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Cheap Vacations: Where To Go to Get More For Your Dollar

February 4th, 2009 • Posted By: Dean • 0 comments • Related • Tags
A European vacation can be pricey thanks to the Euro’s strength against the dollar.  U.S. currency exchange rates have improved somewhat, but there are still much cheaper alternatives to Europe.  Here’s a list of exciting places that won’t break your vacation budget and where the dollar is still fairly strong.


1.  ARGENTINA



Buenos Aires is a sophisticated city filled with great restaurants, culture and nightlife.  Argentina is famed for its excellent beef, as well as Italian cuisine, owing to the country’s many Italian immigrants.  And of course, there’s tango, the beautiful and passionate dance which is known throughout the world.  To get a real feel for Argentina, try some Argentine tango lessons before you leave home.  Look for a teacher who regularly visits Buenos Aires (most of the good tango teachers do) – they can offer you some good travel tips.

To find Argentine tango teachers/dance events in your location, check out:


2. MEXICO



Mexico is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, and why not?  It has something for everyone – white sand beaches and clear blue ocean, Mayan ruins, vibrant music and folklore.  For a tropical beach getaway, there’s always Cancun, but for great culture try Mexico City, booming with new museums, a historical architectural revival and an active music and arts scene. The city’s huge Museum of Modern Art has works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and costs just $2.

3. CZECH REPUBLIC



In Prague, you’ll enjoy all the elegance of a beautiful old-world European city without the high prices.  The Czech Republic is known for history, architecture and, interestingly enough, delicious and cheap beer.  There’s history, Pilsner Urquell was invented in the Czech Republic and is probably the most beloved brew in the country. If beer is not your thing, how about a massage and facial? The Czech Republic is also world-famous for its spas.

4. BALI

Bali

Link:  http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/bali/index.html


The Indonesian island of Bali is truly a tropical paradise, far away and exotic yet affordable.  You’ll find some of the world’s best beaches plus a a rich history and culture.  There are numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in making objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are also noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth.


5. TUNISIA

Tunisia

link: http://www.tourismtunisia.com/

This beautiful and exotic North African country offers pristine beaches, Roman ruins, the Sahara Desert, mosques, Andalusian architecture, sophisticated resorts, camel rides, jeep excursions, weavers, and traditional musicians. 

Visit the capital city Tunis’s medina, or old city, founded in the seventh century, to see narrow, winding streets with surprises around every corner.  You’ll see locals wearing traditional robes and barter in open-air markets amidst the smell of fresh bread, spices, and honey-drenched pastries.

6. GUATEMALA

Guatemala

link: http://www.planetware.com/guatemala-tourism-vacations-gua.htm

Guatemala is a land of tropical jungles, active volcanoes, mountain lakes, mountain cloud forests, volcanic beaches and coral reefs. The ancient ruins of Tikal provide a look at Mayan culture with plazas, an acropolis, pyramids, temples and a museum.  Weaving is a popular business with a rainbow of colors found in the villagers’ hand-woven clothes.  Each village has its own unique pattern and color. It is still possible to experience the clamor and color of an outdoor Indian market where handicrafts are made and sold in the same manner as in days gone by.

in the city of Antigua, Guatemala, visitors stroll the same cobblestone streets, enjoy many of the same buildings and monuments that stood when this was regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in Spanish America. In Antigua and Guatemala City, the celebrations for Lent and Holy Week are still spectacular and attract people from all over the world.

Photo Credit from Flickr
Dean writes:
 
With the global recession I think if you can afford it, now is one of the best times to travel.  Overall the global tourism industry is hurting which mean there are deal to be found.  Hotel rates just about everywhere have been dropping. 
For those of you on a really tight budget you might also want to try these sites.
 
Couch Surfing – Made for the younger backpack crowd.
Hostels.com – Large database with reviews of thousands of hostels.
Kayak.com – My favorite site for airline travel deals.
 
Anybody can recommend other great places to visit where the dollar is still strong?