It used to be that everyone wanted and welcomed the American dollar, but our U.S. economy has taken a turn for the worse in recent years.  Now, if you want to go on vacation to another country it can be a financial drain on your pocket.  The trick in planning a vacation is finding a place where the American dollar is still strong.

You’ll find a lot of articles on this topic, suggesting different countries that you can still go to where the American dollar has worth, but many of the articles you’ll find mention the same locations.  I’ve done some research to find 5 countries that most people wouldn’t think about for vacation, but are great if you’re looking for something new, different, and low on cost.

New Zealand – This is a beautiful country off the North East side of Australia, with rolling green hills and beautiful beaches.  This is a great place to go for a romantic getaway or as a family trip.  Many of you already have a taste for what New Zealand looks like if you’ve watched Lord of the Rings or Narnia since that’s where they did their filming. 

There are so many things to do if you visit New Zealand.  On land, you can go hiking or climbing in the mountains, there are even some great skiing places; and on water, there’s plenty of rafting, whale watching, and deep sea fishing to go around.

If you decide you want to go, you’ll fly into Auckland International Airport (AKL).  During the peak season of our summer months I found airline tickets as high as $11,000, but if you go during the school year, you can find cheap airline tickets for under $2,500.  The price is about the same no matter what side of the U.S. you’re flying from.

The New Zealand dollar is only 76 cents in American money; and cheap hotel price can be found at under $70.  If you’re ever in the area, you should check out Cape Palliser where you can find a beach full of Seals.  Aside from the seals there are only 4,000,000 people in New Zealand, so you don’t have to worry about it being too crowded.

Hungary – Hungary is a beautiful country that is rich with history.  They have great food and great wine.  You’ll find all the luxuries of western Europe at a fraction of the cost.  I had to double check when I found the equivalency of the Hungarian Forint to the American dollar; it’s less than half a cent.

The old architecture, the many cultural traditions, and the food are all parts that make Hungary a great place to go and see some unique sites and build special memories.  You’d start seeing this beautiful country after flying into the Budapest Airport (BUD) which would cost you around $1,500 from Los Angelos and $1,200 from New York.

Make sure to visit Statue Park where you’ll find a bizarre array of different statues that were erected during the communist era.  If you love architecture, you need to visit Matthias Church.  This building has been around for 700 years! 

Try to visit Hungary in the summer because any other time of the month you’ll find that many of the attractions are shut down.  Plus, it gets rather cold any time outside of summer.  If you do decide to go during a colder season, make sure to get a good hotel like the Balatonfured Resort.

Guatemala – This country is relatively closer, and borders the southern part of Mexico.  Guatemala is a very mountainous region.  So, if you enjoy hiking or backpacking, you’re sure to find many opportunities on this trip.  This is the Mayan center of South America, and many ruins are sure to be found everywhere you go.

So, if you’re looking for something amazing to see, make sure to visit a Mayan ruin like the Las Capuchinas and be prepared to be awed at the extraordinary magnitude of some of these structures and the thoughtful intellect that went into them.  You can see some of the many volcanoes.  These volcanoes are some of the highest and most active.

Flying to the Guatemala Airport (GUA) is just under $500 from New York and from Los Angeles you’re looking at just a little over $600.  Those are actually pretty cheap airfares considering you pay more than that sometimes to fly domestically.  You might want to try visiting in the Fall, though, when it’s a little cooler. 

Everything about Guatemala is still very traditional.  You can still find many villages that wear their native garments, and the people are still very diverse with 23 languages that are still spoken.  If you’re looking for some authentic culture, then look into going to Chichicastenango.  One of the biggest markets where people come from all over to trade and have been doing so for centuries.  Be mindful of their culture as these people are suspicious of foreigners.

Greece – Now we take a look at a country in the Mediterranean.  Greece has a rugged beauty to it.  A country filled with ancient structures stemmed from the Roman and Hellenists. The American dollar is only half a cent in Greece, and communication among the 10,000,000 occupants is no problem because most Greeks speak English.

If you want to bring back a cool travel story to your envious friends, then you need to go visit Delphi.  There you’ll find the belly button of the cosmos – or so the ancients used to believe.  Make sure to visit the many famous sites such as: Acropolis, Olympia, Mount Olympus, and if you’re Catholic, you’ll want to check out Patmos which is considered an official pilgrimage among many Catholics.

