"The Dollar Index, which measures the greenback's strength against a basket of major currencies like the euro, yen, and pound, fell nearly 10% in 2025 and has continued sliding into early 2026. At around 97, its lowest mark in four years, the dollar simply buys less abroad than it did a year ago."
"When you run the conversions, a surprising list of countries emerges where local currencies have depreciated even faster than the US dollar, where cost bases remain a fraction of Western norms, or both. Your purchasing power in these destinations has not just held. In many cases, it has actually improved."
"Many of them have world-class museums, temples, and archaeological sites that charge single-digit entry fees or nothing at all. Street food cultures so deep that a full day of eating rarely breaks $15. Luxury hotels that would cost three or four times as much in Western Europe or the United States."
The US dollar has weakened significantly, falling nearly 10% in 2025 to its lowest point in four years around 97 on the Dollar Index. However, this apparent disadvantage masks opportunities in destinations where local currencies have depreciated faster than the dollar or maintain inherently low cost structures. These locations combine favorable exchange rates with stacked advantages: world-class attractions with minimal entry fees, affordable street food cultures, luxury accommodations at fraction of Western prices, inexpensive public transit and ride-hailing services, and budget-friendly domestic flights. Together, these factors create exceptional travel value despite overall dollar weakness.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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