By Allen Francis
I have been traveling since 1996 or 1997. The first country I ever visited was Germany. I was part of a volunteer workcamp program. In a program called C.I.E.E. I volunteered my time to work on a social project with other volunteers in exchange for staying in a dorm and getting free food. There was an application fee and I paid for my plane ticket, but it was an affordable way to travel then.
This was about half a decade before Germany had adopted the Euro as its official currency in 2002. I didn’t even think about currency exchange rates or saving enough money to enjoy a trip responsibly then. In fact, the last time I was in Germany was in 2013, and I still hadn’t learned my lesson about saving money and exchange rates. I was couch-surfing through Europe through the generosity of some friends and it was just such an aimless experience.
It’s hard to appreciate adventure when your main adventure is trying to save enough money to get to your departure airport. I was irresponsible. But many people who save enough money and go to all the familiar vacation spots may also be setting themselves up for failure. The average person spends about $4,700 when they go on a two-week plus vacation.
Almost 74% of people go into debt by the tune of $1,100 just for vacation. You only get one vacation a year. What is the sense to save money and go into debt just to go somewhere where exchange rates against your favor eats up your money faster than you spend it? Why not go somewhere exotic where you can enjoy a large spending budget due to the currency exchange working for you?
Cambodia
$1 USD = 4,071 Cambodian Riels
Cambodia is a developing country with tragic war-torn past that it is still healing from even now, generations later. The country has incredible cuisine, a bustling nightlife, exotic jungles, and incredibly pristine white sand beaches. Make sure you try the country’s signature dish, fish amok. It’s a creamy curry of fish, eggs, fish sauce, coconut milk, palm sugar, and spices cooked and served in a banana leaf.
You can visit many river villages to buy food and souvenirs, like the Chong Khneas, for less than $15. Also, you can stay in multiple 5-Star hotels for $35 to $60 a night. For example, you can stay at the 5-Star NagaWorld hotel in Phnom Penh for $59 a night, or for $531 for 9 nights. You can fly to Phnom Penh, the capital, for less than $600 in late August.
Nepal
$1 USD = 110 Nepal Rupees
The history of Nepal as a country probably dates back as far as 2,500 years. Nepal has eight of the tallest mountain peaks in the world. Most people who want to climb Mount Everest usually do so through Nepal. The country is still rebuilding after the devastating 2015 quake but is renowned for its friendly people and adventure tourism industry.
I would recommend visiting the temples of Kathmandu. Make sure you try a sel roti, which is basically a Nepalese version of the donut.
You can stay at the 4-Star Dahlia Boutique in Pokhara for $38 a night, or, $339 for 9 nights. You can fly to the capital Kathmandu in late August or early September for $700 to $800.
Off-Peak Travelling
If you are willing to wait until later in the year, during off-peak season travel for example, then you can travel a lot more cheaply. It’s the middle of summer right now. Every person on Earth is trying to go somewhere, so the laws of supply and demand are in effect with all travel-related businesses. Be one of the few travelers who thinks about currency rates before hitting the road.
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Allen Francis
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.
