Seven To Ten

1. Morocco

Though the Moroccan dirham has strengthened slightly against the dollar, the ancient cities of Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech still have many café meals costing less than $5. Classic budget hotels in atmospheric narrow streets, such as the Hotel El Muniria in Tangier, where Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac stayed, cost around $30 a night. Plenty of luxury hotels are available too.

2. Panama

This small country boasts mountains, rainforests, 1,500 miles of coast and - of course - the magnificent canal, where you can gawk at giant supertankers being raised and lowered through the locks. Exchange rate is unaffected since Panama’s currency, the balboa, is pegged at parity with the U.S. dollar.

3. Vietnam

There’s never been a better time to visit one of Asia’s most fascinating countries, with pristine beaches and unique crafts: The dollar goes further against the Vietnamese dong than it did three years ago. You may have enough left to splurge on a fivestar hotel, such as the new Park Hyatt in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Bali

The dollar remained steady against the Indonesian rupiah over the past year, that makes Bali has become one of the best island values in Asia. Luxury bungalows in lush hillsides cost around $100 to $200 a night. Catch shadow-puppet performances for free or a small donation. Half-hour massages typically cost less than $15.

2. Argentina

Buenos Aires is considered the Paris of South America. It was dramatically makeover since the 2001 collapse of the Argentine peso but the tourist attractions are still very affordable. Chic hotel rooms, nights out partying and fabulous food and wine cost half what they do across the Atlantic.

3. Costa Rica

Americans now have about a third more buying power in this natural wonderland than they did five years ago - a dollar equals around 500 Costa Rican colones today vs. 360 then. You can explore beaches good for surfing, then go snorkeling in coral reef-filled bays. Don’t miss the rainforests, which teem with wildlife.

4. Mexico

With the peso/ dollar exchange rate unchanged over the last two years, Mexico remains a prime bargain destination. Mexico City is booming with new museums, a historical architectural revival and a vibrant music and arts scene. Entry to the city’s huge Museum of Modern Art, where you can see works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, is cheap.