Helium

Leapfrog version submitted to Helium 04AUG08

Sometimes when you take a vacation, you want to get away, but you want extreme change, in that case, what you need, is an international getaway.

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There are plenty of international getaways that offer excellent value for your dollar, but unfortunately, Europe is no longer one of them. "Developing" Asia offers great value if you're willing to live like the locals, however a lot of that value is diminished by the high cost of airfare to get there from the United States.

When ranking any destination's best overall value, you must consider airfare, taxes, hotel, meals, and local transportation. You might want to include the cost of attractions, gifts, local products, and entertainment. Visiting market places and purchasing locally produced products can be a fun perk when visiting any international destination.

From the continental United States, the best international travel values are right in our own backyard, just over the border, and in the U.S. just over the border can truly mean an international experience complete with cultural changes, language challenges and excellent value. To find the best travel values in our own back yard, we must examine Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Although the U.S. Dollar (USD) has come back slightly against the Canadian Dollar, the higher cost of goods and services offsets any savings in exchange. Add in the cost to get there (from NYC the highest cost for airfare of the four destinations discussed), and though you'll love the European feel, it's not a great value, in fact it is quite expensive.

Mexico offers good value, but be aware that customs charges and hefty airport user taxes add to the overall cost of your base airfare. Still, Mexico offers substantial cultural change, and with the advent of the all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy the sun, sand and local cuisine for a relatively low cost and low stress vacation. From the eastern U.S. you can fly to Cancun starting at about 350 USD. You'll pay from 200 to 350 USD per night for two people, including hotel room, all meals, and drinks which adds up to savings. Many all-inclusive resorts are well-located on beachfront properties and many include recreational activities and equipment as well.

Jamaica also ranks high on the list of best travel deals from the U.S. Only a couple hours away from the eastern U.S., you can fly to Montego Bay for around 300 USD (depending on the season, availability, and departure city). Jamaica has a wide variety of choices when it comes to accommodations, with all-inclusive resorts offering some of the best deals for travelers who want no surprises and a safe, carefree vacation. The very best deals on the island though, are found at smaller, independently operated properties. Eat and drink like a local, and you can will top value for your Jamaican dollars.

Finally, consider the Bahamas. A vacation in the Bahamas lands you in an international island destination that has unique colony history, chic gambling casinos, many comfortable hotels and all-inclusives, with a true Caribbean island feel, and all offered at half the travel time. Round trip airfare to Nassau starts at about 100 USD, and increases depending on distance and demand (NYC to Nassau = 160 USD, low season).

To get the best values, always remember to avoid high season and special events such as Spring Break as tropical island getaways are popular with frozen college students who also want some "cultural exchange" with Grade A value. Summer and fall are good times to benefit from the best tropical deals, so don't just sit there.