Places Where the U.S. Dollar Goes Furthest
Need a vacation from inflation? Plan a trip to one of these affordable destinations where the U.S. dollar stretches significantly further than it does at home.
One of the best ways to find out how affordable a destination is to visit is by using the Big Mac Index. Coined in 1986 by The Economist, this index uses a standardized product (McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger) that is available in almost every country in the world, giving an idea of purchasing parity.
While it offers a fun, intuitive snapshot of where your money might stretch, it should be used only as a starting point—because local costs, lodging, transportation, and other factors often differ widely.
Here are some of the places where your money will go the furthest.
Additional Reporting by Megan Johnson
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Taiwan
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Indonesia
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Egypt
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Phillippines
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India
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South Africa
Big Mac Price: $2.38
One U.S. dollar can be exchanged for approximately 30.48 Taiwanese Dollars, meaning a vacation to Taipei can be affordable. There are great deals on flights from the U.S. to Taiwan at the moment, with fares under $700 from Los Angeles and less than $900 from New York. Hotels are cheap, too. You can find several four-star hotels for under $100 a night.
Big Mac Price: $2.53
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a wealth of variety for the adventurous traveler—head to Sulawesi for pristine white beaches and colorful dives, or Bali for a party scene. Flights to get to this far-flung destination will be pricey, but low on-the-ground costs will make up for it.
This famously affordable vacation spot offers 4-star hotels for as low as $20 per night, so why not stay awhile?
Big Mac Price: $2.69
Egypt is a bucket-list destination for many, and it’s not as far-reaching a destination as you might think. Flights from JFK cost under $700, and are around $800 from LAX (there are cheaper flights from LAX, but they include two stops).
Meals are cheap too; you can expect to spend just $15 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. Four-star hotels can be found for under $100 a night, making your dream to see the pyramids in person come true sooner rather than later.
Big Mac Price: $2.89
The Philippines continues to lure tourists thanks to its turquoise waters and dramatic lagoons, and adding affordability to that list might make it your next vacation spot. Flights to Manila from JFK are around $800, and from LAX, they are less than $700, making this far-off destination seem much more within grasp. Four-star hotels start at $65 per night, and meals are cheap too, coming in at around $15 per person for a three-course meal.
Big Mac Price: $2.61
With 4-star hotels available for as little as $60 a night and meals costing less than $5, India has been drawing budget travelers for decades. One USD is equivalent to approximately 89 Indian Rupees, putting the currency conversion squarely in your favor. From busy Mumbai to chilled-out Goa, there are so many different regions to explore in India. Fortunately, domestic transportation is also cheap, whether you choose to take the train or fly.
Big Mac Price: $2.78
Splurge on a luxury safari in Kruger National Park or have a cool and cheap urban getaway in Cape Town—South Africa can cater to every budget. With a big focus on outdoor activities and nature, you can spend your vacation days doing things that won’t cost you a penny, like a hike up iconic Table Mountain. After, a celebratory Castle Lager will only set you back $3.