Exchange Rate Brings Euros to NYC

You've been hearing that the Euro exchange rate really stinks -- in fact, some New York stores have started accepting Euros, with owners apparently (smartly) saying money's money.* Today's exchange rate makes a buck worth about 69 cents in Europe and a Euro worth $1.45 in the US, meaning Europeans are flocking west to spend in the US (and if you have any leftover Euros, take 'em if you go to New York). A British pound exchange is as dismal than usual -- a dollar's worth about 51 cents.

For you, the exchange rate isn't going to make or break your travel plans -- ya gotta go while you're young, as they say (and truly, student travel discounts are only good until you're 26; 22, in some cases). However, a bad Euro exchange rate, as we have right now, does mean extreme budgeting (as if you could squeeze any more from a penny). (It also may mean you'll glimpse cost-cutting geezers in hostel halls abroad this summer.)

Do understand the exchange rate before you travel:

• Exchange Rates and Travel

Related: Money and Travel | Why You Should Travel With a Debit Card

*(Interesting that no one's making the conservative stink that arose when some Texas pizza joints began accepting pesos last year).

Photo Kathleen Crislip