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Your dollar goes furthest here
How to travel better for less when the dollar is this strong
Jeff Rehmar
January 29, 2026
Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest in 2025
Read time: 4 min 52 sec
Your dollar is strong right now. Really strong.
In some countries, you can eat a sit-down dinner for two with wine for $25. Stay in a boutique hotel for $80. Get a private driver for the day for $40.
These aren't backpacker hostels or sketchy neighborhoods. These are comfortable, safe, culturally rich places where you can travel slowly, eat well, and not worry about your budget every single day.
If you've been putting off international travel because of cost, this is your moment.
Here are 7 countries where your dollar stretches furthest right now, and why you should spend at least 5 days in each one.
Why the 5-Day Rule Matters
Before we dive in, let me explain something that changed how I travel.
Most Americans try to see too much too fast. Three cities in five days. Four countries in two weeks. You spend more time in airports than actually experiencing a place.
The 5-day minimum rule is simple: Stay in each destination for at least 5 days. Ideally a week.
Why? Because:
Days 1-2 are recovery and orientation (jet lag, finding your bearings)
Days 3-5 are when you actually relax and start noticing details
Day 6+ is when you feel like you live there, not just visit
Slow travel is cheaper (fewer flights, better weekly hotel rates) and infinitely more rewarding. You'll remember conversations with locals, not just monuments.
So if you have two weeks, pick two places. Not six.
1. Portugal: Europe's Best-Kept Value
Why it works:
Affordable European culture: All the history and architecture of Italy or France at 40% less cost
English is widely spoken: Especially in Lisbon and Porto
Great infrastructure: Modern airports, reliable trains, excellent healthcare
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Boutique hotel in Lisbon or Porto: $90-$140/night
Sit-down dinner for two: $35-$60
Glass of wine at a nice spot: $4-$7
Private driver for a day trip: $120-$180 (split between passengers)
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,200-$3,200 including flights from the East Coast
Where to go: Spend 5 days in Lisbon, 5 days in Porto. Skip the Algarve in winter (too cold for beaches).
Book: Hotels in Lisbon | Hotels in Porto
2. Greece: Islands Without the Crowds (or Prices)
Why it works:
Shoulder season magic: April-May and Sept-Oct have perfect weather and 50% fewer tourists
Island hopping made easy: Ferries connect everything
Healthcare is excellent: Many expats retire here for a reason
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Mid-range hotel on an island: $70-$120/night
Fresh seafood dinner for two: $40-$65
Ferry between islands: $25-$50
Day trip or boat tour: $60-$100
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,400-$3,500 including flights
Where to go: Athens (3 days) + Naxos or Paros (4+ days). Skip Santorini and Mykonos (overpriced and overcrowded).
Visa info: No visa needed for stays under 90 days
Book: Hotels in Athens | Hotels in Naxos
3. Thailand: Luxury for Less
Why it works:
World-class service: Five-star treatment at three-star prices
Easy to navigate: English signage, helpful locals, modern airports
Food is incredible: Street food for $2, fancy restaurants for $15/person
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Nice hotel in Chiang Mai: $50-$90/night
Beach resort in Krabi: $80-$140/night
Massage: $10-$15/hour
Full-day private tour: $60-$100
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,800-$4,200 including flights from the West Coast
Where to go: Chiang Mai (5-7 days) OR Bangkok (3 days) + Krabi beaches (4 days). Don't try to do both in one week.
Visa info: 60-day visa exemption for US citizens (as of 2024)
Book: Hotels in Chiang Mai | Hotels in Krabi
4. New Zealand: Nature's Greatest Hits
Why it works:
English-speaking: Zero language barrier
Safe and modern: First-world infrastructure, excellent healthcare
Stunning landscapes: Fjords, mountains, beaches, geothermal areas all in one country
Direct flights available: Air New Zealand, United, and American fly nonstop from LAX, SFO, and Houston
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Mid-range hotel in Queenstown or Auckland: $110-$180/night
Dinner for two at a nice restaurant: $60-$90
Full-day scenic tour or activity: $100-$180
Wine tasting in Central Otago: $30-$50
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $3,500-$5,200 including flights
Where to go: Pick one island for 7 days. South Island: Queenstown (5 days) + Wanaka (2 days) for mountains and lakes. North Island: Auckland (3 days) + Rotorua (4 days) for geothermal parks and Maori culture. Don't try to do both islands in one week. Auckland is New Zealand's major airport hub.