Any two months on either side of July and August are ideal times to visit.  You beat the heat and the crowds.  You’ll most likely fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), and you’re looking to pay around $1,200-1,400 depending on what time you fly, and there is about a $2,000 increase if you’re flying from the West coast.

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You can find cheap hotel prices in Athens for under $40/night at places like Aristotle’s Hotel.  Greece has its traditional food, obviously, but they have become a very modern country.  So, finding “normal” food that you’re used to won’t be a problem. 

Guam – If you want an exotic island in the Pacific other than Hawaii, then you might want to check out Guam.  This island is a US territory, so you don’t need a passport and they use the American dollar.  It’s also home to a large naval base which makes the island a cosmopolitan area.  It’s just as beautiful as Hawaii, but there aren’t as many tourists; and the grand total of locals is 170,000 people. 

Guam has some beautiful coral reefs that you can explore by snorkeling or diving.  One of the most popular recreational areas on the island is Ipao Beach Park which has all the facilities you and your family need for a great day at the beach.  We’re talking about picnic tables, showers, a playground, stretched beach chairs, and more.

To get to Guam, you’re most likely going to make a connection in either Japan or the Phillipines, and from there you’ll take an international airline to Antonio B Won Pat International Guam Airport (GUM).  The only domestic airline that flies out there is North West Airlines.  If you go in the summer, you can expect to pay $1,500 from the West and $2,000 from the East; and if you go during the school year, the price drops about $500.

When you arrive, you will have no problem making friends with the locals.  They are very kind and laid back.  Their food has a very oriental flare to it, and one of their favorite simple dishes is sticky rice with spam.  If you’re wondering what to pack, plan on leaving your jacket behind because it’s warm weather all year round, but if you’re planning on going in the fall you might want a rain jacket for their rainy season.

I hope this helps you in the planning of your next vacation.  Be sure to check out sites like lowfares.com for discounts and great prices on cheap hotels and cheap airline tickets. Whether you’re going with your spouse, your family, or just some friends, it’s all about saving money nowadays; but who says you can’t save money and not lose quality. Happy travels!

Saint Louis is a city in limbo. It is neither north nor south. It sits in Missouri but spills over into Illinois. It is a large metropolitan area, but is often overshadowed by the Twin Cities and Chicago; sadly left out of conversations about travel destinations in the Midwest.

Here’s one thing you probably know about Saint Louis: it is the home of the world famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Though most brew aficionados find the beer produced here to be thoroughly mediocre, it is one of the largest breweries in the world. And, there’s a tour. And, it’s free, including samples (no, not unlimited samples). You can even pet the Clydesdales.

And now, here’s one thing you probably didn’t know about Saint Louis: It has the most free attractions in the US, save Washington DC (and we all pay taxes, so I’m not sure you could call a lot of those attractions free in the true sense).

Some examples:

The famous Gateway Arch which is included in every picture of Saint Louis that you’ve ever seen. Why not get your own Arch picture.

The massive Forest Park is one of the nations largest. It has plenty activities and green expanses. Entrance into the art museum on the park grounds is free. You can make a day of it.

The Saint Louis Zoo is has plenty of exhibits. It is recognized as one of the best in the country. And entrance is free (except for the overpriced concession stands).

No, the “free” spirit of Saint Louis does not cross over into restaurants. You might get some complimentary breadsticks. However, diners won’t find themselves short on choices. Saint Louis boasts a disproportionate amount of fine eateries.

Saint Louis might surprise visitors. Give it a try. If you plan your trip right, it won’t cost you much.

Though it only has 60,000 inhabitants, Portland is the largest city in Maine. However, this port city is not as remote as it feels. It lays on the Atlantic Coast a mere two-hour drive from Boston. Because of its relatively convenient location, it is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer. In June and July, Portland’s seaside comes alive with a glut of restaurants, shops, and tour companies offering seagoing adventures.

Many sights in Portland are related to the sea. The most picturesque lighthouse on the East Coast is The Portland Head Light. There is a museum attached to the lighthouse. It is free to wander the grounds and take pictures though it is well worth visiting the museum as well. The lighthouses of Maine are the kind you see in paintings and postcards.

Portland’s Old Port has the atmosphere of a bygone era. There are plenty of shops and eateries. Though most of the Old Port area is quite touristy, the feel is pretty authentic and the locals exceptionally friendly.

Portland is, and always has been, a fishing town. Tourists can even buy a spot on a lobster boat and head out to bait traps and drop them into the water. This is good family fun and also a good way to get out on the water. The views of the rocky coastline from the sea are quite picturesque.

