10Best: Places to find a travel bargain in 2015

Like real estate, finding an affordable travel destination is all about location. "All things being equal, there are some countries where you're going to get a lot more for your money," says Tim Leffel . author of The World's Cheapest Destinations. (Booklocker.com. $15.95). Quite often, bargains are fueled by political and economic events, and short-lived. Leffel shares some destinations likely to yield deals in 2015 with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Tanzania

Ebola fears have sent African tourism plummeting, although the affected areas are closer to Europe and Brazil than many parts of Africa. "Safaris are on sale. Some operators have seen business drop by 50% or 70% and they are willing to offer discounts," Leffel says. "It's silly to avoid the continent because of what's happening in one corner." tanzaniatouristboard.com

Argentina

Inflation and financial challenges once again make this South American country a bargain for travelers, who can easily access a gray-market exchange rate that's official enough to be published in newspapers. "Across the country, if you pay in hard currency, you'll get a much better deal," Leffel says. 212-603-0443; turismo.gov.ar

Mexico

Leffel, who has lived in Mexico for a year and a half, knows firsthand the cost savings to be found south of the border. "It is perpetually a good deal, especially if you go to the interior. But right now the exchange rate is very, very good." While beach resort areas are generally more costly, there may be bargains to be found in Los Cabos, which suffered hurricane damage in September. 800-446-3942; visitmexico.com

Ecuador

While the Galapagos Islands aren't necessarily a bargain, the rest of this South American country has recently begun attracting more visitors, who are delighted to discover refurbished colonial churches and Amazon basin ecotours. "The roads are a lot better. The train lines are open again. There's money pouring into infrastructure. It has always been a deal, but most people didn't know that," Leffel says. ecuador.travel

Portugal

This Mediterranean country, long a bargain destination, continues to offer value. "It has been compounded by the fiscal crisis, which has been hanging on longer in the south than parts of northern Europe," Leffel says. "Prices really have not gone up for four or five years. Restaurant meals, a bottle of wine, hotel rooms are the same price they have been for ages." visitportugal.com

Hungary

This central European gem has gotten a lot more attention in recent years as it has been discovered by Danube river cruise passengers, who consistently rate it as one of their favorite stops. And since the country doesn't use the euro, savings are noticeable. "The word has gotten out that Budapest is one of the great cities in Europe for tourists. You can find fantastic hotel deals, especially outside of the summer. It's one of the best deals in Europe," Leffel says. gotohungary.com

Nepal

This Himalayan kingdom has long been considered one of the world's cheapest countries for lovers of outdoor adventures like trekking, hiking and rafting. "It's a perpetual bargain and it's much easier to get your head around than India because it's smaller," Leffel says. "It's not getting massively overdeveloped or overcrowded." welcomenepal.com

Vietnam

The world's top hotel values are probably found in Vietnam, Leffel says. "Whether you're a backpacker or staying the best hotel in the city, you're getting great value for your money." The country has also been improving its roads and trains. Another plus: "They have some of the cheapest beer in the world." vietnamtourism.com

Indonesia

While this Asian giant is on the rise with infrastructure improvements and an improving quality of life for residents, it remains a bargain. Even the island paradise of Bali can be affordable, if you stay away from international hotel chains. "The dollar's really strong there now and there are lots of places to go. It's a really big country," Leffel says. indonesia.travel

Canada

Although it's hardly dirt cheap, prices north of the border have gotten more reasonable with the Canada's currency recently dropping to a five-year-low against the U.S. dollar. "For a while people didn't want to go to Montreal and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, because it was too expensive," Leffel says. But now that the exchange rate is breaking in favor of Americans, "you won't face sticker shock." canada.travel