Important: May is autumn there (cool weather, fewer crowds). Best time is their summer (Dec-Feb) but prices jump 30%.
Flight times from Auckland: 13-14 hours nonstop from West Coast (LAX, SFO). 16-18 hours with one stop from other US cities.
5. Colombia: South America's Safest Secret
Why it works:
Medellín's eternal spring: 70-75°F year-round
Cartagena's old town: Colonial architecture that rivals anything in Europe
Incredibly friendly people: English is less common, but people go out of their way to help
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Nice hotel in Medellín or Cartagena: $60-$110/night
Dinner at a top-rated restaurant: $20-$35 for two
Coffee tour in the highlands: $40-$60
Private city tour: $50-$80
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,200-$3,400 including flights
Where to go: Medellín (5 days) + day trips to coffee region OR Cartagena (7 days) for beach + history.
Safety note: Medellín and Cartagena are safe in tourist areas. Use registered taxis or Uber. Check current safety info here.
6. Czech Republic: Prague and Beyond
Why it works:
Central European charm: Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, castle views
Beer culture: World's best beer for $2-3 per pint
Easy day trips: Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, spa towns
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Mid-range hotel in Prague: $80-$130/night
Dinner for two at a traditional Czech restaurant: $30-$50
Day trip to nearby towns: $30-$60 by train or bus
Concert or cultural event: $20-$40
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,400-$3,600 including flights
Where to go: Prague (5 days) + Český Krumlov (2 days). Or just stay in Prague for a full week and explore slowly.
Visa info: No visa needed for stays under 90 days (Schengen rules)
Book: Hotels in Prague
7. Vietnam: Adventure on a Budget
Why it works:
Unbelievably affordable: Your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere
Food is outstanding: Fresh, healthy, $1-3 per meal on the street
History and nature: From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Halong Bay's limestone cliffs
What you'll spend (per person, 7 days):
Nice hotel in Hanoi or Hoi An: $40-$80/night
Street food meal: $2-5
Sit-down restaurant: $10-$20 for two
Halong Bay overnight cruise: $100-$200
Total budget for 2 people (7 days): $2,500-$4,000 including flights from the West Coast
Where to go: Hanoi (3 days) + Halong Bay (2 days) + Hoi An (2+ days). Or just do Hoi An for a full week (beach town, incredible food, tailor shops).
Visa info: 45-day e-visa available online - $25, takes 3 days
Book: Hotels in Hanoi | Hotels in Hoi An
What You Actually Need to Know
Safety Check:
All seven destinations rank safer than most major US cities for tourists. Portugal, Greece, and Czech Republic are EU members with strong infrastructure. Mexico and Thailand have decades of experience hosting American retirees and travelers. Check current US State Department advisories before booking.
Real Flight Costs (Roundtrip, May 2026):
Portugal: $450-700 | Search flights
Greece: $550-850 | Search flights
Thailand: $650-1,050 | Search flights
Mexico: $250-500 | Search flights
Colombia: $350-600 | Search flights
Czech Republic: $500-800 | Search flights
Vietnam: $700-1,150 | Search flights
Economy prices from LAX/SFO/ORD/DFW, booking 2-3 months out. West Coast gets cheaper flights to Asia. East Coast gets cheaper flights to Europe.
Don't Forget:
Get travel insurance. Allianz Global covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
Book flights via Google Flights. Book hotels direct for better service and flexibility.
Check if your Medicare supplement covers international emergencies. Most don't. International SOS lists English-speaking clinics worldwide.
The Real Question
You have the time. You have the budget. The dollar is strong.
So what's stopping you?
Most people I talk to say "maybe next year." But next year always becomes next year.
Here's what I want you to do:
Pick one country from this list. Just one.
Block out 10-14 days on your calendar for sometime in 2025.
Book the flights this week. Once the flights are booked, the rest falls into place.
That's it. Don't overthink it.
Two Asks
1. Forward this to a friend who's been talking about traveling but hasn't booked anything yet. Sometimes people just need a push.
2. Reply to this email and tell me: Where are you planning to travel in 2025?
I read every response, and your answers help me write better newsletters for you.
Until next Thursday,
Jeff
