Chart via XE Currency Charts

Great news for American travelers abroad!

As our economy pulls its way out of the recession we’ve been in, and other countries struggle to follow along, the U.S. Dollar has been gaining strength against many of the world’s currencies.

As  you can see in the 2014 Euro vs Dollar chart to the right, it now only takes roughly $1.20 to get a Euro, versus nearly $1.40 to get a Euro last spring.  That translates to a 15% savings on Europe in 2015 for American travelers.

Have you been putting off that trip to Europe?  Better pack your bags!

Here’s a few examples of what that means to you in real dollars:

1. A €200 meal in Paris last year would cost you $280.  This year,  that same meal will cost you $240.
2. A €500 room in Rome last year would cost you $700.  This year, that same room will cost you $600.
3. A €3,000 river cruise last year would cost you $4,200. This year, that same river cruise will only cost you $3,600.

As you translate these currency savings across taxis, tips, souvenirs, and all of the other expenses a luxury traveler might encounter, this can add up to significant savings from last year.

Moral to the story: after many years of a soft dollar, travel abroad looks to be less expensive in 2015. Let’s go have fun!

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.