Today almost the entire world is on sale for Americans. Why? Because the U.S. dollar is at one of its strongest points in modern history.
You will find just about everything from luxury hotels, leather handbags and even fast food hamburgers less expensive abroad. When you present your U.S. dollars to foreign exchange booths, you will get a lot more foreign currency than even a year ago!
Are you dreaming of a vacation to a far away destination? If so, now is the best time to make that trip a reality. For many, Europe is the first destination that springs to mind, but Americans can also enjoy more buying power in many other countries around the globe.
CNNMoney recently crunched numbers for the cost of hotels and airline flights. Here are a few of the best destinations offering real bargains in South America:
Brazil
Today Brazil is a super bargain — so pack your swimsuit and head off to Copacabana Beach! It is definitely the right time to visit beautiful Rio de Janiero — or any other city or locality in Brazil.
When compared to the U.S. dollar, the currency of Brazil, the Real, has lost almost 30% of its value compared to just a year ago! This reduction makes fabulous destinations like Rio and Sao Paulo real bargains today!
Let’s look at an example. Typically a flight between New York and Rio last March was about $1,200. Today the same flights cost around $860 — drastically down since last summer’s World Cup play.
According to TripAdvisor, Brazilian hotels are about 12% cheaper when compared to a year ago. They also encourage anyone who wants to visit Brazil to do so now, because they fear prices may soar again around the Summer Olympics in 2016.
The rate of inflation, compared to the strong dollar, is another reason there has never been a better time for a getaway to the sunny beaches of Brazil!
Perhaps you would rather practice Spanish as opposed to your Portuguese. No problem — here is another great travel steal in South America: Colombia!
Colombia
Colombia is one of the best kept secrets in South America. This friendly, sunny land is experiencing outstanding growth and the strength of the U.S. dollar makes a tri
p to this wonderful country a real bargain! How so?
The U.S. dollar has gained approximately 18% in value on the Colombian peso in the last twelve months. Today, Colombian hotels are 10% less expensive than a year ago — with airline flights following suit.
Sadly, many American still think of this beautiful country as the murder capital of South America — but that is simply no longer the case. Today Colombia is safe, vibrant and booming!
The Colombian capital of Bogota, as well as the the second largest city of Medellin, are fast turning into both cultural and tech hubs.
In the meantime, the beaches of Colombia are beautiful and the inexpensive coffee is the best anywhere in the world!
