The euro and U.S. dollar are neck and neck for once—and that’s not the only place where a dollar will go far these days. Here are six places around the world you should visit right now, while our fickle global economy is on your side. Remember to pack you CupCase!! Makes your travels much easier and more organized!
Spain – 1/6
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
The euro has been hovering around this favorable rate since mid-2015—but as recently as 2014, it was down to 0.72, making trips to Europe very expensive for Americans. Now, with Europe cheaper than it’s been since 2003, we recommend a trip to Spain, which generally is more affordable to begin with than some of its neighbors. Consider doing a food tour: whether you’re in San Sebastián for its Michelin-spangled scene or in Barcelona (pictured) for a local drink that you’ll want to take home by the barrel.
Mexico – 2/6
1 USD = 17.27 MXN
There’s never a bad time to take a trip to Mexico (well, hurricane season isn’t great), but it will be a lot easier on your wallet this year than it was a year ago, when a dollar only translated to about 15 pesos. Tulum (pictured)—where, despite its rise in popularity, it’s still possible to get off the grid—is an obvious destination. But Mexico’s not all about a cold beer on a white sand beach: Its capital, Mexico City, is having a moment right now. The city offers a culinary scene that is combining tradition with innovation and museums that celebrate its rich history and forward-looking art scene.
South Africa – 3/6
1 USD = 14.94 ZAR
It’s not cheap to get to South Africa from the United States—although if you pay close enough attention, you can find some great deals. Once you make it there, you’ll be getting almost 15 rand for every dollar you exchange, as opposed to 12 a year ago. Spend a few days in Cape Town (pictured), for a balance of nature and city life (don’t skip the Table Mountain views or eating in Woodstock). If you have the coin, migrate out of the city to stay in an all-frills private game reserve. Whatever your itinerary, now’s the time for a South Africa trip: It might just change your life.
Colombia – 4/6
1 USD = 3017.46 COP
Most of Latin America is a great deal for dollar-carriers right now, but we recommend a trip to Colombia, both because of the year-to-year change in the exchange rate (a dollar was equal to 2600.62 Colombian pesos last year) and also because the country is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, in food, art, and technology. Bogotá (pictured) and Medellín are worth visiting, to see two cities on the rise. Also be sure to head to the more remote regions of Colombia—once off-limits for security reasons—to see wonders like the Valle de Cocora, home to the world’s largest palm tree forest.
New Zealand – 5/6
1 USD = 1.45 NZD
Just two years ago, the U.S. dollar and the New Zealand dollar were almost at parity (1 USD got you 1.16 NZD in April 2013)—the gap has grown since, and there’s never been a better time to finally take that trip to the other side of the world. The South Island is an Instagrammer’s paradise, and a great place to go to satisfy your nerd-dream of trekking through Middle-earth. But New Zealand isn’t all about being wowed by nature—Auckland is rated one of the world’s most livable cities and Queenstown, which serves as a great launching point for outdoor adventure, also has a food scene that will make you never want to leave.
Argentina – 6/6
1 USD = 14.62 ARS
Of all the countries on this list, Argentina offers the most savings for dollar-carriers. The value of the dollar has nearly doubled in the past year: This time last year a dollar got you just 8.82 pesos. An added boon for American travelers to Argentina? The Argentine government recently removed the $160 “reciprocity fee” for U.S. citizens. Buenos Aires (pictured)—the equal parts quaint and bustling capital—should be your starting point. Insanely affordable wine and steak, polo tournaments, and the biggest art fair in South America? Count us in.
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Courtesy – Conde’ Nast Traveler
