Porto, Portugal — nevertheless, it is still a good time to travel to Europe
The statistics actually look a little awesome. More people are traveling than in the long run – at the same time more and more flights are being canceled across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. Despite this, and the heat waves, and the rising cost of a ticket, it may actually be a good time to travel. Due to the exchange rate.
As travel restrictions in Europe were lifted in June for almost all major EU destinations, flights increased by 29% year-on-year, as reported by TripIt from Concur, with top destinations including London, Paris, Barcelona and Rome.
Greece, for example, saw an 884% increase in flight arrivals in April compared to the same month last year and Bulgaria expects 6 million tourists this summer.
But the disruption is just beginning. The Guardian reported that the confluence of Father’s Day and Juneteenth, along with a season of “revenge travel,” led to chaos across the United States with 4,200 flights delayed and 900 canceled on Sunday alone— merger for a total of 19,000 interrupted flights since then. last Thursday. Friday, June 17 was the busiest day of the year for air travel, according to the TSA.
Across the Atlantic, The Telegraph reported that UK airports and airlines were plunged into considerable chaos. Easyjet, Britain’s largest airline, has decided to cut thousands of more flights by the end of September. And across Europe, the crews of French Ryanair planes have called for ‘unlimited’ strikes over the summer on a call for a pay rise, a strike is planned in Italy for the end of June, as reported by Bloomberg and Lufthansa of Germany are canceling 1,000 flights during due July. staff shortages.
Don’t forget to add to the mix the unprecedented temperatures that are sweeping across Europe (travelers should be aware that there are water restrictions and they can have an impact on holiday plans).
And air fares are the highest they have been so far this year. Skytra co-founder Elise Weber said: “Ticket prices in May for the domestic routes of the European and North American economy were the highest this year. While European prices have not fluctuated in the same way as North America has, they have also been on an upward trajectory since January. “
However, the one plus for anyone traveling from the United States to Europe is that the two currencies, the USD and the Euro, are reaching parity for the first time in twenty years — a fact that encourages to Wise’s Senior Director of Global Expansion, Sharon Anne Kean, to advise that now is the time to convert dollars to euros even if you plan to travel later this year, or even next.
Another helpful tip for overcoming chaos? Try not to check any luggage.
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