You’re planning your next adventure sorting through a number of destinations trying to figure out the pros and cons of each location but have you considered where you can maximize the US dollar? The dollar is strong in a lot of our favorite adventure destinations right now and you may want to consider these countries over other.
You could call it currency arbitrage; we call it maximizing the value of the dollar.
Here are our favorite top 5 locations where you can get a little extra buying power with that dollar.
Japan – Skiing & riding inbounds and backcountry.
If you’re a skier, you’ve likely dreamed of deep pow days in Japan, followed by a warm bowl of ramen and a dip in the Onsen.
This year, the weak yen presents a golden opportunity to make that dream a reality. And who knows, it might just be the push your indecisive friend needs to join you. Your dollar stretches about 35 percent further than it did in 2019.
Pro tip: pay in full (rather than just the deposit) for the next winter trip now; that way, you take full advantage of the lower rate.
On our radar: Seven Day Hokkaido Storm Chaser
Portugal – The perfect mix of surf and cuisine.
Ask the best surfers you know if they’ve heard of Nazaré, and they may start drooling.
Not because they are thinking of the fresh seafood, but because Nazaré is home to the world’s biggest waves. But that doesn’t mean surfing in Portugal is only for Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh, and Laird Hamilton. There are plenty of chill spots for beginners and intermediate surfers. In addition to the premier surf, Portugal is often renowned for having some of the best cuisines in Europe, so much so that some surf camps even offer cooking classes where you can prepare typical Portuguese dishes.
The particularly strong US dollar offering close to a 1:1 exchange to the euro, combined with the long summer of Portugal is all the more reason to move this destination to the top of your surf trip list.
On our radar: Best of Surfing in Portugal
Mexico – Mountain bike meets surf.
Of course, you’ve heard of Mexico as a surf destination, but did you know it’s also become an extremely desirable destination for Mountain biking?
The mountain bike scene in Mexico is growing fast, and there are countless trails and tracks. The weather and being able to ride year-round is the obvious perk but combining a trip with mountain biking, surfing, and cultural events such as Lucha Libre fights and the Day of the Dead celebrations is all the more reason to head to Mexico and let your dollar take you further.
On our radar: Mark Matthews Five Day Oaxaca Bike Tour
Peru – Journey through the Sacred Valley on an MTB.
The strong dollar makes now the perfect time to consider visiting Peru.
You can expect to spend around $10 for a terrific meal, or less if you hit up the street food, which is often the best food in Peru. A three-course meal at some of the best fine dining options typically costs $25-30. Traveling to Peru doesn’t just offer inexpensive, unique food, but Peru has some of the most interesting marvels of the world, such as Machu Picchu and the ancient Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, and what better way to experience these places than via an MTB.
On our radar: 12 Day Andes Bike Tour
Australia – Villas, diving, and island escapes.
If you’ve got the time to travel further, Australia might just be the perfect destination as it’s where you can get the most for your dollar.
As of May 2024, US $1 gets you AUS $1.50.
Australia is full of epic villas for that relaxing beach and island getaway and an excellent jumping-off point to Bali and Indonesia, where you’ll find some of our favorite dive and surf trips.
On our radar: Bedarra Island Villa North-East & Indonesia Dive Trips
