It is the backpacker's appeal to India, the sun-seeker's attraction to Mexico and the digital nomad's desire to go to Thailand: to go where the dollar buys more.
The evergreen strategy of budget travel is gaining new momentum this summer: the the dollar jumped against a number of foreign currencies, including the Japanese yen, thanks to high interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve, attracting foreign investment, which supports the dollar.
“A destination’s weaker currency represents greater value for U.S. tourists,” said Erina Pindar, chief operating officer and managing partner of SmartFlyera global travel agency based in New York.
“This economic advantage could make far-flung destinations in Asia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan, or in South America, such as Peru, Argentina and Chile, more accessible than ever,” he said. she adds.
Distant destinations are generally more expensive to reach, which, coupled with the physical consequences of time difference, helps make the case for the country's North American neighbors, Canada And Mexicowhere exchange rates have long favored the purchasing power of the dollar.
But this year there are new competitors to consider with attractive exchange rates, including the following destinations.
Australia
Currently, the US dollar is worth around AU$1.50, an increase of around 16 per cent over the last three years.
The obstacle, of course, is the long flight, which can easily cost more than $1,000 round trip. But the travel search engine Kayak lists attractive summer return fares between the West Coast and Sydney from $770, with best availability in August.
Traveling to Australia by plane is not cheap either, especially since the recent bankruptcy of the low-cost airline Bonza. Jetstar offers lower fares, including, recently, $50 one-way tickets between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Campervans can be an affordable way to take a road trip in Australia, with companies like Jucy, British And Apollo offering vehicles including beds and kitchen equipment. Jucy recently rented a two-person van for a week in July for about $53 a night.
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is winter in Australia. If you're planning a ski holiday in the Australian Alps, Tourism Australia suggests avoid mid-July when schools are on break and many families are heading to the slopes.
Australia does not have a tipping culture, which could save travelers 20% on restaurant meals, according to Craig Bradbery, chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, which includes the recently rebuilt restaurant. Southern Ocean Lodgea luxury property on Kangaroo Island.
Bali, Indonesia
Many Southeast Asian destinations, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, offer attractive exchange rates. In Indonesia, the rupee is at its lowest level in four years against the dollar.
“I would send customers to Bali, Indonesia,” said Rob Huie, owner of Luxury Travel Services by Rob, based in Millsboro, Del., noting that the cost of living is low on the island. “The caveat is a higher initial cost to get there, but once there you can stay in three- and four-star hotels at very affordable rates, get meals for $10 to $25 a day, and massages for $10 to $30. .”
Travelers with Marriott loyalty points can redeem them at Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta (rooms from $57 per night). IGH Reward members can spend or earn points at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (from $138).
Tripadvisor The list of best budget hotels in the Central Highlands around Ubud includes options under $100.
Bali is a good place to look for a vacation rental, according to the home rental platform HomeÀGo. Its data shows that the median price per night for a property to rent in Bali this summer is $86, compared to $388 in the United States.
“Despite the strength of the U.S. dollar globally, prices in every state continue to rise, prompting travelers to look to international destinations where their dollar can stretch further,” said expert Eleanor Moody. in travel at HomeToGo, which added that searches for rentals in Indonesia have more than doubled in the past year.
Colombia
South America – including Argentina where inflation has soared and Peru where the soil has depreciated against the dollar – is another place to look for value.
“Stop going to Europe,” said Cécile Blot, the owner of the travel agency Limitless travel in Washington, D.C., praising “destination dupes” in South America. “Many countries in the southern continent offer the whole package – history, culture, nature, culinary delights, world-class accommodation – at a fraction of the price. »
One of them is Colombiawhere the dollar recently stood at about 3,935 pesos, a gain of about 20 percent over the past five years.
“Colombia has something for everyone,” said Stefanie Pichonnat, owner of AAV tripsbased in Terre Haute, Indiana, citing Cartagena on the Caribbean as an economic substitute for a European capital, and on the coasts Tayrona National Natural Park as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica.
“Coffee lovers can spend days visiting coffee fincas, keen hikers can challenge themselves with a hike to the Paramo desert and birders will find a multitude of options to explore,” she added.
Air service is frequent and affordable. A recent search for round-trip fares from the New York area found summer departures starting at around $290 to the capital Bogotá and $320 to coastal Cartagena.
From Bogotá, visitors can reach Chingaza National Nature Park in the Eastern Andes or spend a few days in the laid-back colonial town of Leyva Villa. But Colombia's mountainous terrain and treacherous roads often force travelers to fly to visit other regions.
Among the tour operators who plan for you, Responsible travelbased in England, offers a customizable 12-day trip to Colombia that visits Bogotá, Medellín and central coffee country, including the lush Cocora Valley with its nearly 200-foot-tall wax palms (from $2,990 per person).
Japan
The US dollar is currently value about 156 Japanese yen, a gain of more than 11 percent over the past year.
Demand for Japan was already booming when the economic situation was improving. BWH Hotelswhich includes Best Western Hotels, said occupancy and rates have increased steadily over the past two years due to demand and a shortage of employees, particularly in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka , Kyoto and Hokkaido.
But with careful planning, Americans can still exploit the exchange rate. IHG Hotels & Resortswhich operates hotel brands in the country, from the design-focused Voco to the upscale InterContinental, suggested traveling in early July to get the best rates (one night at the hotel). Voco Osaka Central starts at $135).
Japanese-owned Hoshino Resorts tend to be upscale, but their OMO The line offers more entry-level accommodations, from capsule hotels to full-service locations. THE OMO5 Kyoto-Gion, for example, offers rooms that sleep up to six people and come with kitchens, starting at 24,000 yen, or about $153. Staff guides offer free tours of area temples.
Although many temples, parks and shrines are free, travelers to the capital can benefit from the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2,500 yen (about $16) which includes entry to more than 100 museums and attractions in the city.
Among his advice For travelers on a budget, the Japan Tourism Board recommends making lunch your big meal as many restaurants offer lunchtime specials.
There are a number of economical ways to get around Japan, including the train (a Japanese Rail Pass starts at 50,000 yen, or about $320, for seven days), budget airlines like Fishing And Zipair And night bus.
Or consider browsing the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that connects the sacred shrines of the Kii Mountains. Walking in Japan offers a seven-day self-guided trip, including accommodation and most meals, starting at 224,000 yen.
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