Many Americans Visiting Europe

European Travel Commission expects a record number of Americans - more than 13 million - to visit Europe in 2006. Film-inspired trips, "Europe Hopping" are latest trends.

Maybe it's all the hoopla from the movie "The Da Vinci Code."

Whatever it is, a record number of American travelers are expected to take European vacations this year, according to the European Travel Commission. Not surprisingly, the year 2000 currently holds the record with 13.12 million Americans taking a holiday abroad.

"It's wonderful to see rising numbers for a third straight year," said Conrad Van Tiggelen, ETC chairman. "While Europe is America's favorite overseas destination with more than 40% of overseas travelers, we are always communicating new reasons to visit."

As a travel writer, I say "hear, hear."

"For this generation in particular," Van Tiggelen continued, "we try to show that Europe is a constantly evolving blend of culture, beauty and excitement, with some of the most cutting edge travel trends."

Discount airlines such as EasyJet and RyanAir have made "Europe hopping" viable as well as affordable. Travelers can fly from Nice to London, from Barcelona to Bratislava for about 100 euros ($125) each. The ETC website (http://www.visiteurope.com/) has a search engine with 500 flight connections.

And if you are interested in "The Da Vinci Code" tour, that certainly is possible, too. The UK and France have gotten together with the high-speed train Eurostar to take travelers interested in a Da Vinci Code tour. Visit http://www.jointhequest.com/ for details.