julies

We've taken a lot of European trips but are now looking at possible alternatives as the dollar keeps sinking. I understand that the Americas are much more reasonable. Is this true? From where we live (Minnesota)flights seem to be a lot more expensive than those to Europe. So food, lodging and internal travel would have to be a lot cheaper to compensate for the higher priced plane tickets. We are budget to moderate price travellers who can fend for ourselves and who don't need or want to be pampered. We've managed language differences in the past, and we don't need or expect to be in places where English is spoken. We don't spend a lot of money on lodging or fancy meals. We're adventuresome and have visited a number of places off the beaten path in Western and Eastern Europe. Although we enjoy historical sights, we are interested in more than just sightseeing and prefer to also do some active things such as hiking and biking while getting to know an area and a culture. Several times in Europe we've rented a house for a week and have enjoyed that way to see a country. We are not at all interested in tourist resorts, going to the beach just to sit and drink etc. So, I have two questions.

1. What are your thoughts on price comparisons? (With today's horrible exchange rate, in Europe I'd say we typically spend around $75 to $80 a night for a nice room with private bath in a small family run hotel).

2. What would be interesting areas to visit?

Thanks much for your thoughts.

miguelgcuadra

Sure you will enjoy MACHU PICHU in Peru..
Brasil is a MUST
Argentina is incredible
Costa Rica has lots of what you like.
Above 4 are the countries with most tourism, if you visit the remaining countries, that also have a lot to offer..$$$ do even better...
Yes, USA dollars have lot more buying power in Latin America, than in Europe.
Since you are not into the fancy restaurants, high end boutiques and items..your dollars should go a longgggggg way. Consuming local products, is the way to go.
It is very true, air fares to Latin American are quite high, in part is due to American Airline monopolizing the area...

marilynl

Consider Central Mexico if you have never been there. Your price range hotel would even be lavish in some of the central cities like Patzcuaro. Bus transportation is excellent and affordable, and the mountainous terrain would offer opportunities for hiking etc.

In addition to Patzcuaro, suggested cities, ranging from Zacatecas in the north to Oaxaca in the south, might include Guanajuato, Morelia, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla and Queretaro. You will find a rich overlay of colonial Spanish influence meeting a very large indigenous population. And all reachable on direct flights of about 4 hours to Mexico City--same time zone, very reasonably priced--at least from Chicago, not sure what Minneapolis situation would be.

miguelgcuadra

Oop. forgot about Mexico, what Marylin said is very true, Colonial Mexico is beautiful and has lots to offer...
Antigua - Guatemala is anothe great destination.
Belize seems to be very polpular lately same with Honduras.
Colombia has a lot to offer...

tully

Just from personal experience.....this year I spent 10 days in June in Costa Rica, the previous year I spent 10 days in June in Paris. Amazingly I spent almost exactly the same amount (within $100). I think catching an amazing sale fare to Central/South America could make it less money, but then again they're sometimes amazing sales to Europe. I would say set an dollar amount to work with in stone & then work backwards from there to go wherever you want to.

drdawggy

I conduct a study abroad program in Argentina for university students and I compete for students with programs in Europe. Prices are very similar...in large measure because air fares are high to South America....

American does not have a monopoly on the South American market, but fares are still high.....United flies to many locations, such as Buenos Aires and Brazil....Continental flies to Ecuador and other destinations...and Delta flies to Santiago and has just added Buenos Aires again, which may help bring prices down.

Prices on the ground will be less in many South American countries.....and in parts of Central American and Mexico....although I found Mexico and some parts of rural Mexico to be very high comparatively speaking....

In Buenos Aires expect to pay 25c to ride the bus or 1dollar or two to take a taxi to most places, 30-50 dollars for a tourist class, family run hotel, 5 dollars for lunch or 10dollars for a nice dinner with a glass of wine....Movies are 4 dollars, unless you go on Wed, when prices are discounted.

SharonNRayMc

Here's my reply to your two questions:

1. Our trip to Bolivia and Peru in February 2005 is looking like it will end up costing very close to what we spent in Spain last Februrary.

2. As for interesting places: I have been to Guatemala, poked into Honduras for a couple days (Copan Ruins) and Peru. Each of them was very interesting. I also think our Bolivia trip will not disappoint.

-Sharon

Dude

My wife and I were in Oaxaca and Puebla Mexico for two weeks last summer. It ended up costing about $80.00 a day for lodging, transportation, eating well, going out for a beer or such each night, and bus fares. We were able to find quite acceptable lodging for under $30.00 a night which gave us extra money to spend. Stay away from resorts and Mexico can still be done inexpensively. You could cut out a lot of things we did and make it even cheaper.