The dollar is going a long way for travel this summer. In many destinations, the currency exchange rate favors the dollar, giving you more bang for your buck.
This time last year, a dollar was only worth 0.68 euros. Now it's at 0.78 and rising. The dollar's worth is also increasing in other places.
Here is a list of five vacation destinations with a beneficial exchange rate. There are several travel options to choose from where your dollar will stretch far this year.
NICARAGUA
If you're looking for an authentic beach vacation, head to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. This small beach town on the Southwest coast is known for its relaxing beaches, colorful buildings and sea turtle sanctuaries. For a dollar, you can get about 23 cordobas, which is a 4 percent increase from last year. Now this beach destination offers even more of a value.
Stay: Take a look at Homeaway.com or VRBO.com and rent a two-to-three bedroom house on the beach with some friends for about $850 a week. If you choose to stay at a boutique resort with yoga, pools and ocean views, it can cost you around $180 a night.
Eat: An entire seafood platter for two comprised on lobster, squid, octopus, shrimp and sides can be bought for just $25, saying a representative from the Nicaragua Tourist Board. A lobster dish by itself can cost $25 or more in America. Buy this Nicaraguan dish and you can split the meal and the costs with your travel partner. Wash it down with a local beer for another $3.
Do:There are plenty of fun-filled and inexpensive options. If you want to learn how to surf, a lesson and surfboard rental will cost $35. A deep-sea fishing adventure will be about $16. If you're looking for something more relaxing,a one-hour massage in town costs about $40.
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires is a popular travel destination, but with the Argentine peso down 10 percent from last year, Americans can get an even better value here.
Stay: Look for a boutique hotel in the popular Palerno District for under $200 a night. Don't bother staying at a 5-star hotel, as it can be pricey, costing around $500 a night.
Eat: Indulge in a bottle of red wine from Mendoza while eating the cultural dish, parilla, which includes Argentina's famous steak and sides. This will cost between $30 to $35 per person.
Do: It takes two to tango. Gain admission to a local tango club and learn the techniques for less than $10. Take a shopping trip and buy some inexpensive authentic Argentinian leather goods such as belts and tote bags.
ICELAND
Iceland isn't a bargain desintation, but financial troubles have led to an exchange rate of about 126 kroner for a dollar, down 9 percent from last year. Compared to the rest of Nordic Europe, a trip to Iceland would be a remarkable value.
Stay: According to Expedia, you can get a room at one of the best hotels in the centr of Rekyjavik for $20 to $350.
Eat: Take advantage of the local fish options and indulge in an upscale sushi dinner or local lamb meat for $20 to $30 per entrée. Head to a lively bar in Reykjavik and grab a beer for $5 to $7 or even less during late-night happy hours.
Do: Take a day tour outside Raykjavik to the Thingvellir national park and the Gulfloss waterfall for $75. For a more relaxing experience, lounge around at the famous blue Lagoon thermal baths for $45. Spend an extra $20 and you can get a bathrobe, a face mask, and a drink at the Lagoon Bar.
POLAND
Nowadays, you can get 3.36 zloty for one dollar, which is a 20% increase from the previous year. Visit the charming old-world city of Krakow for bank account-friendly prices.
Stay: For about $175, you can live like a royal in some of the best hotels in Krakow..
Eat: The most expensive entrée will be no more than $15. Try some homemade polish specialties like roast venison and wild mushrooms for this low price. A beer will cost you less than $3.
Do: For just $6, you can see a portion See a portion of the well-preserved Wawel castle. The Museum of Contemporary Art only cost $3 to enter, but you can have a guided tour for $24.
LOMBOK, INDONESIA
It's a bit expensive to go to Bali, but prices are lower at its nearby sister island of Lombok, only a 25 minute flight away. This island had laid-back beaches, shopping, and good sightseeing.
Stay: For less than $100, relax at a 4-star resort on Senggigi beach.
Eat: Local eats like barbecued fish and satays will only cost a few dollars. A more upscale dinner and drink experience will cost about $25 per person.
Do: Take a boat to the Gili Islands and enjoy a day of snorkeling for just $10 per person. Jump in a cab and pay around $45 for a day of sightseeing. Stop by a craft village and browse unique handmade blankets, basket, and pottery for low prices.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
