Despite the dismal dollar-euro exchange rate, Americans seem determined to visit Western Europe this year, perhaps in record numbers, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

The article in the US newspaper gives advices to its readers on how to save. Among the many recommendations listed, the authors of the article include visiting less-expensive countries in Europe.

Eastern Europe is the great new frontier, says travel author and PBS host Rick Steves cited by the San Jose Mercury News. In his words hotels are about the same, but eating and drinking costs less.

"A recent issue of International Living suggests Bulgaria, whose sunny Black Sea Riviera is far cheaper than the coast of Spain. The newsletter says a bottle of good wine costs USD 3.60 and a large pizza USD 2.70; a three-course dinner with wine in a Bulgarian restaurant is as little as USD 8 per person."

The other countries recommended by the US newspaper are Greece, Sweden, Poland and Hungary.