Vacation Like a King or Queen…On the Cheap.

The Greenback has been taking a hit for a while now. The Euro is at a record high, killing the likelihood of running around Europe’s best hotels and restaurants, throwing around money like it’s going out of style. But there are still some cities and towns where you can do ok–as long as you stay away from capitals and major cities. And don’t get me started on the British Pound–I was there last year and a bowl of soup at Wagamama was $17.00! But don’t fret. There are plenty of countries where you can vacation without breaking the bank. Maybe not top-of-mind vacation spots, but I’ve traveled all over the world, and folks, let me tell you, these places ain’t so bad.

CNNMoney just posted an article, “Vacation where the dollar is still strong,” and includes vacation spots such as Argentina, Bali, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, and Vietnam. All good spots–and I’m actually looking at Argentina as my next spot. But some of the other travel destinations that you may not see on your typical vacation hot spot list are some of my favorites, especially if you
want to stay away from more Westernized vacation spots.

Where Should I Consider Going on Vacation?

1. Prague, Czech Republic.
Prague is one of my favorite cities on the planet. While Prague has become relatively well-known in terms of Americans awareness of the city (I spent a month there in 2001, and there were some 40,000 Americans living there back then!), the city is still relatively intact culturally, and you can do well on your U.S. buck.

2. Andalusia, Spain.
Southern Spain is not only beautiful, it’s more apt to have cheaper prices than Madrid or Barcelona. The Spaniards love to live, and they love to party into the wee morning hours. It’s no different in Granada or Malaga or Seville, you just won’t be spending as much as you would in the country’s capital, or Beautiful, waterside Barcelona.

3. Bucharest and Herculane, Romania.
I know, I know, Romania? Yep, Romania. Bucharest is the country’s capital, and it’s a hustling, bustling city. But it’s cheap–as long as you don’t get snookered by a local cabby (I did, in 2004), or get pick-pocketed. But cheap? Absolutely. Take a quick trip to Herculane (Yes, I think it’s named after the strong man), which is a little north of Bucharest. The place is magical–talk, jagged rocks, a fairy tale town tucked into the countryside. I rented an extremely large hotel room with a balcony for $20. Yes, $20!

4. Bangkok, Thailand.
Great place. Check out Khao San Road, the main tourist hangout in Bangkok. If you’re a backpacker or budget tourist, or if you just feel like getting some cheap Pad Thai and a bowl of spicy shrimp soup, Khao San Road is the place to do it. I took a day-long journey from Bangkok to the river Kwai, visiting the famous bridge, eating, and seeing sights not normally on the map–for, Yes, $20. Maybe $20 is the magic number for me, but here in the states 1/3 of what I did that day would be more than $20.

5. South Africa.
Sure, getting to South Africa is costly. No doubt about it. But once you’re there, you can do pretty well on a budget. While we stayed at a chic game lodge, everything outside of the place was very inexpensive. Look for good deals through local club auctions for safari packages (I met two couples that bid $250 and got a week at a lodge, everything included), and head on over. It’s an experience of a lifetime–and I’d definitely do it again.