TripAdvisor survey says European travel strong in ‘08

March 11, 2008 | Online Travel

TripAdvisor announced the results of its annual European travel survey, concluded last week, of more than 1,400 travelers worldwide. Sixty-five percent of respondents are planning to travel to/within Europe in the next 12 months, nearly equal to last year.

Despite the weak dollar, exactly half of U.S. respondents intend to visit Europe this year, the same amount as one year ago. September appears to be the busiest month for travel in Europe this year, as 20 percent of respondents intend to visit at that time. Thirty percent of travelers said they are most likely to save money on their excursion to or within Europe by going off-peak. Forty-two percent of travelers (and 51 percent of Americans) expect to spend more money on this year’s trip to Europe than on their previous trip there.

Survey revealed:

Best Bargain European Cities:
1. Prague
2. Budapest
3. Lisbon

Most Expensive European Cities:
1. London
2. Paris
3. Rome

European Cities with the Most Friendly and Helpful Locals:
1. Dublin
2. Amsterdam
3. London

European Cities with the Best Cuisine:
1. Paris
2. Rome
3. Florence

European Cities with the Best Shopping:
1. Paris
2. London
3. Rome

European Cities with the Best Night Life:
1. London
2. Amsterdam
3. Paris

European Cities with the Best Public Parks:
1. London
2. Paris
3. Barcelona, Amsterdam (tie)

Most Romantic European Cities:
1. Paris
2. Venice
3. Rome

European Cities with the Most Attractive Locals:
1. Rome
2. Paris
3. Stockholm

Cleanest European Cities:
1. Zurich
2. Copenhagen
3. Stockholm

Dirtiest European Cities:
1. London
2. Paris
3. Rome

European Cities with the Most Unfriendly Hosts:
1. Paris
2. London
3. Moscow

Most Boring European Cities:
1. Brussels
2. Zurich
3. Warsaw

“Americans are still drawn to Europe, despite unfavorable exchange rates and economic concerns,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Although the best bargain European city may be Prague, according to the survey, the most popular European city to visit this year is also considered the most expensive—London.”