Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider...by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 06 May 2008 09:50 PM With the current state of the economy weighing heavily on the minds of just about every family that operates on a budget, plans for extravagant vacations have been all but eliminated. Unless you are a lottery winner or generate an Oprah-like salary you are not likely to be taking a costly transatlantic flight to Europe anytime soon. With the dollar plunging to record lows against the euro, the British pound and other European currencies, the good ol' US of A is looking more and more like a viable summer vacation destination. However, if you have your heart set on experiencing European refinement, but don't have the cash to make the trip across the pond take heart--the United States is chock full of places you can get a taste of international flair without having to go through customs. Instead of going into debt to finance a European holiday consider: NEW JERESY If you have never visited the Garden State you might not be aware that Newark, New Jersey is home to more than 30,000 Portuguese immigrants. Stroll down one of Newark's city streets and you'll feel like you have been transported to Lisbon (okay, work with me here). The Ironbound neighborhood in particular is filled with Portuguese restaurants serving up Iberian specialties like skewers of fire-roasted meat and cockles in a garlic-cilantro broth. MAINE One British pound currently costs $2. So you can imagine how much it would set you back to stay at a hotel in the United Kingdom where rooms typically go for 50 pounds each. You can save money but won't have to skimp on elegance by staying at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. The English inspired lodging offers afternoon high tea and wood-beamed antique-filled guest rooms. The in-house restaurant also specializes in contemporary British fare like rabbit-stuffed ravioli and black currant-sauced duck breast. MICHIGAN You don't have to travel to the Netherlands to tiptoe through the tulips and take your picture next to half-timbered windmills. Rather, grab your wooden shoes and head to Holland, Michigan. While there consider staying at the Dutch Colonial Inn B&B, which blends Midwestern hospitality with Old World atmosphere in a cozy house built in the early 1900s. The entire town is designed to pay homage to the real deal--Dutch-accented shops flank tree-lined streets and local eateries are filled with tasty Dutch treats. Related Articles: New Payment Options for Tourist in New York Traveling Abroad with a Weak Dollar Staying Healthy on Trips Abroad What To Know Before You Visit---AUSTRIA, SPAIN and PORTUGAL What To Know Before You Visit--IRELAND, SWITZERLAND and POLAND What To Know Before You Visit--FRANCE Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Europe, euro, maine, new jersey, Travel Discuss this article
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