Why the recession is the best time to travel...

  

Round up your pennies and go!

Many people hear we are traveling and may think, "Is it really the best time to travel? Shouldn't you be saving your money?" We think differently. This may be one of the best times to travel! With many nations suffering like the US is, they are desperate for tourism dollars with many companies offering air, hotel, and tour group deals. Some of these nations thrive on tourism, so we like to consider our travels a bit of financial donation to some countries in need.

Some countries have recently decreased their visa fees to entice or promote travel to their country. It has been rumored that the Japanese government will be giving away free flights to Japan to spark tourism in 2012. After the earthquake and nuclear scares in spring of 2011, they have seen a significant drop in tourism. Many people are tightening up and are not able to spend money on luxuries such as vacations. If you can afford it, now is the time to find these great deals.

The American dollar may be weak compared to the Euro and the British Pound, but there are many countries where the dollar will take you far! If you venture to these nations you can spend very little for luxury accommodations and amazing food!



Here are some countries that are very appealing to those Americans looking to spend little:

• India - things are cheap compared to US standards
• Indonesia- if you travel away from the tourist capital of Bali it is very cheap
• Peru- we are shocked at how affordable the accommodations and public transportation seems to be from our research
• Croatia- getting there can be pricey but once there hotel, food and entertainment are very affordable
• Argentina- the US dollar has increased more against the Argentinian peso than any other currency as of late 
• Thailand- $1 pad thai anyone? Yes please!

This is a cool chart that shows currency comparisons in a way we can all relate... the Big Mac Index!

I found this and had to share. By comparing the price of those "2 all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles on a sesame seed bun"... we can see the local currency valuation against the dollar. Remind me not to eat McD's in Norway! Yikes!