If visions of glassy lakes in New Zealand or sun-soaked vineyards in Europe sound a little too pricey for your budget, you may be in for a surprise. With the U.S. dollar on the upswing and cheap new air routes popping up all across the globe, there's never been a better time to plan that trip you didn't think you could afford.
Here are this year's hottest dream destinations for value-conscious travelers.
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Australia and New Zealand
Flights to New Zealand and Australia are usually sky-high-expensive, and the cost-of-living expenses once you get there can make for a nasty one-two punch on your budget. But both flights and local costs are more affordable this year thanks to the strong U.S. dollar, low fuel prices, and expanding air deals. It's no longer uncommon to see round-trip flights to Australia for as little as $1,099 or to New Zealand for as low as $899.
The U.S dollar is stronger than New Zealand or Aussie dollars these days, too. (Check currency rates at XE.com for an up-to-date comparison.) Once you're Down Under, there's no shortage of free and cheap activities.
From ocean-fed pools and botanic gardens in Sydney to museums and hiking on the South Island, there's no price attached to having an unforgettable experience in either country.
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Martinique
If the islands of the French Caribbean are more your style, you’re in luck: Seasonal airfare to Martinique has dropped significantly thanks to new Norwegian Air Shuttle routes from the East Coast. How low? Fares dipped to just $99 each way this past winter. In reality, deals were generally closer to about $300 round-trip — still a steal, and will return this November. These cheap flights sell out fast, so be sure to book well in advance.
The French-speaking volcanic island in the West Indies is distinctively colorful, mountainous, and covered in rainforest. Martinique is on the Euro currency, which remains slightly stronger than the U.S. dollar at the moment, but the currency exchange is better than it has been in recent years—and airfare savings make this the perfect year to visit.
Canada
All of the favorable budget travel trends this year converge in Canada: cheap airfare, affordable accommodations, and an advantageous U.S. currency exchange that gets you a discount on all things Canadian.
For the answer to all your outdoorsy needs, think of kayaking, biking, and hiking as on sale here, since every U.S. dollar you spend is currently about 30 percent stronger than its Canadian counterpart. Take a week-long bike tour around all of Quebec with Pure Adventures, or see the Canadian Rockies' by train and stop only to explore glaciers and stay in a castle.
Canada is also arguably the best place to get your urban fix this summer, whether it’s sampling French cuisine in Old Montreal, exploring textile and art museums in Toronto, or strolling Vancouver's seawall and public markets. Skip the airport and take a road trip over the border if you're in the northern U.S., or invest in a flight that will be well worth the time it saves you.
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