Embracing the Strong Dollar: 3 Must-Visit Destinations For Americans

by Notes from the Goats
Last updated:: 10:00 PM ET, Thu July 21, 2016

Photos by Goats on the Road except where indicated

Travel can be expensive, there's no denying that. But for those of you living in the United States, or those of you who are paid in American Dollars, you have an advantage! The American Dollar is strong and has been for the past few years. Now is the time to pack your bags and see some of those bucket list countries that were considered "too expensive" in the past.

But, not all destinations are considered affordable at the moment, as many other country's currencies are also strong. Have a look at these three destinations, which are far less expensive to visit than they were five years ago, thanks to the strong US Dollar.

Russia

The largest country in the world has become a very affordable destination! Five years ago, this was the exchange rate:

$1 = 28 RUB

Today, this is what you'll receive: $1 = 67 RUB

That Trans-Siberian train journey and a visit to Moscow, Siberia or St. Petersburg just got a whole lot cheaper. Although this decline in the currency is never good for the local people, from a traveler's standpoint, now is the time to visit Russia.

Prices: Based on Numbeo.com's website, the average price of a hotel in Moscow is around 3,000 RUB. Today that equals $45 a night, while five years ago, that same hotel would have cost you $107. That's a savings of $62 a night.

The world-famous train journey from Moscow, Russia to Ulan Bator, Mongolia (or vice-versa) is an adventurous trip that many people dream of. A first-class ticket will run you about 35,000 RUB, which is equal to $520. Five years ago, you would have paid $1,250 a ticket. Today with the savings, it's better than a 2-for-1 deal!

READ MORE: Tips For Making the Most of Your Trans-Siberian Train Journey

Russia has many sites and activities to offer travelers, from the Kremlin and the Red Square in Moscow to the stunning Lake Baikal and Olkhon Island in Siberia. The country is vast and beautiful, and with the strong Dollar, it's also much more affordable. In fact, your trip will cost you 58 percent less today, than it would have in 2011.

Europe

Ok, so this may not be one country, but any of the countries using the Euro have become more affordable for Americans.

Five years ago, this was the exchange rate:

$1 = 0.70 EUR

Today, this is what you'll receive: $1 = 0.88 EUR

That trip to Rome you've always wanted to take, or that visit to Paris is now much more affordable.

Prices: Based on Numbeo.com's website, the average price of a hotel room in Rome is around 85 EUR a night. Today, that equals $96, while five years ago, that same hotel would have cost you $121. That's a savings of $25 a night. It may not sound like a lot, but in an expensive country like Italy, and especially the city of Rome, that nightly savings will add up.

A day trip out into the beautiful countryside of Tuscany from Rome will run you around 150 EUR. Five years ago, that would have cost you $215. If you went to Rome today, that same tour would cost you $170 - that's $45 saved! Rome has much to offer travelers, from the historic Colosseum to the amazing Pantheon, and all of the delicious foods in between. This is one city that you won't want to miss, and luckily for you, it's 20 percent cheaper these days.

Brazil

The largest country in South America is also a top travel destination, especially this year. Aug. 5, 2016 marks the start of the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and luckily for Americans, obtaining a visa to travel to Brazil will not be necessary from June 1-Sept. 18. Couple that with the strong Dollar, and your trip to Brazil just got a whole lot cheaper!

Five years ago, this was the exchange rate:

$1 = 1.61 BRL

Today, this is what you'll receive: $1 = 3.60

Now is the time to visit Brazil.

Photo by Joao Carlos

Prices: Based on Numbeo.com's website, the average price of a hotel room in Rio de Janeiro is around 300 BRL a night. Today that equals $83.50, while five years ago, that same hotel would have cost you $186. That's a savings of $102.50 a night!

The price of tickets to the Olympics will vary, but according to the Ticketing Guide, prices will start at 40 BRL, with four million tickets selling for 70 BRL. That's between $11 and $19.50, while five years ago, attending the Olympics would have cost you between $25-$43.50.

Even if you don't plan to go to the Olympics, visiting the Amazon jungle, lying on pristine beaches and partying in Rio de Janeiro are just some of the many things on offer in Brazil. And with your visit costing 55 percent less than five years ago, it's time to pack your bags.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore