December 16, 2004
Europe getting expensive for Americans
Here's an interesting article dicussing how a weaker dollar affects various aspects of the travel industry. For example an American woman living in France who gives Americans tours and gets paid in US dollars claims to be hurting. So do many Americans who work in embassies and consulates in Europe. I know they make good money, so I don't feel sorry for them no matter what the exchange rate is.
European companies in the tourism industry are seeing smaller profit margins as they try not to pass on the cost of the rising Euro to American tourists. Meanwhile, Americans are headed elsewhere. For example a trip to Prague is about 1/3 cheaper than a trip to Rome. Go further into Eastern Europe and I'm sure prices will also decline although finding the right plane tickets becomes more difficult.
Also interesting is that European tourists are more likely to come to America now that their money goes a bit further. This is expected to be the first year since 2000, that we see an increase in the number of European tourists.
Posted by James Trotta at December 16, 2004 2:37 PM
I am sure that they are well paid, but as anyone who has moved from one state to another will tell you, the cost of living can be vastly different. My manager at work recently moved here from another state, with no raise in his pay. His family is seriously hurting because of it. The cost of home, food, and insurance are much higher here compared to where they were.
I have been considering a job in France myself, but have decided against it because the cost of living there is much higher, and I will not have access to much of the government programs that they offer (plus the taxes for next year would be a bear). The current exchange rate exacerbates the problem even more since the dollar simply does not buy what it used to. While the salary they are offering is good for most places in the US, it simply will not be livable in Paris, or even NYC for that matter.
Posted by: KC at December 27, 2004 10:29 AMI am sure that they are well paid, but as anyone who has moved from one state to another will tell you, the cost of living can be vastly different. My manager at work recently moved here from another state, with no raise in his pay. His family is seriously hurting because of it. The cost of home, food, and insurance are much higher here compared to where they were.
I have been considering a job in France myself, but have decided against it because the cost of living there is much higher, and I will not have access to much of the government programs that they offer (plus the taxes for next year would be a bear). The current exchange rate exacerbates the problem even more since the dollar simply does not buy what it used to. While the salary they are offering is good for most places in the US, it simply will not be livable in Paris, or even NYC for that matter.
Posted by: KC at December 27, 2004 10:29 AMHi James,
Very true Europe is very expensive.
Here is something to help your readers with regard to accommodation in Dublin/Ireland.
Almara Accommodations Dublin is a free quality accommodation booking service specializing in the Dublin area. We find and book Long/Short Term accommodations,Hostels,B&Bs and Hotels at no charge. No group is too big or too small. Trust 13 years of local accommodation experience.
Tell us what and where in Dublin you want (budget to 5 star) and we will reserve for you or give you the telephone numbers to reserve for yourselves. See www.almarabb.com/almaraa.htm