Where is the U.S. Dollar Strong?
 

I would like to travel next summer, but I need a destination that isn't too expensive. Last time I was in London in 2005, one pound was a $1.81, now its over $2, so currency exchange rates are obviously important. Can anyone recommend a country (it doesn't have to be in Europe) that is politically stable, but is relatively inexpensive or has a favorable exchange rate? Thanks.

South America. I hear nothing but raves about Argentina.

Try Hell ..unless it freezes over.

I'd say post what your travel budget is, and people can make suggestions to accommodate it.

If you spent 1000 pounds when the dollar was $1.81, that would mean you spent $1810 USD. If you now spend 1000 pounds, that would mean you would now spend about $2010 USD. So it's more, but "only" a $200 difference in this example. I think it's probably more significant to get a good deal on airfare than what the exchange rate is.

But in answer to your question, even though the Euro/dollar conversion is not great, Germany remains a reasonably priced destination (at least for the cities I've encountered), and cheap airfares are often available. Central and Eastern European countries are quite reasonable. Mainly, it's a matter of setting your budget and figuring out what you can do with it.

I second Germany. We stayed in some beautiful small towns at lovely family run hotels for anywhere from 56E to 85E per night including breakfast and taxes. The scenery is varied and absolutely gorgeous. Frankfurt is also one of the cheaper airports to fly into.

A S I A

China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.

Depends on what you want--for a great beach, go to Koh Samui in Thailand. Avoid the Cheweng Beach area as it is insanely touristy (unless you are looking to drink and party). The North and East Sides are nice and quiet with beautiful white sand beaches. Beach massages for $5/hr, good meals for $2-$3. Why am I not there now?

Oops, missed the part about summer-it's a bit hot then. The best times for Samui are Oct/Nov or Springtime.

Well, if you believe the forex predictions, the dollar should be back to about $1.27 against the euro by March 2008. But I think the better strategy is to stay out of big cities and travel in the off season. No deals in the summer.

I also recommend Argentina, but obviously if you go in the summer here it will be winter there.

There are plenty of countries in the world whose exchange rates are tied to the dollar.

As someone has already stated, the actual difference in the relatively small amounts of money spent on travel between when the dollar was stronger and its current state is actually minimal and in real terms shouldn't stop you from carrying on as before.

Hi,

The Czech republic is great.
Been there a couple of times now and it's still very affortable.
Prague is a beautiful place.
And you can combine it with Germany because is right next to it.

Cesky Krumlov (little to the south) is very nice too.

For some pictures check http://members.chello.nl/g.bovenkamp/ (look under galleries) ;)

Of course, exchange rate aside, some places are just more expensive. Even living in NYC, there are places that surprise me with the prices. (Friends who just were in London were pretty shocked at the $50 cab rides ...)

Now is the time for Buenos Aires - their economy is on the way back, so in a 5 years ... who knows? (Avoid inerntaional chain hotels, plan to eat well and cheaply.)Portugal is often said to be very affordable. Ireland is higher than it was thanks to success, but go now before it catches up to England! And, as said, this is a good time to visit smaller places - the major tourist draws are so crowded, prices are high. Search for the lesser gems.

I don't get what people mean by "favorable exchange rate"
For example, today US$1 is worth: 0.47706 Sterling £ / 0.68341 Euro /1.13708 Swiss Franc.
So, which of these currencies has the best or the less favorable exchange rate ?

When I travelled in Ethiopia in 1997, the Ethiopian Birh was on par with the French Franc. If I remember correctly, at the same time, 1 Franc (or 1 Birh) would buy you about 200 Italian Lira. Does that mean that a potential Ethiopian tourist in Italy was more "comfortable" than an Italian tourist in Ethiopia ?

A nice, simple way to compare &quot;bang for the buck&quot; is the Big Mac Index compiled by <i>The Economist</i>.

http://www.economist.com/finance/dis...ory_id=9448015

Of course, it doesn't tell the whole story. One might conclude that Japan is a bargain due to the undervalued Yen -- a notion of which you will be disabused rapidly should you venture there.

Why not just stay stateside and explore some new corner of the country for the short-term?

USA

We recently found Japan to be far more affordable than we had been led to believe but i agree..the dollar is very strong right here in the US.

New Zealand is cheap when you get there.

What about an all inclusive holiday - such as a cruise where you don't really have to spend much when you go ashore.