There are 196 countries in the world, but most travellers will only see a small fraction of them in their lifetime. It doesn’t have to be this way. While international travel can be more expensive than domestic travel, a bit of research, timing and luck can help lower the cost of trips abroad, meaning your suitcase doesn’t have to collect dust this year. Keep your travel dreams alive with destinations from capital cities to off-the-beaten-path locales where the Canadian dollar is holding its own. Here are some to consider that won’t break the bank.
South Africa
Getting to South Africa from Canada might be a long journey, but the loonie has a pretty good edge over the South African rand making it a great time to book a surprisingly budget-conscious trip to an epic destination. Discover a revitalized Johannesburg (complete with thriving arts scene), head to laid back, yet cosmopolitan Cape Town and hike or cable car your way to the top of Table Mountain, or hit the beach in Durban and make time to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, leopard) on a safari.
Japan
Japan is another far-flung destination where your loonie can go far. You won’t be paying backpacker prices, but, if you go this year, you can stretch your travel dollar a lot further as $1 gets you around 84 yen. Japan is a multifaceted destination with so much to see and do in terms of history, culture, food, fashion and nightlife. History buffs will want to head to Kyoto for the impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as numerous temples and shrines. Foodies should take note that UNESCO added Japanese cuisine to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List, an honour shared only with French cuisine. And there are plenty of places to taste the unique food on the cheap. In addition, you can bar hop and shop your way through buzzing Tokyo, hike Mount Fuji and make a visit to the island of Naoshima with its many art galleries, sculptures and public installations.
Iceland
With the Canadian dollar currently having a lead on the krona, plus discount carrier WOW air now offering some low- (and even a few extremely low) priced seats on flights to Reykjavik, a trip to Iceland won’t break the bank this year. Spend some time getting to know the country’s capital with its plethora of bars, shops, restaurants and cafes, take a dip in the famed Blue Lagoon (children ages 2 – 13 are free), witness the stunning scenery in one of Iceland’s three national parks, go whale watching, or get up close and personal with a glacier (Iceland has some of the largest glaciers in Europe). If you go during the right time, you might get lucky and spot the northern lights, one of Mother Nature’s stunning free gifts to the world.
Argentina
With a current exchange rate of $1 to 11 Argentine pesos, the loonie can get you far in Argentina should you be craving a South American adventure. Start in Buenos Aires for a European vibe (minus the European prices) and take a tango lesson (or just be mesmerized by a tango show), zip to Mendoza to taste some amazing wines and snap some selfies by wondrous Iguazu Falls or explore the area further via a boat tour.
Czech Republic
While the Czech Republic might be part of the EU, it doesn’t use the euro. And your loonies will convert pretty favorably to the local currency, the Czech Koruna. Stick to mid-range hotels (there are plenty to choose from) or even opt to rent an affordable apartment on a site like Airbnb where you can also save money by preparing some of your meals in. Be sure to take advantage of cheap beer between checking out the awe-inspiring architecture of Prague’s Old Town, castles in Moravia or laid back Plzeň, where you can sample some Pilsner Urquell beer.
Poland
Like the Czech Republic, Poland still uses its own currency rather than the euro, and the loonie can take you farther here than in most European countries. If you’ve never thought about Poland as a vacation destination you might want to reconsider. Krakow and Warsaw offer a balance of rich history and a cosmopolitan pulse. Get outside these cities and you’ll have your choice of mountains, lakes, beaches and forests. While it may seem like an unconventional choice, Poland has something to please almost anyone.
Thailand
The Canadian dollar, no matter how low it dips, always seems to go the distance in Southeast Asia, especially once you’re on the ground. Thailand, in particular, is a great destination for budget-friendly travel with your biggest expense being the plane ride over. Getting around is easy and affordable. Food and beer are exceptionally easy on the wallet and accommodations come in a varied range, from hostels and guest houses to larger hotels and resorts. Bask on a beach in the south of the country, shop and eat your way through bustling Bangkok or head north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for a more laid back pace and the chance to do some jungle trekking.
Mexico
Travelling to Mexico is always a good bet for destinations that will stretch your vacation dollar. Flights to Mexico tend to be affordable year round, the peso is a good value, even against the loonie, and there are plenty of local dining options that are tasty and economical. Cabo San Lucas, in particular, is an ideal option for anyone wanting a vacation that offers a good mix of culture, sand and surf, exciting nightlife and a whole host of ways to get active, including parasailing, kitesurfing scuba diving and horseback riding. The beaches are beautiful, the tequila flows freely and the accommodation options range from guesthouses and boutique hotels to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, with an equally varied mix of price points.
Peru
No matter where you go in Peru, bargains await. The capital, Lima, offers a variety of options for travellers, from lazy days on the beach to dining at some of the top restaurants in the world. Make time to explore Machu Picchu, the ancient “Lost City of the Incas” that was built atop a mountain range 2,430 metres above sea level. Located in the Sacred Valley 502 kilometres from Lima, Machu Picchu is possibly the best example of Inca architecture. Only 2,500 visitors are allowed each day to visit this remote sacred sanctuary set atop grass terraces cut by nature along the mountain’s slope, but it doesn’t cost much to get there except a few days’ time.
New Zealand
The current exchange rate of $1 to $1.14 NZD means New Zealand is a great value once travellers are on the ground. Whether driving or flying between destinations, everything is close. Buses are a great way to explore (fares start at $1) and a social way of seeing the country. No matter the destination, there is a range of accommodation options for the budget traveller, including campgrounds, hostels, motels and budget hotels. Stiff competition among domestic airlines also means there are often cheap domestic airfares to places like the highly walkable Wellington, which boasts many free attractions like New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa O Tongarewa, and the Weta Cave, a movie lover’s showcase of props and collectibles. Wellington isn’t the only penny-wise place to visit. Go bungee jumping at the first commercial bungee jump in Queenstown; visit the private farmland of Hobbiton, the movie set from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”; get immersed in Māori culture and geothermal activities in Rotorua; tackle the one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Mordor; and go wine tasting in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine producing region and home to the picturesque Marlborough Sounds.
Featured image: istockphoto.com/Dirima
