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. This month we've focused on destinations you're most likely to seek out in winter months -- whether that means you want to enjoy the snow or seek out the sun.
Banff, Alberta (Source: Banff Lake Louise Tourism; www.banfflakelouise.com)
Bus fare: $2.01
Cup of regular coffee: $1.51
Bottle of local beer in a bar, Canmore, $5.53
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $99.59-$201.20
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $26.15
$1= .99 CAD
Eilat, Israel (Source: Israel Ministry of Tourism; www.goisrael.com)
Movie: $7.27
Bus fare: $1.03-$1.66
Cup of regular coffee: $2.59-$3.11
Bottle of local beer in a bar: Goldstar, $3.89
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $77.90-$181.79
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $26.01-$41.62
$1= 3.85 Israel New Shekels
Innsbruck, Austria (Source: Innsbruck Tourism; www.innsbruck.info)
Movie ticket: $10.33
Bus/tram fare: $2.51
Cup of regular coffee: $2.95
Pint of local beer in a bar: Zipfer, $5
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $110.45
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $23.56
$1= .67 Euro
Interlaken, Switzerland (Source: Interlaken Tourism; www.interlakentourism.ch)
Movie ticket: $16.74
Bus fare: free with visitor's card
Cup of regular coffee: $3.79
Bottle of local beer in a bar, Rugenbräu $5.58
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $111.61-$167.42
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $39.06
$1= 1.16 Switzerland Francs
Kaiteriteri Beach, New Zealand (Source: Tourism New Zealand; www.newzealand.com)
Movie ticket: $11.58
Bus fare: $1.23-$1.93
Cup of regular coffee: $2.70
Bottle of local beer in a bar: Speight's, $4.63
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $100.42
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $29.35
$1= $1.29 New Zealand dollar
Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Source: Jamaica Tourism Board; www.visitjamaica.com)
Movie ticket: $7
Bus and taxi services: $5
Cup of regular coffee: $1.15-$2.50
Bottle of local beer in a bar: Red Stripe, $3.80
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $125-$300
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $20-$25
$1=70.10 Jamaica dollars
Palm Beach, Aruba (Source: Aruba Tourism; www.aruba.com)
Movie ticket: $8.37
Bus fare: $1.11
Cup of regular coffee: $1.11
Bottle of local beer in a bar, Balashi, $1.67
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $185
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $30
$1= 1.79 Aruba florins
Park City, Utah (Source: Park City Chamber of Commerce; www.parkcityinfo.com)
Movie ticket - $7.75
Bus fare: free
Cup of regular coffee: $1.80
Pint of local beer in a bar: Wasatch, $4
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $200
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $43
Telluride, Colorado (Source: Telluride Tourism Board; www.visittelluride.com)
Movie ticket: $8
Bus and gondola: Free
Cup of regular coffee: $1.50
Pint of local beer in a bar: Smugglers, $3.75
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $175
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $19
Waikiki, Oahu (Source: Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau; www.gohawaii.com)
Movie ticket: $8.50
Bus fare: $2
Cup of regular coffee: $1.65
Pint of local beer in a bar: Longboard Lager, $5
Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $300
Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $40
Where have you found bargains? Talk with fellow travelers on our Message Boards.
