Terrorism Warnings Abroad Bringing New Tourists To The Hamptons

Recent events of terrorism in Europe, including at an airport, have many family travelers making safer plans. As the U.S. State Department is issuing warnings about avoiding certain European cities, restaurants, and train stations, the very rich who travel by private jet and helicopters will most likely have Europe all to themselves.

Travel agents are noticing fly and drive trips are being created to go to National Parks and other U.S. exotic spots. The East End of Long Island, and specifically the Hamptons, are some of those spots. My former New York City roommate who now lives in San Francisco just informed me his neighbor, wife and three children are actually flying into Islip’s MacArthur Airport and renting a car and staying in a motel in Montauk.

Most likely these new visitors won’t be renting homes due to the process of doing such things, but most likely will hit low end motels, Inn’s and perhaps day trips from the City. After all, how many folks who visit Versailles in France stay in that village? Most take day trips from Paris.

Will the beaches and restaurants be extra busy? Will parking and traffic be at an even higher feverish pitch? I think yes. Although I “purchase” an East Hampton Town Beach sticker, I rarely go to beaches on weekends. Instead, I sail to empty beaches along the shores of Gardiner’s Bay. Not everyone has that option.

Most likely these new visitors won’t be renting homes due to the process of doing such things. (Photo: Nicole Barylski)

Years back when the Euro, the currency of the European Union, was very strong against the U.S. Dollar many Europeans visited the Hamptons. At the present moment it is the U.S. Dollar that is stronger. That usually means more U.S. tourists are going to Europe, but this year that is not the situation. Right now many hotels are deeply discounted, but terror alerts are high.

My advice is if you are planning to come out to explore/visit/enjoy the Hamptons, firm up and secure your accommodations now. Or your summer vacation may end being in the Poconos.