Where to Vacation Where the U.S. Dollar Is Strong

Budget-conscious travelers don't have to give up their love of overseas travels to find a great deal; the dollar holds strong in a variety of exciting destinations both near and far. Beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan cities and mountainous wine country can all be enjoyed in countries where 1 USD goes a long way. Here’s a few places to add to your bucket list when you want to splurge on travel destinations that won’t max out your credit card.

Mexico's peso is uniformly low against the dollar throughout the country, meaning from Cancun to Mexico City, your money will go far no matter where you are. Food and drinks are cheap, and the country's proximity to the United States makes it a convenient trip, with airfares and bus costs relatively low. Costa Rica, though on the pricier end of Central American countries, has relatively low fares from the United States thanks to service from low-cost airlines. The dollar has seen a strong exchange rate since 2010, and hotel and food expenses can be kept under $50 per day.

Ecuador is attractive in terms of the U.S. dollar, thanks to its relatively low costs, but also because the country's currency is the dollar itself. Visitors won't have to exchange money in the country, where even in the capital, Quito, lunch and dinner can be found for only a few dollars and transportation and lodging costs are much less than in the United States. Argentina's currency has slipped against the dollar since 2010, despite the country's recovery from its early 2000's recession. This, combined with the Patagonia Mountains, the vibrancy of Buenos Aires and the world-famous wine country, makes Argentina a great deal for the dollar.

Hungary's forint has been in decline against the dollar since 2008, making the already inexpensive country even more appealing to U.S. travelers. The spas, bars and hotels of Budapest are a strong bargain compared with other major European cities, but offer just as much culture and excitement. The dollar also remains strong against the Icelandic krona, making this island an attractive destination. Natural attractions, such as waterfalls, geysers, sea cliffs, lava fields and the nation's parks, can all be seen for free, adding great value to an already inexpensive trip to Iceland.

The U.S. dollar has seen a near 30 percent increase against the Indian rupee since 2008, making the country a dream for budget travelers. Economic travelers can visit Mumbai, New Delhi and the Taj Mahal for only a handful of dollars per day, and those who want luxury should not expect to pay luxury prices. In the Asian Pacific, Thailand offers stunning beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as the excitement of Bangkok, all with prices that are very cheap compared with neighboring countries. Expect to only pay a few dollars for meals, for hotels and for bungalows on the beach.

Some other great destinations to look into during a strong dollar period include Cape Town in South Africa, Colombia, Portugal, Greece, the Caribbean, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Istanbul, and Tokyo in Japan. With these travel tips, American travelers can have a world class experience without breaking the bank!