Europe For Less -- Weak Dollar Or No

European travel isn't cheap these days due to the dollar's weakness, but there are still places where the greenback is strong.

While you'd be disappointed in the dollar in Paris, a new agreement called "Open Skies" should make it easier to get to spots in Europe where your dollars have solid buying power, analysts say.

On The Early Show Saturday, travel expert Valarie D'Elia explained that Open Skies is a blanket accord between the United States and European lifting restrictions on air travel between the them. U.S.-based carriers and those based in Europe can now fly across the Atlantic between any two airports in each region. As a result, airlines have many more choices in operating routes.

The plum route up for grabs is U.S.-to-London's-Heathrow, a strategic hub for Europe.

In addition, we can now see flights from smaller U.S. cities to European hubs.

All this competition is supposed to reduce fares between four-and-ten percent. But we may not see those savings right away because of the high cost of fuel.

And, with the dollar so low against the Euro, a European vacation remains pricey, in general.

But D'Elia suggested some European countries where the dollar will still go further.

She also offered advice to help you save money anywhere in Europe.

Among the places she pointed to:

POLAND

Eastern Europe in general is a cheaper destination, because many of the countries still have their own currencies, which have better exchange rates with the dollar than what we are seeing with the Euro.

Poland has a great mix of history, scenery and urban appeal.

It has mountains, lakes and rivers.

Also, history -- of the Holocaust, with Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Many tourists will want to visit the major urban centers such as Warsaw and Krakow. The latter has Europe's largest medieval marketplace, surrounded by many historic buildings, castles and palaces.

There's also a burgeoning restaurant scene, café culture, and nightlife in the cities.

BULGARIA

Bulgaria is an affordable choice for travelers who love the outdoors. Highlights include a sandy coastline, beautiful beaches, and bays along the Black Sea. You can also go hiking and horseback riding along well-maintained trails, and get the chance to see wildlife.

Bulgaria is famous for its rock monasteries, containing frescoes, and historic manuscripts.

Sofia is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe.

And don't forget the legendary Zagorka Beer!

SLOVAKIA

Slovakia is an "under the radar" destination that has off-the-beaten-path attractions where you can still find old-style villages, folk traditions, and a hilly countryside.

There are also many fortresses and castles still standing, as well as gothic churches, and a few 15th century town squares.

Slovakia's currency, the Koruna, is practically a steal for Americans.

Here's are some examples of what you might spend: To share a clean double room with bath in a mid-range pension, and enjoy good local or Western meals, plan on at least $80.00. Also, a beer costs under $2.00, meals are between $7 and $20, and nice rooms can be had for under $100, based on double occupancy.

TIPS ON SAVING MONEY NO MATTER WHAT COUNTRY IN EUROPE YOU VISIT:

BOOK IN ADVANCE

The cheapest time to travel to Europe is in the off-season, but if you have your heart set on a summer vacation, then you should be looking now. Just as important as when to book is where you look for fares. Try an aggregator such as kayak.com for international airfares. Look for airlines with unusual routings -- for instance: Malaysia Airlines flies three times a week to Stockholm from Newark.

BUY A LOCAL CARD FOR YOUR CELL PHONE

What happens if you use your regular card? If you have an international calling plan, as D'Elia does, you'll get a discount off of your calls when you're overseas, but if you're doing a lot of calling inside the country you're visiting, it would be better to get a local SIM card when you arrive -- your phone must be unlocked to accept the card -- so you can avoid international roaming charges. But remember, you'll have to change cards every time you enter a new country.

CABS TEND TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE IN EUROPE, SO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Are the transportation systems in these countries generally English-speaker-friendly? Many European cities have very clean, functional and user-friendly public transportation systems, and you can get a reduced rate pass either in advance online, or at many newsstand kiosks. They'll also offer discounts or freebies on museums, dining, shopping, and other attractions. Remember, part of the fun of traveling is learning a few words of a new language and finding your way around on your own!

CHECK TOURISM BOARDS FOR FREE EVENTS

Do your research up-front. Tourism boards list calendars of events online, so it's easy to find something of interest that very well may be free.

LEAVE YOUR LAPTOP AT HOME!

D'Elia finds that Wi-Fi networks are still developing in much of Europe, and she's had connectivity issues as well, as well as having been hit with costly charges when she's brought her laptop. It's still easier and less expensive to simply pop into an Internet café.