The Dollar is Sinking

The U.S. Dollar has fallen to a six-month low against the Euro and is projected to continue to sink. Financial experts are concerned that President Trump and his administration, which has bounced from one crisis to another over the past three months, are incapable of following through with campaign promises of an economic stimulus package.  Instead of positive economic news coming from the USA, it seems that all eyes (and pocketbooks) are focused on the drama brewing in Washington. While this may rouse varied emotions from us Americans, it will only directly affect those who travel internationally, especially those traveling to Europe.  So, if you have international travel planned this summer, here are some tips to help you ward off the sinking Dollar woes.

  1. Purchase Euro cash from your bank now; don’t wait. Most major banks will sell its customers foreign currency.  This comes with fees and markups, but it may be a small price to pay, especially if the dollar continues to sink.  For two travelers, I suggest purchasing €200 per week to get you started.  Keep in mind that Europeans use cash a lot more than we do here at home.
  2. Do Not purchase foreign currency at the airport kiosks or online sites. These companies rely on unsuspecting travelers who need to exchange money but do not have the skills to do it themselves.  These online sites and kiosks charge the highest exchange rates and come with expensive fees as well.
  3. Use a credit card designed for travel. Most credit card companies have cards designed for the traveler offering no foreign transactions fees and other travel benefits such as 24/7 travel assistance, accrual points and other features.  If you must use a credit card, enquire about this type of card.
  4. Do Not pay for your foreign purchases in real or virtual US Dollars. Americans traveling in Europe will always loose when paying in US Dollars.  Never pay for anything using US Dollars cash.  If making a credit card transaction, always decline the option of paying in US Dollars.  Both of these options may be presented to unsuspecting travelers.  Transactions of this sort carry the highest exchange rates. See my article for more details: https://goo.gl/rUOJO8
  5. Don’t fret and worry about the exchange rate while traveling. There is absolutely nothing we can do to influence the world’s financial markets, so don’t sweat the small stuff!  Try to avoid doing calculations and asking, “How much is that in dollars?”  Enjoy your vacation, spend your money and sort it all out when you get home. 

[divider scroll_text=””]

Discounts on Summer Travel

Take advantage of big savings and explore the British Isles on tours departing this summer: Taste O’ Ireland July 6-15, The Essence of Ireland July 16-25, and The Best of Scotland and Wales August 3-12. See below for more details.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle is home to ancient monastic sites, fairy forts and charming villages. In almost any village pub you are sure to receive a warm welcome and be regaled with traditional Irish music. Our tours offer a perfect balance of sightseeing and cultural experiences to help you explore the land of forty shades of green.

On the Taste O’ Ireland tour, you will:

  • take a tour of the Guinness Brewery and enjoy an authentic pint of stout
  • visit Trinity College for a look at the Book of Kells
  • kiss the Blarney Stone
  • stop in at a pub for live folk music
  • see a crystal-cutting demonstration
  • do an Irish whiskey tasting
  • peep over the edge of the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher
  • and more!

See the full itinerary and sign up for the upcoming tour here: July 6-15

On the Essence of Ireland tour, you will:

  • take a tour of the Guinness Brewery and enjoy an authentic pint of stout
  • visit a 5,000-year-old tomb
  • kiss the Blarney Stone
  • stop in at a pub for live folk music
  • peep over the edge of the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher
  • explore the neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey and medieval Dunluce Castle
  • walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
  • and more!

See the full itinerary and sign up for the upcoming tour here: July 16-25

The Best of Scotland and Wales

From the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the remote islands along the west coast to the serenity of the Lake District and the medieval castles and quaint villages of northern Wales, you’ll explore some of the best sites the UK has to offer.

Here are some of the wonderful experiences that await you:

  • catch a glimpse of the Stone of Scone (aka the Coronation Stone) in Edinburgh Castle
  • visit the oldest golf course in the world at St. Andrews
  • enjoy fresh-caught, local seafood in the coastal town of Oban
  • take a ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland
  • take in the rolling hills and peaceful villages of the Lake District
  • climb the impressive defensive castles of Conwy and Caernarfon
  • tour a working woolen mill and ride a steam-powered train
  • and more!

See the full itinerary and sign up for the upcoming tour here: August 3-12

 

[divider scroll_text=””]

 

Your Adventure Starts Here!

DM-signature short