5 Best Places to Travel in a Recession - GoFuckYourself.com

GTS Mark · 11-11-2008, 05:24 AM

The economy is in meltdown, consumer spending is dwindling and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is seriously considering priming the monetary system with change he found inside his sofa. That just means you need a vacation more than ever ? and the good news about the bad news is that the financial crisis has made some typically pricey destinations suddenly affordable.

Thank the 98-lb. weakling ? the U.S. dollar ? which, over the past several years, has made foreign travel outrageously expensive for Americans. Today, given the financial crisis, investors see the U.S. as safer than other markets ? even though the downturn is largely the responsibility of Americans ? and are flocking to the dollar. (Apparently there's no financial penalty for irony.)

For Americans, that means many foreign destinations have effectively become 25%, 30% even 50% cheaper than they were just a few months ago. You may feel a bit like a financial vulture visiting these countries but, hey, this may be the dawn of Depression 2.0. No one's turning down cash these days ? not even from ugly Americans.

ICELAND
Drop in currency value since a year ago: 51%
No developed country has suffered as much from the credit crunch as Iceland, which has seen its banking system and its currency, the kronur, all but collapse. The silver lining in an Arctic cloud: what was once one of the most expensive, if memorable, destinations in Europe has suddenly gone budget. Icelandair flights from New York City start at $500 round-trip, and decent hotels in the hip capital of Reykjavik ? like the Centerhotel Thingholt ? are as low as $60 a night. Sure, if you go in the late fall or winter you'll get only about five hours of sunlight a day ? but Icelanders know how to make those hours count. Move fast ? tourist agencies are reporting a huge spike in visitors to Iceland.

CANADA
Drop in currency value since a year ago: 21%
If Canadians didn't want us to make fun of their traditionally weak currency, why did they call it the loonie? A year ago, the joke was on us ? a Canadian dollar was actually worth more than its American counterpart. Fortunately, economic catastrophe has reasserted the natural order of U.S.-Canadian relations. From the cosmopolitan charm of Montreal to the amazing skiing of Whistler (and, in between, Saskatchewan), America's neighbor to the north is a great place to spend strengthening greenbacks. Bonus: Global warming will make those biting Canadian winters just a little bit more endurable.

AUSTRALIA
Drop in currency value since a year ago: 28%
The Aussies' unoriginally named currency almost managed parity with the American dollar in recent years. Not anymore. The Down Under dollar now gets you only about 66 cents. But that opens the Land of Thunder's many delights to the American budget traveler ? once, of course, you mortgage your devalued home for a plane ticket. Round-trip tickets from New York City to Sydney are going for about $1,400. On the upside, when it's winter in the North, it's summer over there. (Except financially ? then it's winter everywhere.)

GREAT BRITAIN
Drop in currency value since a year ago: 23%
Admittedly, it's difficult to put England on any kind of budget-travel list, given that a brief, one-way trip on the 145-year-old London Underground will still run you more than $6. But compared with a year ago, when you needed more than $2 to buy a single coin with the Queen of England's face on it, Britain has gotten considerably cheaper ? relatively. Book a spin on a "champagne flight" on the London Eye ? the giant Ferris wheel (and millennial white elephant) on the banks of the Thames ? for a mere $692. Or don't. (See 10 things to do in London.)

SOUTH KOREA
Drop in currency value since a year ago: 30%
For South Koreans, the current economic meltdown has a sickening familiarity. During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the South Korean won lost 52% of its value against the dollar. Things haven't gotten that bad yet in 2008, but there are still plenty of sudden bargains in the Land of Morning Calm, long an unjustly ignored travel destination. Bewildering Seoul boasts dramatic mountains, spicy street food and gorgeous royal palaces. Beyond the capital ? where almost half the country lives ? South Korea has arty port cities like Busan and cultural centers like Gwangju. And anywhere in the country you can get soju ? the potent rice wine that will enable you to forget the recession, along with everything else.

http://www.time.com/time/travel/arti...855690,00.html

Funbrunette · 11-11-2008, 05:26 AM

You forgot Cuba (oh yeah you yanks can't go there....lol)

But please come freeze your asses here with us in Canada eh...!

GTS Mark · 11-11-2008, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funbrunette

You forgot Cuba (oh yeah you yanks can't go there....lol)

But please come freeze your asses here with us in Canada eh...!

I'm with you hoser, I can go to Cuba

faxxaff · 11-11-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrinkingHARDEST

Thank the 98-lb. weakling ? the U.S. dollar ? which, over the past several years, has made foreign travel outrageously expensive for Americans. Today, given the financial crisis, investors see the U.S. as safer than other markets ? even though the downturn is largely the responsibility of Americans ? and are flocking to the dollar. (Apparently there's no financial penalty for irony.)

