Hotwire Points to Europe as one of this Fall's Best Deal Destinations

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, today announced that Europe is one of this fall's big deal destinations. Many European cities are showing hotel price drops between seven and 37 percent when compared to what they were last year. In particular, major destinations like Berlin, Paris, Barcelona and Rome are seeing their lowest hotel prices on Hotwire in over five years, while airfare in cities like Berlin, Dublin, Helsinki and Valencia has dropped as much as 13 percent. Three factors are likely contributing to the discounts: a cool-down from the Summer Games, the difficult European economy and the weakening Euro, and the typical shoulder season – making this fall the perfect time to cross the Atlantic.

First, London and other UK cities nearby built new hotels to accommodate Summer Games visitors, but now that the Games are over, there are more rooms than there are travelers to stay in them. Second, Europe's economic challenges are affecting exchange rates resulting in the American dollar being stronger against the Euro. The economy is also causing many European travelers to be tighter with their discretionary spending. And third, autumn marks the beginning of shoulder season. The kids are back in school, the weather is cooling down and Europe's summer peak travel season is over. On the plus side, attractions aren't as crowded, the weather is still good, and best of all, prices will be lower as a general rule.

"We're seeing a similar thing happen in Europe that happened in Canada right after the Vancouver Games. London and surrounding cities opened many new hotel rooms in anticipation of record visitor numbers, and now that the big event is over, they're discounting on sites like Hotwire to attract business," said Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. "At the same time, Europeans are likely being more frugal with their travel spending this year, and all of this is happening during the normally lower priced shoulder season. If folks have been thinking about crossing the pond, they should try to do so in the next few months, because these factors are creating Europe's best deal market in years for American travelers."

With hotel price drops like a 37 percent drop in the Eastern European metropolis of Prague, or a 31 percent drop near crystalline Lake Geneva, travelers can use that saved money for fun extras like food, activities, and car rentals; or just use it help cover the cost of airfare to get to their destination. Overall, airfare throughout Europe is generally on par with last year, but the good news is that a few of the cities that are experiencing the biggest hotel price drops are also seeing airfare discounts as well. For example, Berlin, home of the annual Berlin Music Festival, is experiencing a 21 percent drop in hotel prices and a nearly seven percent drop in airfare.  Meanwhile, Dublin, home of Irish pubs and the James Joyce Centre, is seeing a 15 percent drop in hotel prices and a four percent drop in airfare.

When compared to this time last year, the top European cities with hotel price reductions for September through November 2012 include:

Results are calculated by looking at Hotwire booking data for select European destinations, and comparing prices from this year's fall season (September-November, 2012) against last year's fall season Hotwire prices (September-November, 2011). Average hotel prices are based on Hotwire bookings completed 8/1/12-9/4/12 for stays over fall.

About Hotwire

Hotwire.com is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Launched in 2000, Hotwire negotiates deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars. Hotwire is an award-winning website and operating company of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2053390-50. NST: 20003-0209. For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com. Hotwire operates sites in 8 countries worldwide: www.hotwire.com, www.hotwire.com/uk, www.hotwire.com/ie, www.hotwire.com/au, www.hotwire.com/nz, www.hotwire.com/se, www.hotwire.com/no and www.hotwire.com/dk. In addition to Hotwire, The Hotwire Group of websites includes: www.hotwire.com, www.travel-ticker.com, www.carrentals.com.

Hotwire, Hotwire.com, the Hotwire logo and Hot Rate are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Hotwire, Inc.  All rights reserved. CST# 2053390-40.

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SOURCE Hotwire.com