Value in Europe?
Wheels coming off the cart in Europe?
With the wheels coming off the cart in the European economy these days with a potential debt default in Greece and looming deficit issues in Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that next year might be a great time to travel to Europe.
In the past two months the Euro has dropped about 8% against the dollar, and, more importantly, Europeans themselves are tightening their belts for a major recession, which means they simply won’t be traveling as much.
Cold winter in Europe?
Add to this a prediction of an unusually cold winter in Europe, which equates to abnormally high heating costs, and many Europeans will be strapped for cash for “pleasure items” like travel.
All of this likely will have an impact on villa owners and hotels, since taking European travelers out of the equation will put pressure to moderate prices to keep their properties occupied, so-called “heads on beds”.
Add to this a falling Euro to dollar ratio, and now is the time to think about that vacation you’ve been putting off to Europe.
Villa owners hold the line on pricing for 2012
At A Season Away we are seeing villa owners hold the line on price increases for 2012 and they are anxious to get reservations on the books.
Click here to read a good analysis of the European situation from the news magazine The Week.
How early to book a villa in Italy or France?
We are often asked how early one needs to book a villa vacation in Italy or France and the answer is really quite simple: Before the other guy grabs the property you want.
Our top requests by Americans tend to be for the key weeks of the last two weeks in June and the first week in July. This may have something to do with family reunions, grandchildren’s camps schedules, etc.
As a practical matter, there is still intense competition for get properties during those weeks, so, despite the potential softness in the European market, NOW is the time to think about booking your Italian or French villa rental.
Free wine offer to thaw the European Freeze
A Season Away is offering a free case of local Italian or French wine for any bookings made before October 31 to help loosen up the European Freeze!
If you aren’t sure a villa vacation is right for you or your clients, click the box below to obtain a free booklet from A Season Away: Finding the Perfect Villa.
