Helpline Question of the Month: Should we delay traveling if there is economic trouble in Europe?
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Is taking a trip to a country while it's going through economic uncertainty a case of bad timing...or good timing...or does it not really matter? Christine has heard lots of negativity in the news about Europe's economy, so she's turned to her fellow travelers for a reality check.
Tag along on Christine's journey through our Travelers Helpline...
"My husband and I are planning a 3-week trip this summer to France and Italy. This is a trip we've waited years to do, but we are getting a bit nervous with all of the negative news reporting regarding the European economy and what happens if the economies of those countries fail. Is anyone else out there having similar concerns? What happens if we're there and the Euro fails? How do we pay for things, etc.? Hopefully, our concern is for nothing but it does give pause for thought. We would love to hear any and all comments."
— Christine in Havertown, PA
Pat
Victoria, Canada
Well you are not going to Greece, where there are some real problems (but I would go there anyways). I am going this summer, and I see no issues that will affect me, the average tourist. That's like someone from another country being nervous about going 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.
Claudia
Land of la
Rough times ahead, especially for Italia, but collapsing? Can't fathom that. Our economy is at its 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 worldwide 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.
Frank
Centennial, CO
If you are looking for reasons not to go, then don't go. The Euro failing is pretty low on my list of things to worry about. In fact, cannot find it on the list. IF it was to fail it would not be overnight. It would be a downward spiral with the dollar getting strong and everything getting cheaper in Europe. That would be great.
Ilja
Seattle, WA
Actually, a bad economy there is good news for you. Your dollar will go farther.
Toni
Long Beach, CA
Not to worry. If you wait for the "perfect time" to go, it will never happen.
Ken
Vernon, Canada
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!
Brad
Gainesville, VA
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.
Dennis
Redmond, WA
Mark Twain once said that he worried about seven disasters in his lifetime, and one of them came true.
Ted
Sydney
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.
Christine
Havertown, PA
Thanks everyone for your wise and thoughtful comments. We are definitely going and looking forward to every moment.
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany
I guess I'll be the contrary voice here. There is one possibility that could significantly affect your travel plans. Budgetary cuts raise the likelihood 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.
Frank
Centennial, CO USA
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.
Sasha
Bainbridge Island
"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 transport strike, you can take it in stride.
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany
I repeat again..."
witness what's happening today in Belgium." We're likely to see more of this before we see less.
Michael
Des Moines, IA
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!
Our independent, volunteer Travelers Helpline contributors are sincere, but not infallible! Follow their advice at your own risk. This thread was gently edited for brevity and clarity. Ask your European travel question on the Travelers Helpline.