Most of our clients are Americans, but not all.  For those of you in the USA , here is a forecast sent to us by our Forex broker:

Reuters released the results of its New Year forecast poll yesterday. According to the poll (made up of 63 forecasters) the euro is expected to remain above the $1.45 level for the first half of the year as the dollar continues to be dogged by concerns about the outlook for the US economy and monetary policy. However, there is scope for a modest recovery in H2.  

This doesn't concern our Canadian, Australian, and other clients so much. Your currencies have risen in value, but at the same time as the Euro, your buying power may have increased but only moderately.  

Here are some tips to get more out of your purchases:

1. Will you buy Euros in advance of travel?  Or, can you prepay some items.  It pays to get familiar with the currency market and lock in dips in the Euro to your currency.  Pre-pay when possible, either with credit card or by wire transfer through a forex broker.
   
2. Buy airfare in advance.  Last minute deals rarely work on the heavy routes to Europe .
   
3. Hotels in Paris offer low season rates in July and August.  Look for seasonality. Offsetting however are the highest airfares at this time.  Add it all up.
   
4. Car versus train:  car costs are going up, and fuel costs have to be considered after rental rates.  Can you get by with a rail pass?  Can you hire a private driver or join a minivan tour for some excursions you might like to do for sites inaccessible by train?  Is a one day minivan or private driver worth it versus the hassle of renting a car?
   
5. Dining:  Visit the markets, eat in bistros, and take advantage of breakfast in your hotel are just a few ways to get the best value for your dining dollar!

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