Trilegiant, Travelers Advantage Brochure, Spring 2002

Europe 2002

Britain's Golden Jubilee, celebrating the first 50 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign on the throne, a Beethoven festival in Bonn, Germany, and the reopening of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa, are in store for Americans who venture over to the Mother Continent in 2002. Just as intriguing is the emergence of the Euro, the new form of currency that's now being used across France, Germany, Italy and nine other countries in Europe (Britain is not one of them). For travelers, this means you no longer have to convert money every time you cross another border. The Euro will act as an equalizer, lowering the prices in the traditionally more expensive countries like Germany and Sweden, while increasing prices somewhat in more affordable countries like Italy and Greece. Expect values everywhere you go, however, to entice Americans to go abroad.

If you plan on visiting Britain this summer, you might find yourself in good company. Queen Elizabeth II will be touring the British, Scottish, and Welsh countryside to mark the 50th anniversary of her ascent to the throne. Many of the Jubilee events will take place during May, June, and July, with the highlight being the long weekend of June 1-4. On June 4, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family will attend a service at St. Paul's Cathedral. Afterwards, a carnival celebration will line the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace. Two concerts will be held that weekend in the gardens of the palace, featuring classical music and well-known British pop groups.

The enormously popular Harry Potter should also have a blockbuster year. The British Tourist Agency has printed a map that pinpoints eight stops in the British Isles for Harry Potter fans. They include the impressive Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, a 1300-year-old architectural gem that provided the backdrop for Hogwart's School; and Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, the second largest inhabited castle in England (built in 1309) and the location for the infamous Quiddich matches.

Germany will have its fair share of festivals this year. Of course, there's always Oktoberfest in Munich for beer lovers (September 14 to October 6). Far more civilized is the European Festival in Passau happening June 14 to July 21. Playwright Arthur Miller will be on hand to highlight this month-long gala celebrating theater, film, classical music, art, and literature. Classical music aficionados will be interested in Bonn's Beethovenfest (September 14 to October 6), where the Bonn Symphony will play all of this great composer's works.

France is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Victor Hugo's birth by performing "Les Miserables" and his other works throughout the country. In late May, the town of Sedan in Champagne will be the home of a two-day Medieval Festival. A Medieval marketplace will blanket the town's streets, which surround the Fortress of Sedan, Europe's largest castle. In Mid-July, Antibes, on the French Riviera, is the idyllic locale for their 42nd Annual International Jazz Festival. Feature performers include Ray Charles, Joshua Redman, and Herbie Hancock. And who could go to France without tasting their wines? The 55th Annual Wine Fair occurs from August 9 to August 18 in Colmar, situated in the Alsace region of France. Wine tasting and concerts attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

The big news in Italy this year is the reopening of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The famous tower still leans, but now, at least, it's more secure at the base. And don't forget the elaborate Palia celebration in the historic town of Siena on July 2 and August 15. Horse races around the town square or Campo have been happening here since 1283.