As they say for every problem there is a solution.
Creativity has its place in many areas.
As the word 'recession' is in the air, are we gonna be recessed and depressed or will it call us to act.
By acting, I mean rethinking the way we live.
Our lives revolve (in the US at least) around consumption...you are what you buy...
I can commiserate about the value of the Dollar versus the Euro and feel that I have no option but to cancel my planned visit to Europe (late summer, early fall).
Starting today, I will look at ways to make the most of our 'new' circumstances in From Consumed to Thrifty.
Rather than give up hope, Rick Steve has good advice on Getting the most from the droopy American dollar (SF Chronicle), basically picking more modest dwellings.
Bed and breakfasts many run by farmers in Europe are not expensive.
Plan to stay for a week and take day trips to attractions in the area.
Hostals in Spain are also affordable.
As an added bonus, you get to stay with the locals.
As a general rule, stay away from tourist traps.
For airfare, after some comparison shopping, I noticed that moving your trip to early September could shave a few hundred dollars off each plane ticket. Places will be less crowded, prices tend to be lower in general and if you are headed for southern Europe, the weather should still be nice. Check different airports if you are flexible and do not book your flight until you see the whole price.
I noticed that taxes and fees on a roundtrip ticket could be anywhere from slightly over $100 to $300 plus.
We could also see lower prices and more choices on the near horizon for US-Europe routes according to Getting to Europe Is About to Get Easier by Michelle Higgins.
It is due to the Open Skies agreement coming into effect on March 30, 2008.
So downturns and recession are not a reason for doom and gloom.
Using our head, being creative, making better and/or different choices can help.
That's it for From Consumed to Thrifty #1
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