What are the biggest bargains for international travel?

Recent economic trends have put dollar-carrying Americans in a good position to travel in many parts of the world. In 2022, when inflation spiked worldwide, central banks responded by raising interest rates. The U.S. economy fared better relative to many other countries, which in turn led the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates high. The dollar became more valuable as a result.

Local goods and services, such as hotel stays and restaurant meals, became more affordable for Americans. Airline prices—dependent in part on the price of oil—have been affected little by these global shifts.

However, even including airfare, the total cost of trips to desirable destinations like Japan is a relative bargain because of recent currency movements. As of July 2024, the Japanese yen traded at more than 150 per dollar, its highest rate since the mid-1980s. The yen was trading at 105 per dollar at this point five years ago. The yen has ticked up in recent weeks, but its value still remains historically low compared to the dollar, and Japanese shops and restaurants are about one-third cheaper than they would have been had the yen not fallen since 2019.

Some tourist-friendly countries on our list have long been affordable for Americans to visit and remain so today. In addition to their natural wonders, emerging economies such as Thailand are highly affordable for travelers. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Bangkok costs just $28, according to Numbeo data. In contrast, a similar meal in Kansas City, Missouri, would cost $70—or $130 in New York City.

Ready to pack your bags? Not quite.

Before booking your tickets, check visa requirements. While American passport holders can visit many countries without prior arrangements, some nations on our list, such as India and China, require tourists to secure visas before arrival. The State Department provides up-to-date information on travel requirements.