All the travel industry stats are saying that business is looking up this year. Gasoline prices are sky high and the terrorists are still creating havoc in the name of Allah, but apparently I’m not the only one who needs a vacation.
“Bargain” is going to be a relative term this summer though, depending on whether you’re from Europe or not. If you are, pretty much any place in the world is cheaper than it was two years ago. So the US will look like a bargain (if you get past the security hassles to get in) and visiting Canada will give you first world convenience at a cut-rate price.
If you’re American or Canadian though, going the other direction will be an expensive proposition. The US dollar’s fall against the euro has made the traditional summer jaunt to Italy, France, or England even more expensive. However, tourist attractions and amusement parks in the US are expected to be packed to capacity. Vacationers should expect to pay whatever the market will bear this summer in America.
So where are the deals this summer—no matter where you’re coming from?
Topping the list in terms of value would have to be Argentina. The country’s currency has not recovered from its meltdown a few years ago. Tourists are returning from Buenos Aires with enthusiastic tales of European service, but at a fraction of the price. Picture a big steak dinner and a bottle of fine wine for less than $15, cloth napkins and candlelight included.
Most currencies are doing well against the Mexican Peso. The period of May through July offers clear weather and off-season rates at most beach resorts. Outside the package tour areas, Mexico is a great value year-round. The Bay Islands of Honduras are also a good bet for summer. Roatan and Utila offer some of the world’s best scuba diving bargains, with a full PADI open water certification course under $250, or a week-long package deal with diving, lodging and meals for $500 to $1,000 per person.
The Caribbean isn’t exactly known for bargains, but at least it’s not getting worse. Rates there are holding steady and the period between May and mid-July is shoulder season on most islands. The big exception to the upside is the Dominican Republic. Troubles in Haiti have dragged down the Dominican Republic’s currency, which has dropped by half since January. This is translating into great package deals up front and more bargaining power on the ground after arrival.
US travelers with more time to spare may want to look to Asia. The dollar’s decline is mostly a non-issue outside Japan. For some promotional bargains, look to value-priced Thailand and Vietnam: both are trying to lure back visitors after the recent bird flu scare and are offering plenty of great deals on flights and hotels.
