Peter Greenberg: Traveling and the Weak Dollar

 

One thing you can do if you're worried about the dollar is to prepay as much as possible, including plane tickets, hotels, and activities, in U.S. dollars. That way, currency fluctuations won't be an issue, at least in those areas. Another option is booking with an American travel company, where you'll pay in dollars. That way, any currency fluctuations are their problem, not yours. Do some research ahead of time to see which overseas hotels will quote you rates locked into U.S. dollars. Cruises are another great travel option, as you pay ahead of time, in U.S. dollars, for a trip that can take place several months to a year down the road.

 

Additionally, check out some locations where the dollar is still strong. In fact, in the recent economic turmoil, some destinations are cheaper than ever. The value of Iceland's currency, the krona, tumbled more than 50 percent in just one week. Other countries where the currency is looking shaky, and that may thus offer bargains, include South Korea, Brazil, Thailand, and Hungary. It may be counterintuitive, but an economic crisis could actually make your vacation cheaper.