T R AV E L
5 EXOTIC SUMMER
VACATIONS FOR A STEAL THIS
YEAR!
E
xotic locations like Bali, Rome and Sydney might
be at the top of your bucket list, but this year, experts say they should also be at the top of your
summer vacation list. Today’s unusually strong dollar
— and the dirham, since it’s pegged to it — is allowing
you to get a lot more for your money when you travel
abroad. Travel experts say this year is one of the best
times in modern history to explore the world and visit
distant dream destinations.
Bali: Bali is home to beautiful beaches and unique spots
like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Seeing these
amazing locations has never been more affordable.
Island lovers can now save
50 to 60 per cent over last
year’s hotel prices in Bali.
As an example, last year
the Bali Wood Property at
Aston Kuta Residence was
going for $206 per night and
now it’s practically a steal at
around $85 per night.
Paris: One of the most expensive cities in the world
isn’t as steep as it used to
be. For example, the four
star Hotel Astra Opera —
Astotel — which went for
$249 last year, is currently
listed at $149. You can
even book luxury hotels in
Paris for up to 65 per cent
less per night than last year.
The famous L’Hotel Paris,
which travellers last summer booked for $832 per
night, can now be booked
for just $298. With places
like the Louvre Museum and
the Jardin des Tuileries in its
back pocket, it should come
as no surprise that Paris ranks highly among art and
design lovers. The current low hotel room rates in Paris
mean you can afford to splurge at luxury restaurant hot
spots like L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon during your stay.
Rome: A popular destination for foodies and home to the
Vatican, Rome’s appeal to tourists is universal. Staying
in the city is now more affordable than ever. Rome’s current hotel room rates are up to 66 per cent lower than
last year’s prices. These savings mean you can extend
your vacation and get even more scoops of gelato in
Rome’s stunning Centro Storico neighbourhood.
Spain: The dollar’s strength translates into great deals
across Spain, the perfect destination for people who love
to experience local culture. Take in all the sites, like La
Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, while saving on hotels
in Barcelona. You can also travel south, to the municipality of Marbella, home to some
of the most serene beaches in
the world. You can find amazing deals with some properties
in Marbella going for as much
as 41 per cent less than they
cost just a year ago.
Sydney: Australia is a dream
destination for adventurers.
You can take three different
climbs up to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and the
Blue Mountains make for an
amazing day trip. Normally,
Sydney’s sky-high costs make
it a tough sell for most travellers, but today’s exchange
rates mean this summer is a
great time to head down under.
Dozens of four star hotels, including The Menzies Sydney,
Castlereagh Boutique Hotel
and Mercure Sydney are now
going for less than $120 per
night. Even five star hotels,
like the Radisson Blu Plaza
Hotel Sydney, that were going
for $300 per night last summer are now going for $185
per night which represents a
38 per cent saving.While travel deals are red hot, it still pays to shop around for the
best deals. Gogobot, for example, has price comparison
tools that show you the best deals across a number of
different sites including Expedia, Priceline and Booking.
com. Now is the perfect time to visit international destinations you’ve always dreamed of.
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