Europe Travel Alert: Fuel Costs Push Airfares Up, Strikes Loom

Rising Costs Hit Air Travel and Budget Hotels in Europe This July

If you are booking a last minute trip to Europe, expect higher airfares. Fuel costs have surged amid Middle East tensions, and airlines are passing that on. IndiGo, one of Asia's biggest carriers, swung to a loss even after raising prices, according to Skift. European airlines face the same math. Fares from around 150 EUR for a short hop now start from around 200 EUR or more. Book early and check change fees.

Wyndham Drops Budget Hotels: What It Means for You

Hotel giant Wyndham is quietly swapping out lower fee economy hotels for higher fee midscale properties, reports Skift. That means budget conscious travelers will find fewer cheap rooms under big chain names. Instead of booking a generic budget chain in cities like Rome or Barcelona, look for independent hostels or aparthotels. They often undercut the chains and give you a local kitchen to save on meals.

What to Do Now

• Lock in flights as soon as you see a decent price. Prices vary weekly.
• Skip the big hotel loyalty programs this summer. Rent a room from a local owner instead.
• Check if your airline has rebooked you on a partner carrier during a strike. Some now charge a fee to change.
• For city stays, use public transport. A single metro ride in Madrid starts from around 1.50 EUR, while taxis from the airport can hit 30 EUR.

Strikes are always a risk in European summers. Rail and airport staff walkouts happen with little notice. Follow local transport social media accounts for real time updates. If your hotel is outside the city center, confirm the bus or train schedule before you go.