For Americans, that means many foreign destinations have effectively become 25%, 30% even 50% cheaper than they were just a few months ago. You may feel a bit like a financial vulture visiting these countries but, hey, this may be the dawn of Depression 2.0. No one's turning down cash these days ? not even from ugly Americans.

The US$ is still very weak and it will remain weak imho, but there are more important things to check a country for being affordable than the value of a currency.

Ok, you think South Korea and Ieland are cheap? If you think a 300 $ handjob from a stripper is cheap .... sure ... go ahead :-) You can get 6 ladyboys in Thailand to lick your butt hole all day :-) There is so much more to value for your money than numbers :-)

faxxaff · 11-11-2008, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funbrunette

You forgot Cuba (oh yeah you yanks can't go there....lol)

But please come freeze your asses here with us in Canada eh...!

Cuba was a great destination until 1998 ... thoussssssaands of great hairy chicks along the Habana Malecon for 20 bucks. There was nothing better in the world for a good dental cleansing

DWB · 11-11-2008, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faxxaff

you can get 6 ladyboys in thailand to lick your butt hole all day :-) there is so much more to value for your money than numbers :-)

sold!!!!!!!!!!!

Quagmire · 11-11-2008, 06:09 AM

what about prison? your food, lodging and entertainment are all paid for!

DutchTeenCash · 11-11-2008, 06:10 AM

right

you do know that anything remotely nice in London is 10 times as expensive as in any other city? Roundtrip with the DLR (local train) from the airport to the centre $35 for like 40 mins or a cab for like $100

Khulan · 11-11-2008, 06:06 PM

Stay at home and wait for until better condition. Then you can go anywhere

The Duck · 11-11-2008, 06:07 PM

None of those countries are cheap, what a load of bullcrap.

Barefootsies · 11-11-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funbrunette

You forgot Cuba (oh yeah you yanks can't go there....lol)

But please come freeze your asses here with us in Canada eh...!

cherrylula · 11-11-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchTeenCash

right

you do know that anything remotely nice in London is 10 times as expensive as in any other city? Roundtrip with the DLR (local train) from the airport to the centre $35 for like 40 mins or a cab for like $100

I used to spend that much on a cab going out in Hollywood, over $100 in a night.

cheaper than a DUI

Ross · 11-11-2008, 06:23 PM

The UK is so much cheaper for US citizens now. For the last 3-4 years all we've been getting is the Visit USA adverts on tv. Coz it was so cheap for us. Tables have turned but I'm happy about it since I'm paid in Dollars and spend in GBP

myjah · 11-11-2008, 06:54 PM

Iceland would actually be really cool to go to.

rowan · 11-11-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kandah

None of those countries are cheap, what a load of bullcrap.

Depends also where you go inside the country. There are states, cities and even individual suburbs that vary wildly in the costs of living, real estate etc within Australia.

fuzebox · 11-11-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrinkingHARDEST

to the amazing skiing of Whistler

Whistler-Blackcomb parent company (Intrawest) is actually in big trouble now thanks to one of those shady ass loans, and the timeshare empire they've been trying to build is suffering... Now is a good time to pick up a gondola-side condo if you've got the cash

