Best international destinations for the US dollar – Part 1

Best destinations where the US dollars still holds strong.

This dollar has been in a slide in recent years when compared to other major currencies like the pound and the Euro in particular. This makes Europe which is the favourite spots for Americans an expensive vacations spot. The are some alternatives though to travelling to Europe, places where the green back still holds its own against the local currency.

The first place to look at is Argentina. Argentina went through an economic crisis ten years ago but they are now back on their feet. Some of the prices that went down with the economic crisis have not yet risen back to pre-crisis level so they are a few bargain areas that one could visit in this country. There is a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a city like Buenos Aires. The Argentines have always looked at themselves as just as sophisticated as the Europeans so they have designed some of their cities to look like European cities. The Argentine currency is the Peso and the dollar power is still supreme compare to this currency. You would get the same type of nightlife just as in Europe but it would be about a quarter cheaper. Steak with fine Argentine wine would run you about $15-$20.

This is Argentina so you can what people do the Tango or you can opt some lessons of your own. The lessons would run you close to about $6 per hour.

While we are still in Latin America you might want to take a look at Uruguay. They also use the Peso and the dollar is still strong against this currency. Montevideo is the capital city of this country and the cafes there are lined as if you are in Europe.

Some people recommend a vacation to South Africa. They used the rand as their currency and the greenback is strong compare to this monetary exchange. In South Africa you can get a Safari tour for close to about $360 and some dinner entre for only $10. This is true for the restaurants in places in Cape Town.

Portugal is in Europe and they used the euro but they lack behind in terms of development to countries such as Italy. So instead of taking a vacation to Italy, why not take one to Portugal? Lisbon is the capital city but there are also relatively inexpensive areas like Porto which you could visit. The streets are lively and wine that would set you back about $12-$16 in say London or Rome would only cost you about $7 in Porto. Hotel accommodation could be gotten for as little as $75 per night compare to about $200 per night that you would get in say Paris.

You could go vacation in Puerto Rico; this is one of the US Islands. It would be cheaper to a vacation say in the Caribbean Island. Gas prices are a little bit cheaper because of lower taxes, so getting around in say a rental car would be great. It is an island, so there would be great beaches to relax on.

Barbados is like a poor man’s Hawaii Island. This would be an ideal vacation spot. Beer is cheap, about $4 for the locally brewed brand. Flights cost would not be as expensive, generally in the $400 neighbourhood. American Airlines and Air Jamaica would get you there for about that price. Enjoy some surfing, lying in the beach and get hotel accommodation for about $136 in a guesthouse.

Why don,t you head north to Canada. Canada has its own dollar which the green back is still performing well against. Both currencies are about the same value now. Travelling there would be relatively easy depending on what part of the US that you live. Why not give Quebec City a try. Dining out would be cheaper than say in London. Shopping would also be relatively easy as well as transportation.