The countdown has begun. We leave Cleveland one week from today. Yesterday, I packed one bag, and over the next several days, I’ll pack more. It’s easy to pack when we’re driving to our next location when the weight of our bags isn’t an issue. Next time we pack for South Africa, the weight will be important, at a maximum of 23 kg, 50 pounds.
Flying internationally on many airlines, the baggage allowance is two bags each, which helps since I want to bring my frying pan and some kitchen items I’ve accumulated over the past year.
Speaking of South Africa, this morning, I stumbled across the following article about how the value of the US dollar positively impacts travel in some countries, five of which are listed below.
“5 places to travel while the US dollar is strong to get the most bang for your buck
- The strong US dollar can go further in countries with weaker currencies.
- Americans looking for value in their travel plans may want to consider exchange rates.
- Here are some popular tourism destinations where the US dollar goes far right now.
The US dollar is strong right now, meaning Americans’ spending in countries with weaker currencies could go further, making it a convenient time to consider taking that impromptu trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Some Americans are already seizing the moment.
“American travelers are looking for value right now,” Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, a market research consultancy that specializes in the travel tourism industry, told Business Insider.
Historically, the value of currencies can influence travel behavior. A weaker currency generally attracts travelers but makes it more expensive for the residents of that country to travel abroad. Likewise, a strong currency can raise outbound travel demand but might deter international tourists from visiting that country.
Eylon said demand for leisure travel is still at record highs, but more Americans say they actively seek value and deals when planning trips. One way to maximize that value is by visiting a place with a weaker currency than the US dollar.
Here are five popular tourist destinations where Americans can take advantage of the strong US dollar.
Japan
Japan is often considered an expensive destination for Americans due to the long flight and accompanying airfare. Still, the weak Japanese yen has fueled a surge in tourism and international travelers visiting the country.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the country attracted a record 3.31 million tourists in October.
As of writing, $1 was equal to about 150 Japanese yen.
Egypt
Egypt, a common bucket list travel destination, is among the countries where the US dollar goes the furthest right now, according to data compiled by NetVoucherCodes. This British travel deal site analyzes exchange rate trends.
According to the site, the strength of the US dollar compared to Egypt’s currency has increased by 207.5% in the past five years.
Argentina
Argentina’s peso hit a record low this year, making it a cost-effective place for an inflation vacation, as The Wall Street Journal previously reported. An Airbnb spokesperson told the outlet the number of nights booked by Americans in Argentina increased by 40% in the first few months of the year.
According to NetVoucherCodes, the value of the US dollar against the Argentine peso has risen by $1,589% in the past five years.
As of writing, $1 was equal to about 1,012 Argentine pesos.
South Africa
South Africa’s currency has also declined significantly in value compared to the US dollar, making the country’s famous safaris potentially more affordable for wildlife lovers.
According to NetVoucherCodes, the dollar’s exchange rate to the South African rand has increased by about 23% over the past five years.
Brazil
The US dollar will also go further in Brazil, where the Brazilian real recently reached an all-time low. Tourists are taking advantage of the record spending by foreign visitors in the first eight months of the year.
According to NetVoucherCodes, the exchange rate of the US dollar against the real rose by about 22% in the past year alone.
As of writing, $1 was equal to about 6 Brazilian reals.”
Over the past many years since we’ve traveled to South Africa, we’ve enjoyed the benefit of the value of the US dollar, enabling a very affordable stay, including the cost of housing, rental cars, dining out, and groceries.
We hope you have an opportunity to travel to any of the above-mentioned countries to “get a bang for the buck.”
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 7, 2014:
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| Last night’s moon, rising over the sea on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here. |