European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - May 6, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Backpacking and trawling with  me Good Wyile see Europe an a budget Europe costs More this year a traveler s guide to pinching pennies Phuon Lii i i"1-j a nip by Linda White travel editor c Hange dollars Foh German Marks French francs or Spanish pesetas and  does t bulge no orly is Muchas it did Las ear the Dollar s slide Andrec enl terrorist incidents have put the brakes on trans Atlantic spending by americans. Tourist offices Al Over Europe Are reporting big drops in to owns by americans Tor his summer and Are looking to Ulner National Iliof so till she Louril void. But for americans living he. This still May be the Onee Eva Ile Lime Opportunity Lor seeing Europe. By planning carefully and la Hong advantage of the Many special oilers available budget travel is still possible Greece is fighting against ear of terrorism and ils relatively weak currency is Good ammunition. Last october the drachma was devalued of 5 percent. Although the Exchange rata for tha Dollar has dropped h has not loss As much in value there As it has in Western Europe. Denmark beset by its wort economic problems has seen a Rise of jus 10 percent Lor Dollar holders not us bad when compared with Iha 50 percent increases in some other countries. Even expensive countries have travel bargains Here ate some tips or Ira veting cheaply. The big costs Are transportation food and lodging whal s left Over can go toward buying souvenirs. Don t Overlook the importance of Exchange rates. Keep a c Ose Eye on the Dollar s fluctuations Evert i Hough savings Are Small unless the Anion no cashed is Large. Rates am usually belter at Banks than at hotels shops and restaurants. Exchange Oil ices which operate longer hours Ihan Banks usually charge hefty Lees. Inquire before you change. 11 you Absom Ely have to use such an office Cash the minimum amount you need to hold you until he Banks open. While the Exchange Rale Given on credit cards is usually a bit belter than on Cash remember thai the rate used is for the Day the sales slip is process to not the Day the Purchase was made tiflis can be an commute Ronpage 14 photo by he gel bunt european trint Ore comfortable and convenient. Tuesday May 6, 1336 the stars and stripes Page 13