The US Dollar Index has been quite volatile since the beginning of 2015; however, over the past five years, its rise has been drastic. Because of these big gains, the value of the dollar has increased substantially against other world currencies. That makes 2016 a great time to travel and see other parts of the world.
Are you unsure of where to go to take advantage of the strong dollar? How about checking out one of the following six countries where your dollar goes go a long way.
Russia
The value of the Russian ruble (RUB) has been crushed over the past year. As of March 1, 2016, the ruble's value was one US Dollar to 74.023 Russian Rubles. This is an increase of nearly 103% over the past two years. There is no better time than the present to visit Red Square or even take the Trans-Siberian railroad.
In 2015, there had been little change in hotel prices throughout Moscow even with the economy suffering. Things have changed so far in 2016 because now you can see prices as much as 50% lower than normal.
Argentina
Similar to a lot of other South American countries, Argentina has had its fair share of economic problems over the past decade. However, with a new president in office, things will hopefully start turning around for them soon. Right now there is an excellent opportunity for American travelers. As of March 1, 2016, the value was one US Dollar to 15.817 Argentinean Pesos. This is up just over 100% in the past two years.
A trip to a vineyard near the base of the Andes Mountains can be a wine lover's dream. It is also incredibly inexpensive when compared to what it might cost you for a weekend in California’s Napa Valley. So if you are looking to taste great wine and mouthwatering cuisine a trip to Argentina is an absolute must.
Sweden
Scandinavia has long been known to be one of the most expensive places in the world to visit. Over the past couple of years, it has become much more affordable to visit because of the reduced value of the Swedish Krona. As of March 1, 2016, the value was one US Dollar to 8.589 Swedish Kronas. This is up 33% over the past two years.
A survey in 2015 by Trip Advisor found that hotel rooms in Sweden had decreased as much as 17% over the past year. With the further decline of the Swedish Kronas, that number has likely increased even more.
Japan
Just like Sweden, Japan has long been out of reach for a lot of travelers. However, since the end of 2012, we have witnessed a major turnaround in the value of the Japanese Yen against the US Dollar. As of March 1, 2016, the value was one US Dollar to 113.24 Japanese Yen. That is a 45% increase since October 2012.
If you have imagined yourself visiting the Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo or taking in Mt Fuji, then now might be your best opportunity. Just book your trip in the early spring or late fall and you will find some incredibly cheap airfare from the United States.
Mexico
Mexico isn’t exactly an expensive place to travel to in the first place, but over the past couple of years, it has become downright cheap to visit. Flights from the United States can be found for less than $200 round-trip, and once you get to Mexico, the value of the US Dollar to the Mexican Peso makes most things affordable. As of March 1, 2016, the value was one US Dollar to 18.150 Mexican Pesos. That is an increase of 37% over the past two years.
If you have been thinking about heading to the beach in Cozumel or maybe enjoying a cultural vacation in Mexico City, now is an ideal time to go because it’s even more affordable than normal.
Greece
Travel to most European nations is now significantly more accessible, but the economic troubles that have been taking place in Greece the past several years have been very public. They defaulted on their debt, but, for now, are still part of the Eurozone. The Euro is currently at the lowest point it’s ever been against the US Dollar. As of March 1, 2016, the value was one US Dollar to 0.919 Euros. That is an increase of 26% over the past two years.
Depending on what happens with interest rates in the United States during 2016, it is widely speculated that the value of the Euro could continue to fall against the dollar. This would bring the two currencies to a near equal point. With that in mind, this might be a great year to visit the ancient Greek ruins or even take a trip to Santorini.
The Bottom Line
The value of the U.S. dollar has grown significantly stronger over the past couple of years. That is making it much more affordable for Americans to travel and experience new parts of the world.
