New York (June 5, 2008) – The high cost of traveling overseas, a weak dollar, and jet lag are all reasons why many U.S. travelers may choose to stay on this side of the pond this summer.  Luckily for those still craving history, culture, and European flair during a summer vacation, ShermansTravel.com, the web’s leading source for travel deals and destination advice, has just announced the “Top 10 European Getaways on This Side of the Atlantic.” 

From Boston and New Orleans to Quebec and Curaçao, ShermansTravel.com has identified destinations for a European-style vacation that won’t break the bank.   

"Travel to Europe may be less common this summer given the soft economy and value of the U.S. dollar.  However, there are a number of destinations on this side of the Atlantic that offer a distinctly European feel and experience for travelers looking for smart value vacations,” says Arabella Bowen, editorial director, ShermansTravel.com.

ShermansTravel.com's Top 10 European Getaways on This Side of the Atlantic:

1.    Boston – Old World all the way from the Italian-influenced North End to the Irish pubs and restaurants throughout the city.
2.    Buenos Aires – The Paris of South America, Buenos Aires boasts leafy boulevards, super-stylish residents, and top-notch shopping.
3.    New Orleans – The French Quarter.  Need we say more?  
4.    Paraty – More 17th-century Portugal than 21st century Brazil with cobbled streets, stucco buildings and great beaches nearby.  
5.    Quebec City – North America’s oldest French settlement celebrates its 400th anniversary this year.
6.    San Juan – Just a short flight from many East Coast cities, the historic district is rife with Spanish influences, from trendy night spots and eateries to cobblestone streets and architecture.
7.    San Miguel De Allende – “The closest thing Mexico has to Florence” with a strong artist culture and general joie de vivre.        
8.    Santiago – Deeply European in its historic appeal and contemporary flair with some of the best shopping, nightlife, and restaurants to be found on either side of the Atlantic.  
9.    St. George – Solid British culture complete with cricket and tea, and some very good, very un-British beach time, only two and half hours from the East Coast.  Note: high prices won’t make it easy to find smart values on anything other than airfare. 
10.    Willemstad – A mini-Amsterdam with pretty 17th- and 18th-century Dutch colonial architecture on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. 

To learn more about the Top 10 European Getaways on This Side of the Atlantic, visit http://www.shermanstravel.com/top_tens/European_Getaways_in_the_Americas. Readers can also sign up for Sherman's Top 25, a free weekly e-newsletter of the week’s 25 best travel deals at www.shermanstravel.com/top25.