if you are traveling then the decline works to your advantage.

I guess I'm suffering from pre-tour jitters. I'm worried that everyone will go back to Marks, Franks, Lira, Kronor, Pesos etc wile we are there leaving us stranded. Like I said my exposure to Europe news is via US news sites and they run more toward sensationalism. I'll spend more time watching the BBC. Trying to put together a 40 day RV trip to Europe is very challenging. So many things to do and remember before you go. Still the planing has been fun and the trip will be even more fun. Thanks

I started traveling in Europe before the Euro was in use. I was never left stranded.

Even if the Euro fell apart, which seems unlikely, it would take time to occur. Countries would have to start printing new money and for a time the Euro would be accepted as valid currency. Plus, whenever a switchover did occur, that country's ATM machines would simply spit out whatever currency was valid. Think of it another way too, no one was left without currency when all these countries went ON the Euro.

"I'm worried that everyone will go back to Marks, Franks, Lira, Kronor, Pesos etc wile we are there leaving us stranded. " Ain't gonna happen. At least not while you are there this fall. A complete breakup of the euro will likely take some time to accomplish. If it does happen eventually, you will be fine with the local currencies. Enjoy your trip and hopefully things will be a little less expensive for you.

This is truly a needless worry. It took years to convert to the Euro and it would take many months to covert back. You have to start printing alternate currency, establish an exchange rate, set a conversion day, etc., etc, so it will not happen on your trip. There are not piles of old currency stored for future use. It was all burned.

Thank you all for your responce.

Practically the worst that will happen in the short term (ie this year) is that the euro will go down somewhat against the dollar. If that bothers you, dont buy euros far in advance of your trip. I would not have any concerns if I pre-purchased my normal $100- $200 before my trip. While you are there your credit and debit cards will be "based upon" actual rate when you use them. So you may make a little on it

While I think the crisis here (crisies? because there are really 3 major interrelated factors) is more serious than a lot of other people, and will have pretty big rammifications, I still wouldn't discourage travel at all. Greece will probably go off the Euro within the year. But it won't be an overnight process. The most frustrating issue for travelers are potential protests and strikes. You can stay abreast of the news by following international news, the BBC is a good place to start. Once you're in the country, you can use twitter and other social media to find out if protests or strikes are planned. Every country in western Europe has protests on a regular basis, most of them are pretty peaceable. Occasionally they can get out of hand, but they're not going to take place all over the city, they'll be focused on one area and you can avoid that area. Frankly I'm more concerned about crazy drunk celebrants from the Euro 2012 soccer tournament than I would be about traveling to Greece, Spain, or Italy.

I live in Germany. We pay for it all. So here's the deal: Unless on June 17th the Greek elect a government that consists of the two large (old and bad) parties, Greece will have to leave the Euro. People in Greece say chances are it will all lead to a civil war as a long overdue thunderstorm/cleansing. For 6 decades now Spain and Italy have kinda managed to survive and they will continue to do so, regardless of what's happening in Greece. Germany is one of the world's richest countries and the only Western economy that has been growing 2010, 2011 and is currently also growing. Germany will guarantee for the Italian and Spanish debt. I would not buy any euros now as it may continue to fall against the GBP and USD. But when you're in Italy in fall it will be just as it's always been like in Italy.

I'm an American living in Germany. Don't worry, it may happen eventually but not this fall. And right now, the exchange rate is good, so if it stays that way it will be good for you. Concentrate on the planning and having fun!!

Listen to Elaine - she speaks sense!