TRAVEL TALK - - VOLUME 4 - - SPRING/SUMMER 2011 EUROPEAN SUMMER - FALL DEALS Sky high airfares in peak season have slowed travel to Europe. Escorted Tour Vendors, River Cruise Companies and Cruise Lines have reacted with discounts to keep people moving and the slowdown has generated some pretty good off season rates. Given the fuel surcharges many airfares are running $1500 if you have to go between mid June and Labor Day but we are seeing fares around $1000 starting in October. One strategy if you are thinking of Europe this year is to wait until the crowds go home and travel in the fall. Usually entrance to museums like the Vatican, the Lourve or the Uffizi Gallery are less crowded with shorter wait times plus the weather in Europe is delightful in the fall and hotel rates are lower. We have also gone back to using "bulk" tour operator fares in peak season that we have not used in a few years as they are sometimes under published fares and the tour companies have put support money or discounts into the market to help offset the airfares. I recently sold a Viking River Cruise on the Danube where the clients got 2 for 1 cruise fares and a $500 discount on the bulk airfare. European Tours and River Cruises
Cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe MSC Criuses has had some last minute departures at $599 inside cabin (plus tax). Check out the new program they have on selected ships for the Yacht Club experience starting at $3999 (fall, $5229 peak season) including Complimentary airfare from Miami, NYC, Boston, Atlanta Chicago and other cities, $200 onboard credit, Complimentary Wines and Spirits in the private enclave, Complimentary Airport Transfers and One Night Hotel Stay included with your package. Live Italian Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous while you sail the Mediterranean on one of the newest vessels available.
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