The value of the Aussie Dollar against the Euro has made travel to Europe better value than ever before and now clients can make that dream holiday an even more affordable reality in 2012.

Leading guided holiday expert, Trafalgar, is currently witnessing a huge surge in bookings, as travellers are ticking off their aspirational Greek Island, Italian or regional France holiday without breaking the bank balance.

Matthew Cameron-Smith, Managing Director, Trafalgar said, “Four years ago, when the Euro was at 47.5  cents to the Australian Dollar, Australians spending $1000 would walk away with only 475 Euro.

“Now, with the Euro at 80.3 cents to the Australian dollar, an Australian spending $1000 will take away 802.75 Euro. That is an extra $328 per $1000 for travellers, which is a third more in spending money. 

“Fantastic currency conversion rates, combined with Trafalgar’s extensive range of European guided holiday options, are really creating that impetus to make people travel imminently.

“With itineraries starting from just $93 per day with CostSaver City Breaks (accommodation included), as well as exclusive experiences which enable guests to feel like locals, such as Be My Guest dining experiences and Hidden Treasures, clients are truly getting the best value for money out of their 2012 holiday with Trafalgar.

“Unique only with Trafalgar experiences, coupled with the reality that clients holiday money has never gone further in Europe, are definite contributing factors to the growing appreciation amongst our clients that Europe has never been more affordable or appealing.

“Trafalgar is also seeing a shorter lead time for bookings. Due to the immense strength of our currency, travellers are more inclined to book closer to their travel date, as they see a European holiday as more immediately achievable, rather than just a something they will need to save every  few years for.

“We have witnessed a huge surge overall for 2012 bookings, but the strongest increase in sales is from families, with our Family Experiences Europe program currently up 55 per cent, indicating that a family holiday to Europe is now a much more tangible reality  for many parents looking to travel overseas with their children.

“CostSaver is also a very strong performer, currently up 24 per cent and reflecting a trend that travellers are continually on the hunt for value for money travel.

“Italy, followed closely by regional France is our strongest performing destination at present, while we are also seeing a resurgence in interest for Britain and Ireland”.

Travellers can not only receive value for money on the ground in Europe, they can also make fantastic savings with Trafalgar’s Europe Emirates Earlybird airfare deals. With airfares priced from $1689 per person ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth when purchased in conjunction with a 2012 Trafalgar European guided holiday priced from $1335 per person, twin share. This special is on sale until 31 March, 2012 and for travel from 1 April to 3 June 2012 and 24 August to 31 October 2012 and for bookings made and paid-in-full by 31 March 2012.