Top 10 Best Value Destinations of 2008

Thinking of a trip to Europe anytime soon? Be prepared to drain your bank account and sell off the youngest child; the US Dollar has hit an all time low against the Euro and other currencies such as the Australian dollar aren't doing much better.

Unless you're really set on cities such as London and Paris (and prepared to pay top dollar), you will have to look elsewhere to find excellent travel values abroad. The good news is, many great travel values do exist.

Top 10 Destinations to Stretch Your Dollar

1. Argentina - The Argentine Peso took a fumble in 2001 and has yet to fully recover. Most trips to Argentina will start in Buenos Aires; the city is not only an excellent value but vibrant, full of culture, and culinary delights. Argentina is home of Igauzu Falls, one of the most fascinating sites in the world.

2. Honduras - If beaches, scuba diving, and visiting ancient ruins are among your callings, Honduras is definitely worth exploring. It's a quick flight from North America and the US dollar has more purchasing power than other Caribbean destinations.

3. Malaysia - This Southeast Asian country has been a value for many years. The city of Kuala Lumpur offers a glimpse into many different cultures, many great shopping bargains, and lodging is inexpensive. You may also wish to visit the Malaysian highlands or one of the many beach resorts. Just a short distance from Kuala Lumpur is the ultra-modern city-state of Singapore.

4. Thailand - Come and visit the beaches and resorts in areas such as Phuket. In Bangkok and in other areas around the country you will find many historical temples. Given much of Southeast Asia is a great value, a trip to Thailand gives you the opportunity to visit other nations in the region at a reasonable cost.

5. Bali (Indonesia) - If you worship the sun, beaches, and ocean activities, Bali is an ideal destination. Like Thailand and Malaysia, whether you're spending US Dollars or Australian Dollars, it's a bargain and again you have opportunities to travel around the region at a reasonable cost.

6. Turkey - The country is moving to join the European Union and there has been some debate over whether or not Turkey is part of Europe. Regardless, the exchange rate to the Turkish Lira is favourable. Enjoy a taste of continental Europe combined with Turkish culture. Ramble through the historic areas of Istanbul, hit the beaches, or take in one or several of the historic ruins here. If visiting from North America, trans-Atlantic airfares are historically lower during the winter months.

7. Egypt - If you've wanted to visit Luxor and see the Pyramids of Egypt, now is a great time. As is the case with Turkey, if travelling from North America, consider making the trip during the winter months when trans-Atlantic Airfares are historically lower.

8. China - Visit the Beijing, see the Great Wall of China, and take in some of the local culture. With the Chinese government controlling the exchange rate, it has not fluctuated widely like the Euro or the British Pound.

9. Portugal - If you do decide to visit the Euro-Zone, Portugal in general terms is the best value.

10. Eastern Europe - Prices in Eastern Europe are not what they were a few years ago, but if Europe is a "must", look at visiting Hungary, Poland, or the Czech Republic.

If you happen to live in the UK or the EuroZone and have come across this article, now is a better time than ever to visit the United States, Canada, or Australia.

In closing, regardless where you decide to travel, be sure you shop around and do your homework first. Find out if any vaccinations are suggested (or mandatory) based on your travel schedule. If you need any Visa's, get those taken care of as well - sometimes it is necessary to obtain Visa's in advance while other countries provide them upon arrival.