I am planning on a 17 day vacation in May/June and I would like to know where I can get the best bang for my buck. I am ruling out the following countries because I have been to them at least once:

Spain, Holland, Belgium, France, England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Poland, & Czech.

My boyfriend has ruled out our original destination of Turkey because of the travel warnings and no matter what anyone on this post says, he will not go there, unfortunately.

We are considering Croatia but we are open to your advice and would even consider another part of the world, possibly Thailand or New Zealand.

We are both active and enjoy historical destinations, cities and towns with great pubs or wineries. We also prefer exploring one country in that amount of time, spending 3-4 days per town/city. Please keep in mind that we are looking for best value for our dollar. I am looking forward to reading your suggestions and why you liked each place you suggest!

Try some third world country where the GDP is something like a few hundred dollars per capita. Why not employ the logic of quality over quantity? Perhaps do a week or ten nights instead of "a 17 day vacation".

Either way, what a vulgar, and quite simply illogical title, you make yourself sound intent on frequenting brothels.

I actually agree with m_kingdom. Why not shorten the vacation? In addition, I am also an American, but the title and nature of the question ARE insensitive, if not offensive.

Whoa there! Definitely not meant to offend you! I would edit my topic title to something less likely to create a stir but I don't know how to edit it. Help with this, please? I may have phrased it not to your liking but what I meant to convey was that our dollar is worth much less than it was which is making much of Europe VERY expensive for us living in the USA (I am not an American, becky_ann). I was in Europe twice last year and I found the expense was much more than the previous year. It is also not my intention to take advantage of Third World countries, m_kingdom. After spending more than expected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland last year I want something more affordable.

Why not reconsider and go back to France? There's so much to see there all over the country that you don't need to go back to the area(s) you've been to.

For what it's worth, I found the title perfectly logical and succint. "Bang for your buck" is common and this represents a perfectly fine usage of English -- at least to me. I just thought that I'd comment that I was not in the least bit offended.

I think there were some misintepretations here, and in defense of eurotraveller, I don't see a problem with the title. "Bang for your buck" is (that I consider) a fairly common expression that means good value, or you get more for your money. I don't really see what is vulgar unless it was misunderstood. There are many non-third world coountries that are better value than other (when comparing hotels, meals, etc). I haven't travelled overseas in the recent economic climate (I will be soon) so I can't be of any help hear but many others can. I've always been told that Greece is great value, but I haven't been.

It's OK, eurotraveller! I got your drift!

Most of Western Europe would be more expensive. "Central Europe" like Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, etc. would be less expensive.

In Russia, there are miles of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, and lots of other great museums and sights in Moscow. For a truly different adventure, you go try the Trans-Siberian RR all the way to China.

Speaking of China, that's another possibility. All Asia is a possibility, and prices are very reasonable - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and even Vietnam, Cambodia in SE Asia.

Then there's all of South Asia - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful Seychelles.

Australia and New Zealand would not be as "affordable" as the rest of the Western part of the Pacific. Bit more expensive, but with lots to do and see.

Then there's South America...

eurotraveller, there's so much of the rest of the world that will offer you great bangs for your bucks. You'll have to narrow things down a bit and tell us what you are interested in - European, Asian, Latin American - for starters.

The title doesn't offend me. It's a phrase I've used plenty. If it's something different in other English speaking nations that's good to know.

I am a huge fan of Croatia. There are some very good recent trip reports here to support that. Otherwise, how about Costa Rica? I think there's some great value to be found there.

Hmmm, maybe it's a cultural difference (I'm Irish), but I didn't see anything offensive or insensitive in your posting or title, but anyway...My suggestion would be to take in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and time permitting Lithuania. Costs are well below that of Western Europe and as yet these countries have not fallen victim to mass tourism. You should have little trouble with English in the capital cities and larger towns. Obviously it's just manners to learn a few simple phrases before you go but in general the younger population especially will be only too glad to show off their English. Plenty of historical sight to keep you busy and some great restaurants and pubs. We're heading back again this year, we loved it so much. I'm sure if "hsv" is tuned in here, a much more detailed post will follow.

Portugal.

Best wishes,

Rex

I don't see a problem at all with the title. I understand your thinking. I'm looking at the following countries as possibilities: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, or Bulgaria. Partly because they are cheaper, but also because we enjoy "off the beaten path" locations. Slovakia would probably be the most inexpensive place you could go. There are some nice places in the Tatra Mountains, but I don't think enough for a 17 day trip.

We have found Vietnam and Thailand to be perfectly safe, inexpensive, and fascinating beyond all our expectations. Incomparable food and service, friendly hosts, fairly good transportation, English spoken by tourist-related businesses, souvenirs galore. Anxious to please. Overwhelming hospitality.

Thanks to all of you who have provided me with info rather than lashing out at me for my topic title. Easytraveler, the reason I didn't narrow it down much is because I am very open as to where to go. Thank you for your many suggestions! I really enjoy learning of other cultures, about their social systems and language. I especially enjoyed a recent short trip to Morocco because it is so different from other places I have been.I have been to Mexico a dozen times and Costa Rica. We had also considered South Africa. I made this a general post rather than asking specifics about certain countries because I want to be able to narrow it down here a bit before I venture out to buy a few books. Thank you all! Keep them coming (the positive ones anyway!)

South Africa is probably my favorite of all places I've been. It is possible to not spend alot there. You do not have to go on an expensive tour to see all the great things South Africa has to offer. However, the rand has made strong gains in the last year and a half and the airfare to get there can be very high.

Hi eurotraveller,

I think I understand you much better now. I think I was originally taken aback by the very straightforward title of your post. Good luck in your continued trip research.

Eurotraveller: There is nothing wrong with your title - it's a very common expression in the U.S.

Anyway, I agree with those who mentioned Slovakia - by far the most inexpensive place I've ever been in terms of, well, "the best bang for your buck." You might not want to do 17 days there, though, so could expand it to another Central European country.

I understand your post and wish some people wouldn't be so harsh and judgemental here...

m_kingdom, I was very surprised at your negative reaction to my topic title but now that I have read your replies to other posts I feel much better. I noticed that you sometimes pass judgement with condescension rather than helping if someone says something that you consider "ignorant" or "vulgar". I hope that you are able to read the replies of others who were not offended and offered great advice. Happy and safe travels to you.

As someone else suggested consider Greece the prices will be low because it's early in the season. You could spend a week on the mainland exploring places like Delphi and Meteora and a week on one of the larger islands like Crete.

eurotraveller- i prob could have written that post myself. Sometimes you have little money and lotsa time.

By the reaction of some posters I feel that htey must have difficulty traveling - cultural differences must sometimes offend and confuse.

Since I have been reseaching same thing I have looked into Thailand, New Zealand and Croatia.

Good Luck!!