If you haven't traveled abroad in awhile, be prepared to take a trip through the looking glass when it comes to prices. Compared to just six years ago in Europe the dollar is now worth 57 cents. Cities behind the former iron curtain used to be bargains. Today, the most expensive city to visit in the world is Moscow, which has a higher cost of living than Tokyo. Are there still places where the dollar is worth something?
Decide on the type of vacation that you want. Paris and London are pricey, but Prague is still reasonable. The city is an architectural gem with a lively night life. If you learn a few words of Czech you can eat quite well in restaurants where menus aren't in English saving as much as a third for comparable food. Favor beer over wine, since the local brew is superb, plentiful and cheap. If you're fond of classical music, go to the large state theaters as opposed to the church benefit concerts.
Know that Europe's least expensive city is Sofia, Bulgaria a city of 1¼ million people. The city's nightlife is centered on Vitosha Boulevard. Churches worth visiting include the 10th century Boyana, the 4th Century church of St. George, the Byzantine Church of St. Sophia and St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals in the world. There's a National Gallery for Foreign Art and both a National History and National Archeological Museum. The Hotel California hosts rooms there for $69 a night. Sofia also has a Sheraton and Radisson. During ski season, local resorts are doing increasing business with westerners looking for a bargain. The city's English language web portal is www.sofia-life.com
Consider alternatives to your first choice. If you're looking for an English speaking destination, Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is cheaper than London. Wellington supports a lively arts scene and nightlife. Plus because it's in the Southern Hemisphere you can soak up summer in mid January. Shanghai costs less than Beijing and is a bigger, more dynamic city. For a venture into the Islamic world, Algiers is more economical than Istanbul. It's right on the Mediterranean with both a stylish French Quarter and Kasbah. On the Indian subcontinent choose Karachi over Mumbai. If you want to brush up on your Spanish, Asuncion in Paraguay is the world's least expensive city for US visitors. It has both a historic center and lavishly appointed Gran Hotel del Paraguay with beautiful tropical gardens and art where rooms can be had for $33 a night.
Consider a non traditional vacation abroad. Take a cycling tour across Europe, staying in hostels along the way. If you backpack and camp you'll save money wherever you go. It's hard to admit that we have a currency that fewer people in the world now want, but by being prepared before you go, you'll avoid price shock later.
