A precipitous drop in the value of the euro means that the price of going to Europe just went down. Way down.
Last year, the exchange rate between dollars and euros was close to $1.40 per euro. Earlier this week, the rate was $1.05. It's bounced up a little since then, but analysts expect the rate to go lower. That means that hotels, rental cars, rail tickets, meals and admission tickets now are 30 percent cheaper than they were last summer. That's great news for travelers.
Right now, airfare prices are holding steady between $1,000 and $1,300 roundtrip on Condor between Anchorage and Frankfurt, the only nonstop service from Alaska to Europe. Icelandair is the next-quickest option, offering service to Europe with a stop in Iceland. Icelandair offers a $1,300 roundtrip fare in May to Frankfurt, with a free stop in Iceland. Depending on the dates, service by Delta, United or American costs more and takes longer — via the Lower 48.
There is only one currency exchange in Alaska, at the Wells Fargo office near Fifth Avenue and Gambell Street in Anchorage (630 E. Fifth Ave.). You must have a Wells Fargo account to exchange money. Earlier this week, the bank was selling euros for around $1.10. That's a little higher than the published interbank rate, but it's pretty good for exchanging the small amounts that most travelers need. The bank tellers indicated they have been selling more euros as some travelers are pre-purchasing the euros they will need for their upcoming trips.
It's not a bad idea to have a small amount of cash when you travel to Europe. I wouldn't take more than $200 in local currency. For the rest, I would use my debit card at an ATM in the Frankfurt Airport. There typically is a $5 or $6 charge for the ATM, so I get 500 euros at a time.
Be sure and notify your bank in advance of your travel — and ask the bank to increase your daily withdrawal limit from $300 to $800 or $1,000. That is because credit card transactions still are not as commonplace as they are here in the U.S. This is especially true if you opt for less-expensive bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Cash is king.
It's a good idea to take more than one credit card with you, in case there is a problem. It seems there always is a problem with credit cards on the road. Again, be sure and call your bank in advance of departure. They will ask you which countries you'll be visiting and on what dates.
Pick your credit cards wisely. I carry a rewards card from Chase (Chase Sapphire Preferred) that does not charge a 3 percent "currency conversion fee" on each and every transaction. Unfortunately, my favorite credit card from Bank of America (the Alaska Airlines Visa) charges this fee — which is why I never, ever use this card outside the U.S. Even if you're buying a ticket on a foreign airline in the U.S., Bank of America will charge the fee. So be careful.
If you want to use your smartphone and laptop while in Europe, I recommend renting a portable hotspot from either Cellular Abroad or Xcom Global. Check their respective websites to find out if they offer service in the countries you're visiting. There are several options available, all of which are significantly less expensive than using your AT&T or Verizon international roaming packages. GCI does not offer any international roaming option. With Cellular Abroad or Xcom Global, you can rent a phone, buy an unlocked phone, or get a SIM card for your own device. You also can get a device that is valid in more than one country.
Once you set your itinerary, you can examine both companies to see which plan is right for you. The plans tie into the host country's cellular network, so you'll have more widespread coverage than if you were counting on the free Wi-Fi at your hotel. Also, if you're using the portable hotspot you can use your phone for Skype or Google phone calls.
If you're traveling internationally, consider the "Global Entry" option from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office. The program costs $100 and your card is good for five years. The application process includes an online form with lots of questions — similar to those you might answer in a visa application. It's followed by an in-person interview. Now, applicants can schedule an interview at the customs office at the airport. At the interview, they will take your fingerprints and a mugshot.
When you're approved, you will be able to re-enter the U.S. using a kiosk instead of going through the line. It's very quick. There's another side benefit: You always will be able to use the "TSA Pre-Check" line, regardless of the airline. That is a huge convenience, in my opinion. It's well worth $100.
The only thing better than getting a good deal on a ticket to Europe is winning a couple of them for free. Sign up to win a pair of tickets on Condor Germany Airlines to Frankfurt at the Alaska Summer Showcase on Saturday, March 28, between noon and 5 p.m.
Like last year, the Alaska Summer Showcase will be held at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The theme is "jumpstart your summer" and the event features about 25 travel companies, along with more than $20,000 in travel prizes. (Disclosure: I am the event organizer.)
Top prizes include a pair of tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, flightseeing from Talkeetna with K2 Aviation featuring a glacier landing, a three-day/two-night Kennicott Glacier Lodge package with meals, as well as flightseeing from Wrangell Mountain Air and a glacier hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Other prizes include a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise from CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp., as well as tickets on the Alaska Railroad.
Make-a-Wish will have a table next to the Alaska Airlines booth where attendees can donate Alaska Airlines miles for "wish kids" and their families to go on once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Presenters will represent many different areas of Alaska, including Southeast (Travel Juneau), Kodiak (Galley Gourmet/Cliff House B & B), Far North (Northern Alaska Tour Company), Denali (Era Helicopters), Kachemak Bay (Across the Bay Adventure Company) and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (Kennicott Glacier Lodge). Each of the presenters will offer a prize for those attending.
Admission is free for kids ages 12 and under. There will be a special "kids' adventure zone" set up and staffed by the Heritage Center. Admission for adults is $6 in advance or $10 at the door.
This event on March 28 is one of the season's first "Food Truck Rodeos," so there will be plenty of fun, fresh snacks available. Award-winning singer-songwriter Anna Lynch will be at the Showcase with her combo. There also will be a special presentation by the Alaska Native Heritage Center Dance Company.
More information, including a link to the Eventbrite site for ticketing, is available at alaskasummershowcase.com.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty-destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.