A beautiful view of Chamonix, France.Photo: Aishe (Shutterstock)
Inflation? What inflation? Depending on how you look at it, traveling to Europe is now cheaper than it has been in quite some time, as the Euro and the U.S. dollar are close to parity for the first time in approximately 20 years. As recently as 2020, the Euro was worth more than $1.20; today, the exchange rates stands at $1.02, which works out to a rough 20% discount. For the world traveler, that means it’s the perfect time to explore some amazing cities on the continent.
Whether you’re looking for a city break or want to explore the countryside, here are seven fantastic European trips that will help you stretch your dollar even further.
Girona, Spain. Girona is a beautiful city in northeastern Spain that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the likes of Barcelona and Madrid. However, Girona has a lot to offer visitors, including stunning architecture, medieval streets, and incredible views of the Pyrenees mountains. Girona is also well known for being a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Chamonix, France. Chamonix is a world-famous ski resort in the French Alps, and while it’s not normally an inexpensive destination, the dropping value of the Euro means you’ll likely never have a better chance to visit. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy even if you don’t ski or snowboard, or prefer to visit during the warmer months.
Milos, Greece. The Greek island of Milos is well-known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and incredible sunsets, but it’s not as well known (or expensive) as other popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Ragusa, Italy. Ragusa is a charming town in southeastern Sicily that is often overlooked by tourists visiting Italy. However, Ragusa has a lot to offer visitors, including beautiful Baroque architecture, a well-preserved old town, stunning views of the Iblean mountains, and fantastic wine.
Brugge, Belgium. Brugge is a medieval city in northwestern Belgium that’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is incredibly well-preserved, with narrow cobbled streets, canals, and historic buildings. Brugge is also known for its delicious chocolate, so be sure to try some while you’re there!
Baden-Baden, Germany. Baden-Baden is a spa town in southwestern Germany often overlooked by tourists. Baden-Baden features stunning architecture, world-famous spas (it’s worth visiting more than one while you’re there!), and incredible views of the Black Forest.
Split, Croatia. While not using the Euro yet, Croatia is set to join the Eurozone on January 1, 2023. That means 2023 will be a great year to visit Split or anywhere else in Croatia—especially if the Euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate remains close to where it is now. Split is known as a gateway to the Dalmatian islands, but the city itself is also worth exploring, with its beautiful architecture, Roman ruins, and medieval streets.
