Vacation Overseas. No, Really.

The pitifully weak US dollar has left many Americans wondering whether they ought to limit their travels to their own country this summer. Financial markets have the US dollar trading near all-time lows against the euro and the British pound, and even the Canadian dollar is more expensive than it has been in decades.

But there’s no reason to give up entirely on foreign travel. With a little flexibility and a willingness to explore hidden gems, overseas vacations remain within reach for most Americans. Here are a few of the best bets:

Eastern Europe. Long a favorite of Brits and Germans, Croatia’s Mediterranean beaches, Slovenia’s alpine ski slopes and Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts lie well outside the radar of American travelers. And their obscurity guarantees a sense of adventure. Most of Eastern Europe doesn’t use the expensive Euro (with the exception of Slovenia), and while local currencies have gained strength against the dollar, lower demand means lower prices.

South and Central America. Argentina is a great deal for American travelers, owing to its currency devaluation in 2002. But you don’t have to limit yourself to Argentina. Much of this continent remains a budget traveler’s dream. Consider a nature tour in Peru, surfing lessons in Nicaragua or indigenous culture in Bolivia.

Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia remain among the world’s best travel bargains, even for owners of a weakened US dollar. Pristine beaches, centuries-old Buddhist temples and unforgettable markets have raised the profile of these once war-torn nations.

Dollarized countries. These are nations that use the US dollar as their official currency, and they include Panama, Ecuador, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos. Several other nations have an official local currency but widely accept US dollars, including Peru and Cambodia. Visiting a dollarized country doesn’t mean you won’t find expensive meals or resorts—you will, especially in the Caribbean—but you’ll avoid the brutal ups and downs of currency fluctuations.

Canada. True, the US dollar doesn’t buy as many loonies as it used to. But Canadian destinations remain among the best value foreign vacations for American travelers, especially outside large cities. And transportation to Canada is particularly inexpensive for those living along America’s northern border.

Of course, the time-tested adage remains true: If you travel off-season, avoid following the pack and do your best to eat and shop as the locals do, you’ll get away with traveling on a thin budget, even overseas. Do your research and you’ll discover there’s no reason to stay home this summer.

–Amy S. Eckert, RED Travel Writer
–Photo courtesy of Croatian National Tourists Board