Not only can visitors fish for lobsters in Portland, they can eat them too. Portland’s seafood is, as would be expected, fresh and good. Oysters and cod are also on the menu.

Portland’s winters can be quite harsh, so visiting during the warm summer months is recommended. Though it can get quite crowded in town, the rugged areas of the coast always feel remote no matter how many people are around.

San Francisco might have the Golden Gate and L.A. might boast about Beverly Hills, but neither is the fastest growing city in California. That honor goes to San Jose, the third largest city in California.

First of all, San Jose is known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” Indeed eBay and Adobe have their headquarters here. While this might excite a few tech-heads in search of their dream job, it by no means defines the area. Rather, the valley was probably chosen by companies for its livability.

San Jose is often noticed for being the safest big city in America. Visitors can feel at ease wandering around day or night.

What is there to see in S.J.?

A trip to the city can start in Downtown, where hip boutiques and cafes butt up against art galleries and the natural beauty surrounding the Guadalupe River. San Pedro Square Farmer’s Market is in downtown; the fresh food as reminder that while tech is in the news, agriculture is still California’s largest industry. At night, an area known as SoFA gets shaking. There are plenty of nightclubs here, many of them under the impression that they are quite cutting edge.

Another popular nightlife activity is, of all things, hockey. The San Jose Sharks are a successful pro franchise and prove quite popular with local residents. The stadium, known as The Shark Tank, is the place to see San Jose let its hair down.

Berryessa Flea Market is an interesting place to buy or simply to watch. Spanish is heard much more often than English here.

Berryessa’s polar opposite is Santana Row, a hip and happening place featuring high-priced condos, too-cool boutiques, and a happening nightlife.

San Jose does not receive the press that other California city’s do, but it is an extremely attractive place to visit.

Idaho is known as the home of the potato. What could there possibly be to visit in a state that brags about producing some of the most commonplace foods in America?

One has only to look at Boise, the states understated capital, to find Idaho’s attractiveness. No, this is not Los Angeles, or even Seattle. If you come to Boise expecting anything as raucous as that, you’ll be disappointed. But, that’s not to say Boise isn’t without excitement or culture.

Case and point: Boise’s Shakespeare Festival. The outdoor festival takes place each summer against the backdrop of the foothills outside the city. If old English tragedies and comedies don’t suit you, try Boise’s Art Museum. It has some of the best local and regional artwork without the snootiness and prices you’d expect to find in a larger city. Yes, Boise has a cosmopolitan streak in its arts. It just doesn’t wear that fact on its sleeve. Many visitors might find that quite refreshing.

Boise is also surrounded by natural beauty. In fact, some places, like Barber Park, teem with wildlife even though they are within the city limits. Also of interest to nature lovers is the 15 mile long paved trail known as the Boise River Greenbelt. This path is perfect for rollerblading, biking, or simply walking. The path, as its name suggests, follows the Boise River and ends up in Downtown, where you can stop for some refreshment on a warm summer’s evening.

Boise is a midsized city that is not trying to be anything bigger. It celebrates culture and nature in a way that makes it unique.

Tokyo is a city with a cuisine as strange and wonderful as any in the world. The unfortunate side, especially for budget travelers, is that Tokyo is also one of the most expensive cities on earth. Is it possible to experience this vibrant cuisine on a shoestring?

The answer can be found at the bottom of a bowl of noodles. Literally.

The cheapest, and often some of the best, eats in Japan can be found at any friendly neighborhood noodle shop. For a few dollars (no more than 10 usually), you can experience this Japanese staple without breaking your travel budget.

Are we talking noodles stir-fried with fish eyeballs or something funky like that? Probably not, though if you really want that and are willing to look hard enough…

The good thing about eating in Japan is that many restaurants have menus with pictures or even plastic models of the specialties. So, even with a very limited Japanese, you can have at least a general idea of what you’re ordering. Many shops actually have an automated payment system that takes your Yen much like a vending machine and spits out a ticket. This ticket goes to the counter attendant who passes it on to the cook. No Japanese language skills necessary.

Many times, the choice will be between thin noodles (soba) or wider, flatter noodles (udon). Additions can include fish, meat, veggies, and tofu. Whatever the ingredients, a bowl at a noodle shop is likely hearty enough to leave you satisfied and still in possession of most of your wealth.