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Dollar-smart Destinations Article

July 8th, 2007 Posted in Cheap Asia Travel, General, Travel bargains

I got quoted in a story that ran in yesterday’s Detroit Free Press, “Dollar Smart Destinations.” It runs down the places where the U.S. dollar is in trouble and where you can get more for your greenback.

There are some points I haven’t brought up much on this blog related to a couple of The World’s Cheapest Destinations. The country in my book that has seen the biggest exchange rate change is the always-popular hangout of Thailand. For years and years the rate was relatively stable there, but in the past year and a half, prices have gone up for that tuk-tuk ride across Bankok (and the bottle of Mekong to make you forget about all that smog you inhaled).

The other wild card is India. You get 40 rupees to the dollar instead of the 44 it was earlier this year, but historically that’s in line with the norm. The problem there is a supply and demand disconnect for hotels. It’s really bad at the top end for business travelers, where getting a reasonable room at a top hotel in Mumbai or Bangalore is like trying to score a hot restaurant table at the last minute in L.A. As the locals travel more, the mid-range places are filling up fast in popular tourist spots too. So far this hasn’t trickled down too much to the backpacker level, but if some of those formerly cheap hotels decide to remodel and go upscale - or sell out to someone else who wants the real estate - you can’t blame them. As maddening and frustrating as India is to visit, the visitor numbers are climbing rapidly. Maybe head down south and first chill out in Hampi.

Of course if you are leaving the UK with lots of pounds in your pocket, never mind…

  1. 4 Responses to “Dollar-smart Destinations Article”

  2. By Lisa on Jan 6, 2008

    I want to take my daughter on a graduation trip from May 9 to May 20,2008. I have been looking at Thailand (Bangkok, Chaing Mai or Chiang Rai, and Phuket). We would need to fly to and from each location. I was also considering Morocco. Are there any other destinations I should consider where our dollar is still strong. Already I have noticed that the hotel rooms at the Shanghai Inn in Bangkok have already gone up in price in the last 2 months. What is the best time to purchase air fare? Also is there a way to get a cheaper fare. I was trying to find hotels that were very cultural and different from the US. No 5 stars. She’s a shopper.
    Thanks,
    Lisa

  3. By tim on Jan 6, 2008

    If it were me, I probably would pick a closer destination for only an 11-day trip. The jet lag is going to wipe you out for two days on each end, so that’s a short time to take it all in. Morocco is easier and although prices have gone up there, it’s still a bargain and is about as exotic as you can get. Turkey is also a great value and not so far. Otherwise, head to Spanish-speaking Latin America, where the dollar still rules.

    If you’re set on Asia though, check into Vietnam also. The dollar hasn’t declined there like it has in Thailand and it’s also a great value.

  4. By Lisa on Jan 7, 2008

    Thank you so much for responding. Morocco or Turkey it is! You have been so much help. Any idea the best time to purchase tickets? And where should I look for the best prices?

    Lisa

  5. By tim on Jan 8, 2008

    The best deals to Morocco are usually on Air Maroc out of NYC, but not always. Not sure it matters when you buy. A lot of airlines fly into Turkey and if you can’t find a decent deal, also check into flying into a European city and switching to a budget carrier from Europe. (See http://www.whichbudget.com). For a honeymoon, maybe work in getting down to Marmaris and chartering a yacht for a few days. It’s a lot more reasonable than you would probably expect.

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