Back in February, CN Traveler published a post about the best places to go on a strong US dollar. This list included Norway, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, to name a few. Eight months later, is that list still accurate? Where should you be looking at going now, in order to maximise your money? Let’s take that one step further – where should you plan a trip to – now – while the US dollar is strong? Here’s my destination expert tip on five of the best places to travel while the US dollar is strong. *This post originally appeared on Point Me To The Plane, a travel points and miles blog I write for.*
five places to travel on a strong US dollar
If you’re not using frequent flyer miles, hotel reward points, or another form of travel hacking, then globetrotting is one expensive hobby. With flights, hotels, meals, and tours, travel expenses add up. Luckily, there are some places where the US dollar stretches pretty far, like Southeast Asia or part of Central America and the Caribbean. When we have a strong US dollar, money goes even further in some of the world’s best destinations.
CN Traveler’s list included Norway – for the sole reason that it was cheaper to travel there today than it was ten years ago. Iceland also bears that honour, but when a ten minute taxi ride costs me the equivalent of $70, I don’t consider it cheap! Instead, what’s practical for us American travellers? Where can we go that’s weak against the dollar? My list includes New Zealand (also one of my favourite destinations), Argentina (so easy to get to for us Americans), and Colombia (an emerging destination).
New Zealand
An outdoor lover’s paradise. A wino’s new favourite wine region. And a steal against next-door-neighbour Australia. Without going into specifics, I’m working on two combination itineraries for clients. For less than a third of the time, the Australia portions cost my clients half the price. New Zealand experiences range from backpacker budget to ultra-luxe. After all, there is a reason why New Zealand boasts thirty plus luxury lodges from north to south. But go now and even the swankiest of lodges will only cost an arm, instead of an arm and a leg.
Argentina
Perhaps the biggest boon toward US tourism was the 2016 removal of the $160 reciprocity fee Argentina once bestowed on American travellers. That, coupled with a weak peso , and the fact that Americans can get a refund on the 21% tax levied on hotels stays, makes Argentina incredibly attractive. While Buenos Aires beckons those eager to learn the tango, marvel at colonial architecture, and dine at world-class establishments, Argentina offers more to the discerning traveler. Spend some time in Mendoza, learning the art of Malbec or visit Patagonia for its jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscapes. Explore Iguazu Falls or head to neighbouring Uruguay for a day trip. No matter what, it’s a bargain of a trip.
Portugal
Hot on the heels of my Point Me To The Plane Portugal series is the not-so-hot news that Portugal remains a great value for American travellers, despite being on the Euro. While the dollar-euro exchange rate remains consistent – between .80 and .90 for the year to date – Portugal’s lure is that prices aren’t yet sky-high. For an alternative to French or Italian wine regions (hello Douro Valley!), tantalising cities (Porto and Lisbon), a vibrant Central Portugal heartland, and a beach scene for everyone (the Algarve and the Azores), meet Portugal.
(Bonus for Portugal? It combines easily with numerous European destinations on stopover programs.)
Colombia
Easy to get to, easy to fall in love with. Colombia – once war-torn, in the midst of civil war, and far from the beaten path – is now a mecca of culture and food. Capital Bogota, beachy Cartagena, and culturally hip Medellin attract travellers in search of authentic experiences. This rich country boasts high biodiversity (1 in 10 of the world’s species live here), lush rainforests, gorgeous coastlines, and more. Colombia also ranks high in the sustainable tourism lists and has an ambitious plan for its national parks.
South Africa
The South African rand continues to fall, increasing the country’s attractiveness. With booming urban centres like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town all accessible from the US, it’s easier than ever to get here. Kruger National Park is one of the world’s best destinations for safari. For the best of both worlds, combine a safari with a city stay. There are 27 Virtuoso hotels in South Africa, from Cape Town to the bush, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and experience South Africa’s history, all for relatively inexpensively.
If you’re not ready to go somewhere, work with a travel advisor like myself to map out your future travels. My clients benefit from a private consultation, an innovative virtual program, and access to unique experiences they can’t get elsewhere. And by planning ahead, I’m able to save my clients time and money by combining destinations (less money spent on flights!) and keeping tabs on exchange rates. (Wondering what a travel advisor does? We are the “hottest new thing that never went away!”)
Paper, Ink, & Passports Travel is a full-service travel consulting and design company. We craft custom itineraries for unique destinations around the world. An Aussie Specialist, New Zealand Gold Specialist, Ireland Specialist, and Scotland Expert. Contact me now to start planning your next culinary adventure!
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