How to stretch your wimpy dollars in Europe

So you think you’ll have to stop traveling to Europe because the dollar has tanked? Book that trip. Here are 10 ways to conserve your dollars:

1. Eat a big breakfast. Many B&Bs and hotels in Europe offer large breakfasts, complete with meats, cereals and eggs. Fuel up in the morning and you may be able to skip lunch.

2.If you can’t, think takeout and picnic. Shop department store food courts or grocery stores, where you’ll find lots of takeout dishes at cheaper prices. One example: Marks & Spencer’s Simply Food stores in London -- at airports and train stations too -- are a great example of good selection of grab-and-run food; lots of good options for vegetarians too.

3. Take a cruise. If you stay and dine on board, you won’t be shelling out extra for meals and lodgings.

4.Get out of town. Lodgings and food are often cheaper in out-of-the-way and non-touristy country towns. You can also save by staying in small B&Bs, on farms, or in pensions.

5.Get the pass. Big cities’ transit systems often have one- and two-day, even weeklong, passes that will lessen the cost of getting around.

6.Go cultural. In London, the museums are free, and all over the Continent, museums have times when admission is gratis.

7. Walk. Not only will you get exercise, you’ll see the sights and get to know the city like a local.

8.Use the ATM to get cash. The exchange rates aren’t as good as they once were, but they’re still better than what you’ll get at currency-changing bureaus.

9.Go in the off-season. Baby, when it’s cold outside over there, you’ll save as airfares and lodgings get cheaper.

10.Buy a vacation package. Smart tour companies negotiated airfare and lodging rates in bulk or before the dollar took its steep plunge. Even if you have to pay the surcharge some companies are charging, you may save over traveling a la carte.