Who needs Western Europe and its horribly unfriendly currencies? These equally fascinating destinations avoid the worst of the tourist hordes while offering more value for your dollar.
Forget the pound, and banish the euro — just because it's all bad news, all the time, for those two currencies doesn't mean that dollar-earners need to stay on this side of the pond this summer. These destinations, none of which uses the pound or the euro, offer American travelers more bang for their bucks — and you won’t have to sacrifice a penny of your hard-earned cash on an unfavorable conversion rate.
South Africa - 7.86 South African rand to the dollar
(Currency rates as of June 6)
Cape Town is Africa's answer to San Francisco: Nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay, it claims an equally stunning natural setting, a similarly temperate climate and the continent's most progressive cultural scene. Attractions include Long Street's Pan African Market, a fabulous souvenir emporium, especially for bargainers. A gorgeous feather-cap wall hanging costs less than $60, about one-fifth the price for a similar piece in the U.S. (There are also plenty of sub-$5 choices, like carved wooden salad tongs.) Or, visit the Old Biscuit Mill in the arty Woodstock district, which boasts the city's best shopping plus a wide selection of organic foods on Saturdays.
If you're brave enough to drive on the left, take a road trip south to Cape Point, which offers a fabulous, windy walk to a lookout point with views of both the Atlantic and Indian oceans; east and west of the city are the wine lands, South Africa's Napa. Deluxe accommodations are satisfyingly cheap: The Derwent House Boutique Hotel, a gorgeous, friendly guesthouse in the popular Tamboerskloof neighborhood, is perfectly situated on the northern slope of Table Mountain — and offers a self-catering suite this summer for less than $200, or a room for just over $100.
Argentina's not the bargain-basement destination it was in 2001, after the collapse of its economy, but it still provides continental graces on a budget — and without most of the jet lag. Buenos Aires remains a top draw, with a culture both competitive with and distinct from its European colonizers; expect a world-famous, meat-centric cuisine (and even $5 steak dinners), a popular cafe culture, bustling tango halls and gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture.
Adventurous types looking to explore beyond B.A. should make their way to the beautifully preserved Salta, which is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Andean northwest. Torrentes grapes are the country's signature variety, grown on vineyards throughout the Cayafate Valley. The region abounds with spectacular scenery; nature-lovers won't want to miss the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a Rio Grande gorge and UNESCO World Heritage Site within striking distance of Salta.
This Central American favorite spoils visitors with its well-developed system of national parks and some of the region's best Pacific beaches. For the former, the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is both spectacular and remote — a four-wheel drive vehicle is a necessity — offering a respite from the crowds that can plague the country's more accessible destinations. Once you’re there, look for horseback tours across volcanic terrain or take a six-mile hike through tropical rain forest to the summit of an inactive volcano.
The park's location provides relatively easy access to the Pacific beaches, including those along Tamarindo Bay. Playa Tamarindo may be the most bustling — either a plus or minus, depending on your perspective — and offers an endless assortment of outdoor pursuits, from surfing to scuba diving to kayak tours of the local estuary that cost as little as $35.
If you can stomach the long flight, Bali offers incredible value for the money — look around a bit and you may be able to engage a personal masseuse for as little as $5 a day. The village of Ubud is one of the island's chief draws, with a tradition as a premier destination for artists and some of the country's most impressive museums. These include the Agung Rai Museum of Art, with a full calendar of performances, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum, once the home of Spanish artist Antonio Blanco.
For those interested in physical as well as cultural nourishment, the area abounds in spas and body treatment centers — the Ubud Bodyworks Healing Centre is one of the most renowned, particularly for its healing massages with founder Ketut Arsana; a $60 hour-long session is expensive by local standards but the best in the area. Slide Show: The World's Cheapest Destinations
Poland supplies much of what neighboring Germany offers, but at a fraction of the price and a small portion of the crowds. Though most of the city was leveled during World War II, Warsaw is clearly on the move, with a booming economy amplified by the country’s recent admission to the European Union. (Even so, Poland won’t introduce the euro for at least another few years.)
In addition to housing several theaters and museums, the Palace of Culture and Science — a massive building that was a Cold War-era gift from the Soviet state to the Polish people — also boasts one of Warsaw’s top attractions: a viewing station from the 30th floor. Krakow, meanwhile, is building a reputation as a Polish Prague, with a growing community of young, artistic expats who enjoy cheap living (think $2 beers and a plateful of pierogies at Warsaw's Pierogarnia for about $5.50) and its historic Old City, which unlike Warsaw escaped the worst of the war's destruction.
Forget our neighbor to the north if you’re looking for a cheap summer vacation. The Canadian loonie reached parity with the American dollar for the first time in nearly 30 years in 2007, so U.S. earners looking to stay close to home will have better luck heading south, where a room at even an upscale, exquisitely designed boutique hotel like Playa del Carmen's Basico costs less than $200.
Playa del Carmen is a worthy respite from the foam parties of Cancun, but still buzzing; if you desire more solitude, Tulum — best known as a day trip — is a solid alternative. A beachfront room at the Maya Tulum resort is less than $150; there’s also a full calendar of mind-body events, including a five-night, all-inclusive program that provides an ocean-view room, spa sessions, twice-daily yoga classes and all meals for less than $1,000.
If capital city Hanoi is too overwhelming, use it as a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the country — perhaps Sapa, easily accessible by train and just over 200 miles from Hanoi on the Chinese border. Travel by the Victoria Express train from Hanoi to the Sapa Resort, offering the area’s most luxurious accommodations. Rooms with a garden view start at around $130.
The town, though increasingly popular with visitors, still offers a glimpse of traditional life among the H’mong, Dao and other traditional peoples who live in the region. And make sure to bring an extra empty bag to pack for your trip home: You’ll have plenty of dong left over to spend on the gorgeous jewelry — hand-crafted bracelets at less than a dollar — or textiles you’ll find at the many local markets.
Diane Vadino is a frequent contributor to MSN Travel who writes about travel, art and design from her base in Brooklyn. Her debut novel, “Smart Girls Like Me,” was published in October. Slide Show: The World's Cheapest Destinations
