I know you’ve been dying to take that long-planned trip to Europe where you can try out your new skis on the Swiss alps, marvel at the impressive cathedrals in Italy, take a tour of the ancient ruins in Greece, and maybe even meet the Queen in London (although you’ll need a whole lot of luck for the last one). This pesky little thing called the economy however has decided to spoil your vacation plans. With the weakening dollar, a European trip is now a lot more expensive and way beyond your budget.

Don’t store your suitcase away just yet though. While it is all too real that the US currency is on a steady downward trend, there are still a number of vacation spots where you can get more for your buck. They may not be quite as grandiose as Europe but they’re just as enjoyable and may even have more in store for the adventurous traveler.

First up is Argentina. With this destination, you won’t have to miss Europe as much. Breath-taking landscapes, beautiful architecture, vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle in the capital, and an ardent love for football, Argentina is as close to Europe as you can get. The country’s currency suffered a traumatic collapse in 2001 but has recovered in large measure since then. The dollar still enjoys a strong value here though and travelers can definitely have a blast since dining and accommodations cost almost half as much as in the West.

For more of Latin American atmosphere, you can also visit Costa Rica. This country offers pristine beaches, rivers, and rainforests; certainly a welcome relief from the harried rush of the metropolis. For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a well-preserved haven. This is one of the best places to go snorkeling, rafting, kayaking, or to just simply be in awe of earth’s natural wonders. Costa Rica used to be a well-kept secret among backpackers and biologists but it has recently been receiving a much larger influx of travelers.

Right in the heart of Europe is another weak dollar-friendly travel destination. I’m talking about the Czech Republic. Yeah I know, we’re supposed to veer away from ultra expensive euro territories but this vacation spot happens to fit our itinerary. Although the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, it still hasn’t adopted the euro as its official currency. Prague, the capital, is famous for its historic Gothic castles and is considered as one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Tucked away in the Czech countryside are a variety of spas, thanks to the abundance of natural springs and mud. Forget the overpriced spa treatments in the US; you can avail of a whole body massage with aromatherapy in Czech Republic for as low as $35.

Southeast Asia is another choice destination if you want to get more for your dollar. One of the most popular travel spots here is Thailand where you can find a conglomeration of panoramic sceneries, bustling nightlife, historic temples, and even royalty. The country is also well-known for its flavorful cuisines which has widely influenced even the Western culinary scene. What better way to discover the authentic taste of Thai dishes than to immerse yourself in this fascinating country.

Vietnam is also a good choice if you want to further explore Southeast Asia. The rural scenes in this country remain virtually untouched, still displaying their idyllic charms in the midst of fast-paced modernization. The natural reserves in Vietnam are also worth exploring while first-class hotels in the capital can be enjoyed for half the price of their US counterparts.

Ponta Dos Ganchos is Brazil’s most exclusive resort, and winter holidays in Brazil make sense because of the favourable weather during the winter months. Rated as a top South American Hotel I was lucky enough to be taken there by family who live in Brazil.

Where is it? Obviously in Brazil, but in fact it is surrounded by the famous Costa Esmerelda, and about 45 minutes from Florianopolis airport. I also discovered it is a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, and as yet one of the great undiscovered hotels of the world.

I asked my uncle if we could have a totally Brazil vacation, and I said I had stayed in some of the best tropical vacation spots, what was there in the way of Brazilian vacation resorts which is why we ended up at Ponta Dos Ganchos.

It is a beautiful resort a real gem with only twenty rooms, and our room was truly stunning with a private pool, private sauna, and indoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The bathroom was absolutely huge with double shower, his ‘n her toilets, double basins, there was even an outdoor shower.

The sundeck came equipped with a hammock and two long sunbeds, there was a well stocked bar, where everything non alcoholic was complimentary, and the flat screen television even rotated so you could watch it in bed or in the sitting room – fabulous!!

There are two restaurants, one where you eat breakfast or light lunch which is served all day, and the main restaurant where you could eat outside or inside, and it is on two levels. Lunch runs all afternoon, and dinner until the early hours of the morning so there is no pressure to stick to a routine. The food is good, not outstanding but lots of seafood which I love, and wine is at about European restaurant prices. Be warned that the staff although most attentive don’t speak English!!

We did some exploring, and found villages close by, the water was calm and clear for swimming, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins off the coast by the marine reserve. This hotel deserves its’ reputation as one of the best Brazilian vacation resorts in fact it is one of the best tropical resorts I have stayed in.