Is it a BAD time or a GOOD time to go?

So, we’re heading to Europe. We can’t help but wonder if maybe we aren’t going at a BAD time. Think about it:

a) The Euro is at an all time high (or very close to it) against the U.S. Dollar.
b) The cost of gas is now averaging over $4 a gallon in the U.S. and is so high in Europe that protesting truckers have shut down highways.
c) World food costs are shooting up right before we’ll be spending a month eating out every day.

But, on the other hand, maybe it is a really good time to go.

a) Our kids are just the right ages, at 8 (as of the day we leave) and 10½, to understand Europe, place it in some context (thanks to their teachers at Laurelhurst Elementary School), to see and remember some of the greatest art in the world. The girls are also aged just right that they won’t be ALL ATTITUDE ALL THE TIME- that will likely come in a couple of years- or so other parents tell me.
b) When we started to see that the Euro was shooting up relative to the dollar, we decided to buy Euros. It’s kind of a backward international currency investment strategy, but it works as a good defense. We also bought Euro-based traveler’s checks.
c) Hey, it’s Europe, it’s ALWAYS a good time to go to Europe! If it’s super expensive, then it means there will be fewer American tourists for us to be embarrassed by.

The kids are excited about going. We are armed with one suitcase each, one backpack each, a journal, a couple of digital cameras, a few “digital film” cards, a few maps, lots of tickets, and a lot of granola bars for hungry moments. At times, I am worried we’ll have to live off granola bars if food prices keep climbing. Wish us luck!