Challenges of traveling to Europe this summer

12-06-24

Summer 2024 in Europe promises to be challenging for travelers due to a combination of record visitor numbers, high prices and a weak dollar. Hotel room shortages and rising ticket prices require strategic planning and adjustments to enjoy a vacation.

The depreciation of the U.S. dollar against European currencies has made spending more expensive for American tourists. In June 2024, the dollar was worth approximately 91-92 euro cents, less than the previous year. This decline affects costs in popular destinations such as Italy, France and the United Kingdom, where a €500 hotel room now costs $543, down from $480 last September.

Hotel prices in major European cities have risen sharply due to high demand. High occupancy drives costs, especially for last-minute bookings. A hotel room that cost $300 last year can now cost $500. Hotel Monitor data predicts significant rate increases in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin, with rises between 10% and 11%.