| I know you've been dying to take that | | | | Costa Rica used to be a well-kept secret among |
| long-planned trip to Europe where you can try out | | | | backpackers and biologists but it has recently |
| your new skis on the Swiss alps, marvel at the | | | | been receiving a much larger influx of travelers. |
| impressive cathedrals in Italy, take a tour of the | | | | Right in the heart of Europe is another weak |
| ancient ruins in Greece, and maybe even meet | | | | dollar-friendly travel destination. I'm talking about |
| the Queen in London (although you'll need a whole | | | | the Czech Republic. Yeah I know, we're supposed |
| lot of luck for the last one). This pesky little thing | | | | to veer away from ultra expensive euro |
| called the economy however has decided to spoil | | | | territories but this vacation spot happens to fit |
| your vacation plans. With the weakening dollar, a | | | | our itinerary. Although the Czech Republic is a |
| European trip is now a lot more expensive and | | | | member of the European Union, it still hasn't |
| way beyond your budget. | | | | adopted the euro as its official currency. Prague, |
| Don't store your suitcase away just yet though. | | | | the capital, is famous for its historic Gothic castles |
| While it is all too real that the US currency is on a | | | | and is considered as one of the most beautiful |
| steady downward trend, there are still a number | | | | places in Europe. Tucked away in the Czech |
| of vacation spots where you can get more for | | | | countryside are a variety of spas, thanks to the |
| your buck. They may not be quite as grandiose | | | | abundance of natural springs and mud. Forget the |
| as Europe but they're just as enjoyable and may | | | | overpriced spa treatments in the US; you can |
| even have more in store for the adventurous | | | | avail of a whole body massage with |
| traveler. | | | | aromatherapy in Czech Republic for as low as |
| First up is Argentina. With this destination, you | | | | $35. |
| won't have to miss Europe as much. Breath-taking | | | | Southeast Asia is another choice destination if you |
| landscapes, beautiful architecture, vibrant | | | | want to get more for your dollar. One of the |
| cosmopolitan lifestyle in the capital, and an ardent | | | | most popular travel spots here is Thailand where |
| love for football, Argentina is as close to Europe | | | | you can find a conglomeration of panoramic |
| as you can get. The country's currency suffered | | | | sceneries, bustling nightlife, historic temples, and |
| a traumatic collapse in 2001 but has recovered in | | | | even royalty. The country is also well-known for |
| large measure since then. The dollar still enjoys a | | | | its flavorful cuisines which has widely influenced |
| strong value here though and travelers can | | | | even the Western culinary scene. What better |
| definitely have a blast since dining and | | | | way to discover the authentic taste of Thai |
| accommodations cost almost half as much as in | | | | dishes than to immerse yourself in this fascinating |
| the West. | | | | country. |
| For more of Latin American atmosphere, you can | | | | Vietnam is also a good choice if you want to |
| also visit Costa Rica. This country offers pristine | | | | further explore Southeast Asia. The rural scenes |
| beaches, rivers, and rainforests; certainly a | | | | in this country remain virtually untouched, still |
| welcome relief from the harried rush of the | | | | displaying their idyllic charms in the midst of |
| metropolis. For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a | | | | fast-paced modernization. The natural reserves in |
| well-preserved haven. This is one of the best | | | | Vietnam are also worth exploring while first-class |
| places to go snorkeling, rafting, kayaking, or to | | | | hotels in the capital can be enjoyed for half the |
| just simply be in awe of earth's natural wonders. | | | | price of their US counterparts. |