Just in case you're not one of those people who checks the international exchange rates as often as your email (guilty here), there's some good news in all of the economic doom and gloom:
The US dollar is now worth €0.78, a huge rise in value since the July 15 low of €0.62! Not only will your travel dollars go further in Europe as the values hold or (cross fingers...) go up, but because so many people are cutting back on travelling at all, airlines have slashed their international fares in coach and business class. A New York Times article published this week quotes a business class fare from NY to London, usually close to $10k, for only $1700.
There are also hotel deals to be found, since many in Paris have either not raised their rates since last year or have special internet offers on their own website.
For those of you who've already paid for your tickets and accommodations, at least you can relax a little while the exchange rate remains reasonable, and maybe even take advantage of the Paris sales. ;)