Strong Euro

Here we go again; this time I put out a link to MSNBC geared mostly to Americans going abroad. We have published many of these tips over time. Here it is anyway:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23599512/

Here are my unfiltered comments on these tips:

1. Skip the UK, especially London if you want to save any money! Sorry old chaps, its a fact that the British pound is very high and London costs are out of sight!

2. Paying $US in advance and locking that rate - this is always converted from Euros, so don't think its a savings right away; it will only work out for you if you prepay in $US and the $US continues to lose value after that. If it gains value, then you will have paid too much.

3. Tip numbers 6&7 are excellent - its worth a lot of money to do your homework in advance; study your credit card fees/services.

4. Sleeping on the train - good luck! You can save a hotel night, but don't think you'll sleep unless you can sleep through noise, lights, intrusions, among strangers, etc, etc...

5. Breakfast - take it at the hotel and chow down. You will not save buying a cafe and croissant on the street - you get little for the same price outside the hotel.

6. Location of lodging - the last tip is a very dubious. You want to go to Paris, see the city of light on a once in a lifetime trip and ride the RER line with commuters out and back each day? Stay in the suburbs where nothing happens? Forget it. Go down a notch in star quality, but don't leave this city. Maybe some other capitals its ok, but I can't think of one right now.