When the euro was first introduced about 15 years ago, it cost about 95 cents to buy one. It was a true bargain to go to Europe. I remember staying in 5-star hotels in Paris for under $200 per night. The same hotel is four times the price now. I can remember purchasing a R/T flight to Paris for $351 on American Airlines. In the last few years, the euro has gone as high as about $1.50. Now that the dollar is strong and oil is under $60 a barrel, what can we expect in prices on your next tour to Paris or Italy?
I ran my first small group tour to Paris in 2008. The cost was $999. But while it is true I have upgraded hotels and offer far more services such as professional guides since then, the cost of running a tour to Paris has more than doubled. When I ran my first small group tour to Italy back in 2011, we could offer a great tour for just $1,499. But now that cost is up by over 1/3. Again, we have upgraded hotels and offer more professional guide services. I'll explain why Europe has gotten so expensive and why the trend will continue to go that way.