Europe longs for return of American tourists

Have you been putting off visiting Europe? Now may be just the right time to go. There's lots going on there, prices are right and European citizens are eager to welcome Americans back.

It has probably never been a safer time to travel, with security increased not only in the United States but all over the world.

The euro, which is now in use throughout Europe except for Great Britain, now makes it possible to travel between many countries without having to understand and exchange currency at every new location.

The euro is so close in value to the U.S. dollar that currency conversion is easy, making shopping a delight.

There are travel bargains in air fares, hotel rates, tour prices and almost all aspects of tourist expenses. Europeans have missed us and our dollars, and they wish to have their planes, trains, hotels and museums full again.

And right now they feel a fellowship with Americans that you will notice on their streets, in their cabs and in their restaurants.

There are unique happenings in Eur-ope this year that you might consider for your visit. England shares the excitement over the Harry Potter books and the hit movie.

The tour "Enchanted England" takes children and their parents to the many sites frequented by Harry Potter in his adventures, the town and train station of his school, Hogwarts, the castle where flying brooms and other sorcerer's skills are taught, and other film sites.

While there, you might journey on to Scotland for the famous Edinburgh Tat-too, with its music, color and splendor, plus a backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

In Holland, the Floriade is about to happen. Every 10 years the top florists, landscape artists and horticulturists create a grand display of their arts which lasts and changes seasonally through the spring and summer and into early fall, and 2002 is the year. The world-famous display also includes lectures and courses on horticulture for home or professional gardeners.

Some other events include Bastille Day in Paris, when the Parisians parade, party and welcome everyone to celebrate.

And summer is the time of music festivals all over Italy and Mozart celebrations in Salzburg, Austria.

Europe will be exciting this year, and this is an ideal time to make that visit. Call your travel agent to plan a trip or a tour.

It may be a while before Europe will be this ready for us again.

(Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency formed by the merger of Ozark World Travel, Con-sulting Travel and Thomas Travel.)