Should you wait and see what happens or should you travel before it gets worse?
Nada Vergili

Lately it's become harder and harder to get news about what is going on in the world without hearing a big negative emphasis on the troubled US economy. More so than an emphasis, it really is like a terrifying invisible hand coming out of the TV set, grabbing me by the throat, pulling me into a dark world of grim expectations... oh mamma mia! Gas prices through the roof, house prices down, people being laid off, airlines charging extra fees to stay afloat, the list goes on and on. Oh, and for those like me whose business is tied to Europe and its currency.. yep, you got it, need I say more?

It's pretty obvious that something is going wrong with the current economy. But how bad are things and how does this affect people who have always wanted to travel to Europe? When will the now crippled 'almightly Dollar' regain its super-hero strengths and defeat its nemesis, the Euro? Even the many economists who thought the gloom was overblown, think the worst has probably yet to come. For those who are waiting to see what happens before they solidify any international travel plans, the question is whether we’re in for a bad couple of years, or a bad decade and is it worth waiting to go. As nobody has figured out how to see into the future yet, we have to rely on thoughts and opinions heard from distressed economists on the news and perhaps, a bit of our own intuition.

If the worst is truely not over yet, then chances are the Dollar hasn't reached the bottom of the tank, either. For those who traveled with me last year, exchanging $1.30 for 1 Euro seemed way too much, however, those traveling to Italy this year could only hope things would be so good. Being Italian, the 'complaining gene' is embedded in my DNA, so it comes pretty easy, but what should we do to stay on the positive side and make our dream vacation to Italy come true? My thought is: if you are able to travel to Italy at this current moment, go for it. Don't wait, don't hope things will get better between now and next year. Chances are, that wonderful brightly hand-painted Italian ceramic bowl may have to wait on the shelf for a few more years, but your life, health, and eagerness to visit ancient Roman ruins may not have so much time.

So, if you're ready to go, don't forget to read my article on saving some Euros as we all face an unfavorable exchange rate. Just click here.

For more travel tips & advice on Italy, visit Nada's Travel Tips.