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Expatriates and others remunerated in U.S. dollars have seen their disposable incomes take a real hammering over recent months, but when it comes to planning a holiday there is one small consolation: early-purchase packages that allow savvy vacationers to beat the ailing greenback.

From European villa-rental agencies to African safari operators to most American cruise lines, many summer 2008 prices were set in dollars up to six months ago. So even if the dollar continues its downward trend, costs are confirmed now for travel later.

"Our peak-season rates were released back in early September, so clients know today exactly what they will pay next year without the fear of exchange fluctuations," says Sarah-Leigh Shenton, marketing manager for British-based Sanctuary Villas and Apartments, www.sanctuary-villas.com. The firm priced its products in dollars for the first time this year. "This helps drive early bookings for us, while offering savings of at least 15% for clients," Shenton says.

Travelers can take advantage of lock-in prices to save on travel outside Europe, too. Kenyan luxury-safari group Governors' Camp, www.governorscamp.com, released their dollar rates back in March for visits through the end of 2008, including stays at their new gorilla-spotting and trekking lodge in Rwanda. So has Johannesburg-based CC Africa, www.ccafrica.com. Its 2008 itineraries — featuring golfing and gourmet safaris throughout southern Africa along with scintillating new journeys in India — were priced back in August.

Big savings can meanwhile be found on cruise lines sailing in Europe, most of which set their summer 2008 prices in dollars this past spring. Competition is keen: a record 10 liners made their maiden voyages on Europe's waterways this past summer, boosting capacity by nearly a quarter. Similar growth is predicted for summer 2008, with vessels of all sizes making their European debuts, from Carnival's 3,006-passenger Splendor to the bijou 118-passenger M.S. Swiss Sapphire river cruiser from Tauck World Discovery.

With fees for cabins, meals and most onboard activities locked into more favorable exchange rates, European cruises offer deep savings. Book now, and enjoy the value while you can — the €300 hotel room and €5 Coke are perhaps just a prelude of prices to come.

• David Kaufman