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If you’re on a tight budget but still crave an overseas vacation, pick your destination carefully. International flights don’t tend to come cheap (though there are ways to make them affordable) but once in your destination, you can potentially stretch your US dollars a lot further than you can at home.
Consider these vacation spots if you’re looking for big adventures on limited vacation savings.
Asia
Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have long been a popular choice for pretty much all Westerners, offering culture, beaches, delicious food, and a lot of bang for your (US) buck.
You can still get a decent meal in Bangkok, Bali or Hanoi for less than $10, especially if you like to eat like the locals rather than hitting all the tourist spots. Accommodation is these areas can be very affordable too, with AirBnB rooms available in places like Chang Mai in Thailand and Ubud in Bali for $20 a night.
What may surprise you however is that some travel experts are suggesting now might be a good time for US visitors to visit more expensive Asian destinations too. Japan, for example, is known for being expensive, but right now the US dollar is relatively strong against the Yen, meaning you’ll find your dollars go a lot further than they once did.
Europe
Cities like Paris and Rome are full of American tourists and you won’t find many bargains, but there are still some European destinations where travel is a lot cheaper. Consider less popular destinations like Croatia. It’s one of the countries that’s only recently adopted the Euro (in 2023) and as is usually the case, while the country is still transitioning to its new currency you’ll find it’s very affordable.
Turkey is another European destination worth considering, not least because the US dollar’s value against the Turkish lira has more than quintupled in the last five years, meaning your dollar will go five times further.
Other options for travellers who want an unusual European country on their ‘travelled-to’ list include Slovenia, Lithuania or Latvia. All are much cheaper than more popular European destinations.
South America
With South America the trick, again, is to avoid the most popular destinations and seek out more budget friendly towns or resorts that still cater to tourists, but with a lower price tag.
A week in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival might cost a small fortune, but countries like Peru and Argentina still have a lot to offer for a much lower price, especially in popular but affordable destinations like Pucón and Valparaíso in Chile or Cusco in Peru.
South American currencies can be quite volatile against the US dollar so bear this in mind, and consider buying the currency in advance if it weakens against the dollar and you’re definitely planning a trip to a specific destination.
More Tips for Making Those Dollars Go further
- Keep an eye on currency fluctuations when you have a destination in mind, or track the value of the dollar against all other currencies at a site like this one.
- Stay up to date on world news. There are always countries on the ‘not safe to travel’ list for American citizens, and this can change quickly, especially in the current volatile political climate. Never travel anywhere against US Department of State Travel Advisories.
- Invest in reputable travel insurance in case things do change at the last moment and prevent you from traveling.
- Use our favorite travel hacks to make travel anywhere in the world less expensive, and potentially more enjoyable.
- Do your research and know what you want to do before you hit your destination, and then weigh up the pros and cons of booking online in advance or paying when you get there in local currency (either one can be the cheapest option).
In an uncertain economy, international travel might seem out of reach for many. But currency volatility can actually work in your favor if you really want to travel outside of the US right now. Just think ahead and plan carefully to make the most of it.
About the Author
Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine. Learn More About Karen
