Four Tips for Coping With a Weak Travel Dollar

Traveling to Western Europe is now 25 percent more expensive than it was two years ago. Travelers can get around the weak dollar problem, however, by following these four tips.

(PRWEB) July, 2003 -- The US dollar is now worth 25 percent less than it was two years ago in the European Union, which includes such popular destinations as Ireland, Italy, and Spain. That's great news for Europeans coming to the US, but a real spoiler for anyone going the other way. What was already an expensive part of the world has become even pricier.

Travelers willing to step out of that European comfort zone, however, can avoid the problem altogether. Tim Leffel, author of The Worlds Cheapest Destinations" offers these alternatives to fighting a weak dollar in Europe.

Visit The Other Europe"

The Czech Republic has already closely matched Euro exchange rates, but other countries waiting to become part of the EU have not. The dollar is only down about 10 percent from two years ago in countries such as Hungary and Poland, while its actually up in Romania, and Turkey. Some of this increase has been negated by inflation, but these countries are all far cheaper than their more developed neighbors to the west. Travelers can eat, sleep, and travel comfortably in Eastern Europe and Turkey for half or less what they would spend in EU nations.

Head to Asia

Many Asian currencies are tied to the dollar, so there has been little effect in this part of the world. Rates in Southeast Asia, China, India, and Nepal have generally remained the same.

Since the SARS epidemic broke out, Asia has seen a dramatic drop in tourism. Anyone heading that direction will have no problem finding historic deals on airfare, lodging, and activities.

Go South of the Border

Countries in Central and South America are tied closely to the US, both as a trading partner and a currency peg. Rates are roughly the same as two years ago in Belize, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru. The dollar has actually increased more than 10% during that time against the currencies of Mexico, Honduras, and Brazil. Again, these countries are all far cheaper than Western Europe and some are among the best values on the planet.

Get That European Feeling

The most European city outside of Europe is probably Buenos Aires, Argentina. Thanks to a complete meltdown in the countrys currency, this enchanting and romantic city is cheaper than it has been in a lifetime. Visitors can experience old world architecture, get their fill of cultural entertainment, and idle away the hours in sidewalk cafés. All of this will cost a fraction of the same experience in Europe, however.

A trip to Quebec is another good feels like Europe" option. Canada is still a great bargain for Americans and with French as the primary language, it definitely feels like a foreign country.

Tim Leffel is a travel writer and author of "The Worlds Cheapest Destinations." Find more travel bargain resources at www.WorldsCheapestDestinations.com.

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Tim Leffel is available anytime for interviews or as a source on travel deals and international bargains. He can be reached by cell phone at 615-429-2718.