Isn’t odd that we go on vacation to relax and get away from it all yet going on vacation can be one of the most stressful experiences that you can go through. Have you ever tried checking in at a major American airport lately? I am surprised holding people upside down and shaking them to see what comes out of their pockets isn’t a new security procedure.
Just getting to your destination without developing a massive stress headache should be considered an Olympic-level achievement. However, it is usually just the beginning of travel-related personal stresses like costliness, and activity time-constraints. Once of the easiest ways to burn money quickly is to go on vacation to a place with a high cost of living.
I am from New York City. There are New Yorkers who own one or two cars and then take mass transit every day to work because of the high cost of living. Imagine what the average out-of-towner or international tourist pays to visit. The average cost of a 5-star or elite hotel room in Manhattan is about $260 to $320 per night.
The High Cost of Vacation
Since most people travel during peak travel season, a time when almost everyone who is able to travel attempts to do so, everything is more expensive. A couple or family of four who go on vacation usually spends almost $5,000 on a getaway. Incredibly, over 75% of vacationers then go on to assume $1,100 in debt to augment their vacation budgets. The best way to counter the high cost of vacation is to consider the currency rate. Strategically research which countries offer the best exchange rates when you convert your native currency against the local currency.
Paraguay
$1 USD = 6,098 Paraguayan Guarani
Paraguay is fully landlocked developing country in South America. It is bordered by Bolivia to the north, Argentina to its east, and Brazil to its west. Paraguay is so low key as a tourist destination that many people have not heard of it. It is a very safe country with a tortured war history. After the Paraguayan War of the 19th century, the country lost most of its male population.
The country opened up its borders to foreigners who wished to become homesteaders or citizens. If you wanted to, its relatively easy to set up residency in Paraguay relative to other countries. Also, the currency exchange has been increasingly in the dollar’s favor for more than half a decade. This is a beautifully rustic country with a lot of natural landscape beauty like lakes, waterfalls, and architecture attesting to its colonialist past.
Amambay Hills near Villarrica features ancient cave paintings that date back thousands of years. Or, you can explore the Mennonite community in Filadelfia and taste their artisanal ice creams. A plane ticket to Asuncion cost $700, or less, round-trip in late summer and before the holiday season. You can stay at the Premier Hill Suites hotel for $38 per night, or $304 for 8 nights.
The Gran Hotel Parana costs $41 per night, or $328 for 8 nights. There are no hostels in Paraguay, but there are a lot of budget hotels.
How Long Will Your Vacation Dollars Last?
A $6,000 vacation budget goes a long way in Paraguay. If welcoming, tourist bereft locales in a country rich with natural landscapes, an eclectic culture, and a great currency exchange rate doesn’t sound enticing, consider other places. Make your money last as much as possible when traveling. If you do go to Paraguay, try kivevé. It’s a custard-style dish made with a local pumpkin called, “andai”, sugar, milk, and cheese.
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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.