Paris for the Holidays - Why Go!

Ok, I just read a self styled contrarian article about why this fall is a great time to travel! I'll buy the logic, give the credit, and share it with you. Today, on this dark day when the markets are so upside down that its better to ignore it to avoid depression, or jumping off a cliff! (as the stock markets have done).

Here is a link to the real article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/10/08/holiday.travel/index.html?eref=rss_travel

Here is my take on it for Paris:

Without doing any research on airfares for Thankgsiving and Christmas time, I can at least say this much: The Euro has lost 15% to the $US since its peak just a few months ago. SO, Paris will cost you that much less already!

At Thanksgiving - take the advise of flying on TG day itself and return on Monday. Very low air load days between Europe and North America. Try your FF miles, some people may have returned the miles are let drop some space on hold.

Go to Paris the week before Christmas; you get all the ambiance and lower fares with airlines and hotels. High season rates go into effect between Christmas and New Years.

Smaller crowds overseas: indeed; the fall months of November and first part of December are low travel time in Paris. You can snag a stay 4/pay 3 or similar promotion at many hotels. 4 Star hotels are discounting for the foreign traveler, the state of things would make this even more so.

According to the journalist in the above linked article, fewer people are expected to travel this fall. So, the experience can be that much more pleasant for those who do.

There is always Paris. If I lived in NYC or Boston or other east coast city with lots of direct access; I'd already be booked!

What feels better - losing a thousand dollars in the stock market or spending it on a great escape in Paris!? (rhetorical question!)

L