It’s the call of the traveler in India, the pull of the sunset in Mexico, and the digital nomad’s quest to reach Thailand: Go where the dollar buys more.
The green travel budget strategy is getting a boost this summer: The dollar has risen against some foreign currencies, including the Japanese yen, thanks to high interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve — attracting foreign investment, which boosts the greenback.
“A destination’s weaker currency is more valuable to U.S. tourists,” said Erina Pindar, managing director and chief executive officer at SmartFlyer, a 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 before,” he added.
Far-flung destinations are typically more expensive to fly to, which, along with the natural price of jet lag, helps the country’s North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico, where exchange rates have long favored its purchasing power. dollar.
But this year there are some new contenders with attractive exchange rates to consider, including the destinations below.
Australia
The US dollar is currently worth about A$1.50, up about 16 percent over the past three years.
The catch, of course, is the long flight, which can easily top $1,000 round trip. But travel search engine Kayak lists some attractive summer round-trip fares between the West Coast and Sydney starting at $770, with the best availability in August.
Traveling to Australia by air isn’t cheap either, especially after the recent collapse of low-cost airline Bonza. Jetstar offers lower fares, including recently $50 one-way tickets between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Camper vans can be an affordable way to take a road trip in Australia, with companies such as Jucy, Britz and Apollo offering vehicles that include beds and cooking facilities. Jucy recently priced a two-person van rented for a week in July at about $53 a night.
The Northern Hemisphere summer is the Australian winter. If you’re planning a skiing holiday in the Australian Alps, Tourism Australia suggests avoiding mid-July when schools are out and many families head to the slopes.
Australia doesn’t have a tipping culture, potentially saving travelers 20 percent on restaurant meals, according to Craig Bradbery, the chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, which includes the recently renovated Southern Ocean Lodge, a luxury property on Kangaroo Island.
Bali, Indonesia
Many destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, offer compelling exchange rates. In Indonesia, the rupiah is at a four-year low against the dollar.
“I would send clients 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 upfront cost to fly there, but once you get there, you can stay in three- and four-star hotels at very affordable prices, dining for $10 to $25 a day, and massages for $10 to $30 .”
Travelers with Marriott Rewards 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’s list of top 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 home rental platform HomeToGo. Its data shows the average nightly price for a rental property in Bali this summer is $86, compared to the average rental price in the United States at $388.
“Despite the strength of the US dollar globally, prices across states continue to rise, prompting travelers to seek international destinations where their dollar can stretch further,” said Eleanor Moody, travel expert at HomeToGo, who he 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 sol has softened against the dollar – is another place to look for value.
“Stop going to Europe,” said Cecile Blot, the owner of Boundless Travels in Washington, DC, praising “destination scammers” in South America. “Many of the southern continent’s countries offer the whole package — history, culture, nature, culinary delights, world-class accommodations — at a fraction of the price.”
One of them is Colombia, where the dollar recently reached 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 Travel, based in Terre Haute, Ind., citing Cartagena in the Caribbean as a budget-friendly substitute for a European capital and the coastal Tayrona Natural Park as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica.
“Coffee lovers can spend days touring the cafe, keen hikers can challenge themselves with a trip to the Páramo desert and bird watchers will find plenty of options to explore,” he added.
Air service is frequent and affordable. A recent search for round-trip fares from the New York area showed summer departures starting at about $290 to the capital Bogota and $320 to coastal Cartagena.
From Bogotá, visitors can head to the Chingaza National Natural Park in the eastern Andes or spend a few days in the laid-back colonial town of Villa de Leyva. But Colombia’s mountainous terrain and dangerous roads often require travelers to fly inland to see other areas.
Among the tour operators doing the planning for you, England-based Responsible Travel offers a customizable 12-day trip to Colombia that visits Bogota, Medellín and central coffee country, including the lush Cocora Valley with the high almost 200 feet. wax palms (from $2,990 per person);
Japan
The US dollar is currently worth about 156 Japanese yen, up more than 11 percent over the past year.
Demand for Japan was already booming when the economic picture improved. BWH Hotels, which includes Best Western hotels, said occupancy and rates have risen steadily over the past two years due to demand and worker shortages, especially in popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido.
But with careful planning, Americans can still take advantage of the exchange rate. IHG Hotels & Resorts, which operates hotel brands in the country ranging from the design-focused Voco to the high-end InterContinental, suggested traveling by early July for the best prices (a night at the Voco Osaka Central starts at $135 ).
Japanese-owned Hoshino Resorts tend to be upscale, but their OMO line offers more entry-level accommodations, from capsule hotels to full-service locations. OMO5 Kyoto Gion, for example, offers rooms that sleep up to six people and include kitchens, starting at 24,000 yen, or about $153. Staff guides offer free guided tours of the area’s temples.
While many temples, parks and shrines are free, travelers to the capital can get the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for ¥2,500 (about $16) which includes entry to more than 100 museums and attractions around the city.
Among its tips for budget travelers, the Japan Tourism Office recommends making lunch your big meal, as many restaurants offer lunchtime specials.
There are several cost-conscious ways to get around Japan, including trains (the Japan Rail Pass starts at 50,000 yen, or about $320, for seven days), low-cost airlines like Peach and Zipair, and night buses.
Or consider walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that connects sacred shrines in the Kii Mountains. Walk Japan has a self-guided seven-day trip, including accommodation and most meals, starting at ¥224,000.
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