The British are not coming. At least that’s what the French are seeing this year. Britons going on European vacations to France generally account for a fairly healthy portion of the tourist income that is seen each year by French businesses. Those who thrive on their neighbors across the Channel coming over on European tours to France are seeing decreases in hotel lodgings, tours, and camping reservations. The Hotel Windsor in Dieppe, Normandy, has even cut their room rate down by ten Euro per night in an attempt to attract more visitors.

How does this affect Americans? European tours that were once prohibitively expensive are now far more affordable. Worries about terrorists and the recession have resulted in hotel vacancy rates of over fifty percent in many countries where tourism was once a booming business. The number of Americans going on European vacations has gone down dramatically in just the past two years and European tourist destinations are being hit hard. France is not the only country being affected.

Similar reports have been coming in from Germany and the Netherlands. British and American tourist money is sorely missed in both locations as English speaking European tourists seem to be non-existent. Some are blaming the decline on the exchange rate. Both the dollar and the British pound have gone down in value against the Euro. Others simply point at the worldwide recession and the lack of disposable income as an obvious reason why travel numbers are done.

It all sounds pretty gloomy but if you want to tour Europe there has never been a better time to do it. Prices for airfare and hotel rooms have been slashed to attract more travelers and destinations that were once overcrowded are now pleasantly open and empty for those who just want to go and relax. Normandy is absolutely breathtaking and filled with history and Amsterdam is a place like no other on earth. If you’re concerned about safety you’ll be comforted by the security measures taken at airports and public hotspots around the world. Terrorist threats have actually made it safer to travel, not more dangerous. Taking all of that into account, there’s no reason not to go on a European vacation tour right now.