May 05 2008
Travel during a Recession
With the current economic problems of this country and the declining value of the US dollar, it may seem that travel, especially international travel, is not possible. This is not necessarily the case.
There are some places you can travel to where the dollar still has some strength. If you travel to Argentina the US dollar can get you about 3 pesos. As a result of this you can stay at hotel rooms that do not cost a lot and eat at reasonably priced restaurants. A meal at some of their best restaurants will run about eighteen dollars per person. Shopping is very affordable as well.
Jamaica and Barbados are also good places to travel to if you want to get the most for your money. Historically the value of the Jamaican dollar has matched the value of the dollar in the US, or it has done worse than the dollar. Recently however, the value of the Jamaican dollar has fallen further in value than the American dollar so it remains an affordable travel destination.
It is possible to travel to Barbados and get bargains. The currency of Barbados has minimally increased so you can still get a room in a hotel for slightly above $100 per night.
The value of the euro is much higher than the dollar so it is difficult for an American to travel to Europe for a vacation. Because of this many Americans are traveling to countries such as Spain or Italy but are not spending as many days there. It is also possible to travel to countries that have not fully accepted the euro such as Switzerland.
Jordan is a very good travel destination because the dinar has stayed fixed at seventy one cents for the past five years. It is a good idea to get your budget for traveling fixed in American dollars Most tours and travel agencies will set the price at least a year ahead of time in American dollars.
Locking in your trip in American dollars applies to booking a room in a hotel as well. Hotels such as St. Barts are favorites among American travelers because they offer rates that are fixed in American dollars. In London, there is a hotel that offers travelers a three night stay that includes transfers from the airport for $1400. This same vacation would cost of over eight hundred British pounds which equals about $1700 American dollars.
If you happen to be traveling in an expensive foreign city consider travel cards. Travel cards are offered everywhere. Travel cards offer travelers discounted access to popular landmarks and transportation
Cities worldwide offer travel cards to travelers. These cards promise savings through discounts on tourist spots.
If you travel to Sydney, Australia, a pass for the family may cost two hundred seventy five dollars and includes discounts at attractions.
Remember that if you want to keep from spending too much money when you travel, do not exchange your money overseas. The commission and exchange rates are very high. A better solution is to use a debit card and take out just the amount of foreign currency you will need for your trip. This way, you will get the rate of exchange the bank usually gives. You will take out what is necessary and you will not have a lot of money on your person. Many banks and financial institutions offer ATM cards with no fee.
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