doug_stallings

Leslie, if you have the miles to get to Asia, then I'd say that's definitely where you want to go, but only if you can stay for 2 weeks. It's not really worth going that far unless you can stay that long. I went to the Philippines in September, and it was just dirt cheap, especially when you get out of Manila. And it has the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen; plus, many people speak English. Similarly, Thailand is dirt cheap (even Bangkok). Bali is magnificent and cheap. Vietnam is breathtaking and cheap, as is Malaysia. Almost anywhere you might want to go in Southeast Asia is a bargain by U.S. standards.

There are also many places in Central and South America where you could go and feel very comfortable traveling at budget prices. I'd include Peru in that mix, so long as you are satisfied with simpler local hotels and not western-style chain hotels.

But if you want to go to Europe, I would not dissuade you. It's very possible to travel to many countries in Central and Eastern Europe and get by on $100 per day or less if you are not extravagant. It's harder in western Europe, though not impossible. I don't think it's possible to do that in the UK, but perhaps in Ireland.

nelsonian

I agree with New Zealand, the US dollar is very strong against the NZ$ at the moment, much to my dismay.

Melnq8

Another vote for New Zealand, where one NZ dollar is about US .50 today, the lowest I've seen it since 2001.

Also Australia, where as of today, one AU dollar is about .64 US.

Prices in both places tend to be higher than in the US but, at those exchange rates it's a very tempting time to visit either or both.

LeslieC

Thank you all for your kind replies. Still working on getting my miles to take me to some of the places mentioned (particularly Asian and So. American countries)so I can take advantage of the lower ground cots. I tried very hard to explain that I'm looking for inexpensive places, so it's interesting to me that so many responded in terms of particular exchange rates being more favorable to the dollar than they have been in the past, yet still note that costs are higher than in the U.S. e.g. the above note concerning New Zealand and Australia:

"Prices in both places tend to be higher than in the US"

Melnq8

Well, with a good exchange rate, prices ARE lower, so it's all relative.

nelsonian

It's the perfect time to visit Australia or New Zealand. With being able to get two NZ dollars for one US dollar it's a given. Prices are incredibly low with such an exchange rate.

jimar1

Turkey is not a part of the European alliance.. and therefore, does not use the Euro... which means good for Americans... Any 1st class hotel anywhere is expensive...but in Turkey.. small,hotels are reasonable and can be obtained within walking distance of tourist locations....but don't go shoping unless you really enjoy barganing!!!!!!...FUN!
and as to ancient history.... Rome is 'current history' compared to the sites in Turkey!!!
jimar1

opus

Ditto on New Zealand--it's currently 2-1.

P_M

A second vote for Turkey. I was just there 3 months ago and it is quite cheap. At the time I went the US$ bought about 1.5 Turkish lire, today it's closer to 1.75, so it's an even greater bargain.

P_M

I should add that in recent months the dollar has gained a lot of ground on the British pound and the euro. Today's interbank rate on the £ is about 1.37, as opposed to a few months ago then the £ cost us around $2.00. Also the € costs around $1.27, while last summer it was closer to $1.50. It's a good time to travel overseas.

dutyfree

Using AA metal,I would strongly suggest going to Buenos Aires(Paris of South American with great sights,food,wine,etc.) or if you are adventurous,how about using your miles to India on AA's nonstop Delhi flight from Chicago. Do a trip of the "triangle' with Delhi,Agra and the Taj Mahal and Jaipur-very inexpensive.

I am suggesting the above cities as I think that they are easier for using your miles when you want-the South Pacific is very hard to get the right dates to the countries you want.

skittle

Heres another vote for New Zealand. The people are nice, it is small enouth to get around easily but has lots of different scenery. Accommodation is very cheap and so is car hire if you shop around. From the US you would need to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road but the traffic is light and very orderly.