Cheap International Travel Destinations

Majestic Budapest is capital of Hungary, one of Europe's cheapest destinations. (Photo: Panorama of Budapest image by vin5 from Fotolia.com )

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Who wouldn t enjoy shopping in Paris, viewing the Alps in pristine Switzerland or lounging on the beach in Rio? However, if money s an issue, North American travelers can find many cheaper alternatives, some of which boast the world s most famous sights. For example, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is located in Peru, one of South America s best bargain destinations. And though low airfares to Europe are increasingly rare, once you arrive, several stunning eastern European countries are a great value.

Hungary

Charming Hungary offers visitors a wealth of activities and sights. In the capital city of Budapest, sights include the world s second largest synagogue, the world s second largest Parliament building and the historic Old Town area. Nightlife is lively; local restaurants and shops are inexpensive; and the countryside is quiet and scenic.

The value of the US greenback increased considerably against the Hungarian Forint (HUF) in 2009 and again in summer 2010. As of late July 2010, USD$1 equaled 217HUF.

Peru

Generally speaking, you will spend less traveling in South and Central America for multiple weeks than you will in a week at a Caribbean resort. Among the least expensive of these nations is Peru, a nature lover s paradise that is home to world-famous Machu Picchu. (Neighboring Ecuador and Honduras are also good values.)

Peru, the third largest country in South America, is also the source of the Amazon River and boasts coasts, highlands and tropical jungles. As of late July 2010, there were 2.82 Nuevos Soles (PEN) to USD$1. The warmest weather in Peru is from December through March, which is the country s summer. Airfares will be lower in shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), which may still be pleasant enough to enjoy.

Iceland

One of the big financial stories in Europe in recent times was the economic disaster in Iceland. Though this was sad for the residents, the weak Icelandic Kronur (ISK) provides North American vacationers a good opportunity to visit one of the world s most beautiful -- and quirkiest -- nations. While the progressive country s history is filled with tales of whaling and volcanoes (one has been very active recently), because of its isolation Iceland is one of the most Internet-connected countries, per capita, in the world.

Visitors can enjoy the avant-garde art and architecture of the capital city of Reykjavik, swim in geothermally heated pools and even take a flight north to the Arctic Circle. As of late July 2010, USD$1 was worth 120 ISK. Iceland Air flights to Reykjavik from New York are lowest in mid-week.