Why 2016 Is The Perfect Year To Travel To Europe

For many people, the history, food and sights of Europe is a dream trip. However, it doesn’t have to be because 2016 is shaping up to be the perfect year for Americans to finally hop across the pond and start exploring the Old World.

Here are five reasons why you have delayed your European dream trip long enough and why 2016 is the perfect year to visit.

Travel is On the Rise

Travel is becoming easier and accessible to more people, which means that taking a European vacation has never been simpler. Since tourism in Europe has been growing each year, hotels, tours and travel companies have more competition, which means fantastic deals and more opportunities for today's travelers.

From sailing the coasts of Croatia to visiting the Mona Lisa, deals abound, making it tempting to explore your options.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rate between the USD and the Euro is looking good throughout 2016, making this year the perfect time to head to take that trip of a lifetime. While it is not quite equal with the Euro, the American dollar goes a lot further in Europe than it has in the past.

The worth of one dollar has been fluctuating between .91 - .88 Euro cents in the last few months. Just a couple years ago, the exchange rate was between .72 -.74 Euro cents to the dollar.

While this might not sound like a great difference, trust me, it adds up insanely fast. Saving .18 cents a dollar means that for every 10 Euros you spend, you save $1.80. When you stop to think of tours, trains, and planes as well as hotels or hostels, you literally can see the hundreds if not thousands of dollars you save. Basically, now is the time to visit Europe because it is cheaper than it has been in many years.

Flight Prices

Flying has never been easier and 2016 is the year to take to the skies for many reasons. Plane tickets are very affordable and new airline routes are opening up across the world making it easy to get anywhere you want. Plus, competitive airlines will possibly drive the prices down even more.

Budget Airlines are a great way to save money traveling. However, until 2012, there was not a budget airline between America and Europe. That all changed with WOW.

WOW Air advertises one-way flights to Europe for as little as $200. The catch is that this international budget airline only flies out of major airports such as Boston, Washington D.C, New York, and San Francisco.

However, they have also announced that they are expanding and opening more routes from the West Coast of America and Canada. They will also be opening a $99 route from London to America. Why visit Europe in 2016? Well, because it has never been cheaper to get there!

Technology

With the popularity of smartphones, tablets and apps, travel has never been easier.

The rise in apps means that it has never been easier to visit Europe. You have apps for ride shares, cheaper alternatives to cabs, maps that double as guidebooks, language translators, and the list goes on. You never have to worry about getting lost in a city or where to find the best local meal as long as you have your phone handy.

You don't have to be concerned about ordering the wrong meal or saying the wrong word. There is even an app that tells you when to leave for the airport, train station, or tour. For better or worse, apps makes traveling easier and takes the edge off. People find that international travel is just as easy as traveling from America’s East Coast to its West Coast.

(And while you're checking out apps, don't forget to include RoamRight's mobile app!)

Because Travel Is Worth It

Probably the most important reason you should visit Europe in 2016 is because you can. Many people put travel on the backburner because they think it is too expensive or difficult. Traveling is one of the most rewarding gifts that you can give yourself.

It provides you and your family experience with other cultures, see landmarks that have been standing for hundreds of years, and gain a whole new perspective on the world.

Personally, my first trip was to Europe and it changed my entire life forever.

Europe is a fantastic part of the world, and a destination that continues to astound visitors. There is so much to see and do in Europe that it would be impossible to experience everything in one trip.

However, there is no better time to start ticking items off your European bucket list than 2016. What are you waiting for; make traveling to Europe a priority this year because it is an adventure you deserve.

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.