11-11-2008, 05:24 AM	#1
GTS Mark Vrume Mark Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 20,912	5 Best Places to Travel in a Recession The economy is in meltdown, consumer spending is dwindling and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is seriously considering priming the monetary system with change he found inside his sofa. That just means you need a vacation more than ever ? and the good news about the bad news is that the financial crisis has made some typically pricey destinations suddenly affordable. Thank the 98-lb. weakling ? the U.S. dollar ? which, over the past several years, has made foreign travel outrageously expensive for Americans. Today, given the financial crisis, investors see the U.S. as safer than other markets ? even though the downturn is largely the responsibility of Americans ? and are flocking to the dollar. (Apparently there's no financial penalty for irony.) For Americans, that means many foreign destinations have effectively become 25%, 30% even 50% cheaper than they were just a few months ago. You may feel a bit like a financial vulture visiting these countries but, hey, this may be the dawn of Depression 2.0. No one's turning down cash these days ? not even from ugly Americans. ICELAND Drop in currency value since a year ago: 51% No developed country has suffered as much from the credit crunch as Iceland, which has seen its banking system and its currency, the kronur, all but collapse. The silver lining in an Arctic cloud: what was once one of the most expensive, if memorable, destinations in Europe has suddenly gone budget. Icelandair flights from New York City start at $500 round-trip, and decent hotels in the hip capital of Reykjavik ? like the Centerhotel Thingholt ? are as low as $60 a night. Sure, if you go in the late fall or winter you'll get only about five hours of sunlight a day ? but Icelanders know how to make those hours count. Move fast ? tourist agencies are reporting a huge spike in visitors to Iceland. CANADA Drop in currency value since a year ago: 21% If Canadians didn't want us to make fun of their traditionally weak currency, why did they call it the loonie? A year ago, the joke was on us ? a Canadian dollar was actually worth more than its American counterpart. Fortunately, economic catastrophe has reasserted the natural order of U.S.-Canadian relations. From the cosmopolitan charm of Montreal to the amazing skiing of Whistler (and, in between, Saskatchewan), America's neighbor to the north is a great place to spend strengthening greenbacks. Bonus: Global warming will make those biting Canadian winters just a little bit more endurable. AUSTRALIA Drop in currency value since a year ago: 28% The Aussies' unoriginally named currency almost managed parity with the American dollar in recent years. Not anymore. The Down Under dollar now gets you only about 66 cents. But that opens the Land of Thunder's many delights to the American budget traveler ? once, of course, you mortgage your devalued home for a plane ticket. Round-trip tickets from New York City to Sydney are going for about $1,400. On the upside, when it's winter in the North, it's summer over there. (Except financially ? then it's winter everywhere.) GREAT BRITAIN Drop in currency value since a year ago: 23% Admittedly, it's difficult to put England on any kind of budget-travel list, given that a brief, one-way trip on the 145-year-old London Underground will still run you more than $6. But compared with a year ago, when you needed more than $2 to buy a single coin with the Queen of England's face on it, Britain has gotten considerably cheaper ? relatively. Book a spin on a "champagne flight" on the London Eye ? the giant Ferris wheel (and millennial white elephant) on the banks of the Thames ? for a mere $692. Or don't. (See 10 things to do in London.) SOUTH KOREA Drop in currency value since a year ago: 30% For South Koreans, the current economic meltdown has a sickening familiarity. During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the South Korean won lost 52% of its value against the dollar. Things haven't gotten that bad yet in 2008, but there are still plenty of sudden bargains in the Land of Morning Calm, long an unjustly ignored travel destination. Bewildering Seoul boasts dramatic mountains, spicy street food and gorgeous royal palaces. Beyond the capital ? where almost half the country lives ? South Korea has arty port cities like Busan and cultural centers like Gwangju. And anywhere in the country you can get soju ? the potent rice wine that will enable you to forget the recession, along with everything else. http://www.time.com/time/travel/arti...855690,00.html

11-11-2008, 05:26 AM	#2
Funbrunette Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 4,834	You forgot Cuba (oh yeah you yanks can't go there....lol) But please come freeze your asses here with us in Canada eh...! __________________ Stephanie (Funbrunette) [email protected] ICQ: 155-713-409

11-11-2008, 06:09 AM	#7
Quagmire Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Stinkin' up your bathroom Posts: 6,490	what about prison? your food, lodging and entertainment are all paid for! __________________

11-11-2008, 06:10 AM	#8
DutchTeenCash I like Dutch Girls Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: dutchteencash.com Posts: 21,684	right you do know that anything remotely nice in London is 10 times as expensive as in any other city? Roundtrip with the DLR (local train) from the airport to the centre $35 for like 40 mins or a cab for like $100 __________________ ICQ 16 91 547 - SKYPE dutchteencash bob AT dutchteencash DOT com ... did you see our newest Sweet Natural Girl Priscilla (18)?

11-11-2008, 06:06 PM	#9
Khulan Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 890	Stay at home and wait for until better condition. Then you can go anywhere __________________ TEEN CASH - CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE TEEN NICHE SITES Check out our Newest Site: Babysitter Movies - Free Hosted Galleries, Flash Galleries, Tube Content, & Great Support Sample Galleries: Movie Gallery 1 Flash Gallery 1 Gallery 1

11-11-2008, 06:07 PM	#10
The Duck Adult Content Provider Industry Role: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 18,243	None of those countries are cheap, what a load of bullcrap. __________________ Skype Horusmaia ICQ 41555245 Email [email protected]

11-11-2008, 06:23 PM	#13
Ross Ik ben een aap Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Traffic Force Towers, Canada! Posts: 18,874	The UK is so much cheaper for US citizens now. For the last 3-4 years all we've been getting is the Visit USA adverts on tv. Coz it was so cheap for us. Tables have turned but I'm happy about it since I'm paid in Dollars and spend in GBP

11-11-2008, 06:54 PM	#14
myjah Back in the harbor Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 11,482	Iceland would actually be really cool to go to. __________________ VP of Marketing AVN Media Network Skype: AVNJill [email protected]