Travel Where the Dollar is Strong

You might think that foreign travel must be expensive, but this isn’t the case for every destination. With inflation hiking prices all around the world, there are still places where the dollar is strong and your money will stretch enough to make your dream vacation a reality.

Based on how much currencies are performing against the dollar in May 2024, here are 10 of the cheapest countries in the world to travel to:

10 destinations where the U.S. dollar is strong

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world. The average daily price to get around in Vietnam is just $59 per person.

2. Colombia

For years Colombia was known solely for its drug cartels and armed conflicts. Now, the country is starting to shine in a new light. With immaculate beaches and luscious jungles, Colombia offers a little bit of everything. The average cost of food in Colombia is just $24 per day.

3. Chile

Airfare, tourism and the Chilean Peso’s value have dropped drastically in recent years. But, with this decline comes opportunity. From good food and wine to outdoor adventures and the bustling metropolis of Santiago, there is plenty to do here, and as always, great prices.

4. Hungary

Whether you’re trying Hungarian goulash (the national dish), taking a river cruise along the Danube or listening to a traditional folk band in Budapest, the costs of dining out, transportation and entertainment in this eastern European country are all significantly lower than their counterparts in the west.

5. Argentina

Argentina’s annual inflation rate is near an all-time high at 289.4%, as of May 2024, although monthly inflation has dropped from recent levels. While it was more affordable to travel to Argentina in 2023 than 2024, it is still affordable compared to some other South American countries.

6. Japan

Traveling to Japan may seem unattainable for most Americans due to the high airfare prices. However, if you can get past this initial cost barrier, you’ll find that lodging, the cost of food and the yen all highly favor anyone with the U.S. dollar.

7. South Korea

Between its vast and affordable transit system, wide range of dining options, and abundance of low-cost activities and attractions, South Korea can prove a relatively inexpensive travel destination.

8. South Africa

South Africa is the host to one of the world’s most famous safari destinations—the Kruger National Park—and has a thriving safari industry. Some places even offer safari tours for as little as $152 a day.

9. Mexico

The Mexican Peso is currently the strongest it’s been against the U.S. dollar since 2015. However, even with this impressive growth, your dollar still has an advantage here. An inexpensive meal in Mexico could cost you just under $10. If you include a beer, you’ll pay a little under $12.50. In Mexico City, the nightly rate for a hotel room is an affordable $63.

10. Peru

This South American country offers tons to do — there’s exploring the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Maras salt flats, the Amazon River, and the beach-strewn coasts.

Quincy Williamson is lead digital producer at Kiplinger.com. For more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com.

©2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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