Bank closings in Cyprus. Labor protests in Greece. Government spending cuts in Portugal. Surging unemployment in Spain.
Instability in the wake of Europe's fiscal crisis has made some travelers think twice about visiting the Continent. While much of what tourists will face is more inconvenient than traumatic, few want to spend a vacation trying to figure out how to get around town during a strike, or, in the case of Cyprus, how to circumvent a 100-euro-a-day A.T.M. limit. But Rick Steves, the guidebook author and host of the public television series "Rick Steves' Europe," said that a trip there is still a safe bet.
"Exchange rates are stable, airports are open, trains are running, hotels are welcoming visitors," he said. If travelers should be mindful of anything, he added, it's where they spend their euros.
Below are edited excerpts from a conversation with Mr. Steves on a strategy for visiting Europe.
Q. Have prices gone down anywhere because of the crisis?
A. On the whole, I have not found economic desperation driving down prices that much anywhere in Europe. But if you've always dreamed of going to Greece, you'll find that many hotels and package tours are cheaper this year because of low demand, and they need to attract the business.
Q. Is it ethical to seek out such deals?
A. It's unethical to kick people when they're down. But if hotels or local tour guides cut prices to get your business, that's smart marketing on their part and you're doing them a favor by buying what they're selling.
Q. What's the best approach to spending money in a country in fiscal straits?
A. Spend locally. For my guidebooks I look for hotels, restaurants and small businesses that cater to locals, because what's the point of going halfway across the world to feel at home? When there is an economic downturn, those same mom-and-pop businesses are the most vulnerable.
Q. How can a traveler find out about unexpected demonstrations or strikes?
A. Just about all I ever need to know about potential problems where I'm traveling — everything from strikes to crime — I can learn from my hotelier. These people stay informed because they want their guests to have a smooth stay in their city. The Internet is also handy; the English-language press in a country will often cover an issue with more detail and less of a crisis focus than coverage back in the States.
Q. And what should a tourist do if there is one?
A. If you are traveling in Cyprus and your hotelier tells you that a demonstration will take place in front of the parliament building in Nicosia at noon today — demonstrations in Europe are generally publicized in advance — all you need to do is go out and enjoy the rest of the city, steering clear of the couple of blocks around the parliament building.
Few demonstrations are dangerous or prone to violence. And if you do encounter a demonstration that feels edgy, turn around and walk a different way.
Q. Do you steer clear of such protests?
A. I stop at a bar or cafe nearby and ask about what's going on. A protest is a great opportunity for a traveler to learn about what matters to local people.
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