Getting from point A to point B is only part of the equation now. In the face of the dollar's declining value worldwide against foreign currencies, there can be a bit of sticker shock while traveling. To demonstrate where you can get the most bang for your buck, this monthly index compares the costs of common consumer goods around the globe. Conversions are calculated using www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi.
Adelaide, Australia (Source: Tourism Australia; www.tourism.australia.com)
- Movie ticket: $14.43
- Bus/tram fare: $2.02-$4.04
- Cup of regular coffee: $3.17
- Pint of local beer in a bar: Cooper's Pale Ale, $5.29
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $134.74
- Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $35.13-$48.59
- $1=$1.03 Australia dollars
Budva, Montenegro
(Source: National Tourism Organization of Montenegro; www.montenegro.travel)Cartegena, Columbia
(Source: Colombia Tourism; www.turismocolombia.com)- Movie ticket: $5.44
- Bus fare: 68¢
- Cup of regular coffee: 81¢
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: Cerveza Aguila $1.36
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $108.99
- Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $17.98
- $1=1,834 Colombia Pesos
Lincoln, Nebraska
(Source: Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau; www.lincoln.org)Novgorod, Russia
(Source: Russian National Group; www.russia-travel.com)Olympia, Washington (Source: Olympia, Lacey and Turnwater Visitor & Convention Bureau; www.visitolympia.com)
- Movie ticket: $9.50
- Bus fare: 75¢
- Cup of regular coffee: $1.50
- Pint of local beer in a bar: Fish Tale Organic Ale, $3.50
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $129
- Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $32.85-$40.75
Placencia, Belize
(Source: Belize Tourism Board; www.travelbelize.org)St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
(Source: Tourism New Brunswick; www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca)Trondheim, Norway
(Source: Innovation Norway; www.visitnorway.com)Yaounde, Cameroon
(Source: Cameroon Tourism; www.cameroon-tourism.com)Where have you found bargains? Talk with fellow travelers on our Message Boards.