Revving up for a cheaper Europe

Better exchange rates and some interesting travel deals are making this a bumper year to explore Europe for those who can't stand the thought of whistle-stop package tours.

You don't have to sit in a coach with your knees pressed up against the seat in front for hours, packed lunch on your lap, awaiting the command to alight for all-too-brief visits to some of the continent's leading landmarks.

They can be good value, but you will always be surrounded by other tourists, and they only offer a superficial look at each country and its people.

Be a little adventurous by travelling independently by car or train and with a little advance planning you will be able to see Europe in much more depth, and learn more about the culture of each country you visit.

Money will stretch further this summer for Hong Kongers visiting some European countries. The US dollar is stronger against major currencies, and so is the Hong Kong dollar through its peg.

For example, the French franc is at HK$1.33 now compared to $1.50 about the same time last year, the German mark is at $4.48 compared to $5.06 and the Swiss franc is $5.25. Twelve months ago it was $6.25.

An excellent 'open jaw' deal from Emirates Airline now makes it possible to fly, for example, to Paris from Hong Kong via Dubai, tour France by car or train, and fly back to Hong Kong from Nice, in the south of France, on the same return ticket, again via Dubai.