European vacation bookings on the rise as Euro weakens

As of Monday, May 10th, 2010 the Euro is being exchanged for 1.28 US dollars. This represents a great value for US travelers as the exchange rate is down from the high of 1.58 that we saw in the middle of 2008. This nearly 20% drop is due to a triumvirate of factors including economic weakness in the EU, the rebound of the American economy, and a third group of macroeconomic factors outside the scope of this article (CDOs, Greece, and world manufacturing numbers.)

What does this mean to you? Well, if you are an American looking to travel abroad the strengthening dollar means that European vacations are more affordable than ever. Recently, travelers have looked to alternative, budget destinations such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Bahamas. This trend has fully reversed as Americans are realizing that the $3,000 luxury trip a year ago is down to nearly $2,500 in real dollars. As this is made apparent European travel agencies are seeing a spike in bookings.

Now, where to go in Europe? This author suggests that one need look no further than Tuscany, the divine province of Italy. Tuscany offers a great deal to enjoy to visitors, guests, and natives alike. While activities are limitless (luxury yoga tour anyone?) generally the to-do list falls into art, architecture, food, and wine.
Sprawling grape vineyards throughout Tuscany give birth to some of the best wines in the world. Wine lovers will enjoy tall glasses of chianti classico and eight other unique chiantis along with numerous wines generally found only in Tuscany. The most serene moment in Tuscany for many travelers is enjoying a glass of chianti in the very vineyard in which it was grown. As the wine takes effect nothing is better than a traditional Tuscan meal. Master Chefs abound, and some are even open to sharing their Tuscan cooking secrets with visitors. Visitors who choose Tuscany food and wine tour provider Tuscan Way for instance, cook side by side with Master Chef Carlo Innocenti and imbibe wines paired perfectly with the food by his son and sommelier Romeo.

Days are spent relaxing in the countryside or enjoying the art and architecture of Italy. Tuscany is home to some of the greatest artisans the world over, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Donatello (three out of four of the ninja turtles!) Tuscany is an artistic wonderland full of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and artistry found only in the home of the Italian Renaissance. 

With Tuscany more affordable than ever thanks to the dollar gaining relative strength to the Euro now is the time to visit. When choosing a tour operator guests should look for access, capacity, and personality (the Tuscan charm). A great trip provider will have arrangements in place for guests to stay at old-world homes and rustic villas, the ability to effectively handle a group of your size (whether large or small), and a true feeling for Tuscany as it once was and currently is.

In the experience of this author, Tuscan Way is the tour provider to choose. Master Chef Carlo Romeo captivates guests, who stay in his personal villa, with Tuscan lore and culinary secrets. For more about Tuscany in general, or to book a trip, visit http://www.tuscanway.com or call 800-766-2390. Buen Provecho!