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Those of us with enough years under our belts can remember the days when exploring Paris, Amsterdam and Rome on the thriving US dollar was a bargain. Needless to say, those are distant dreams now.

But it’s good to know there are still corners of the globe where your hard earned cash goes a very long way. Sure, some of our picks require you going a very long way, too – but once you get there, we’re talking serious savings on day to day expenditures, hotel rooms, tourist attractions and la good life in general.

Argentina

Six years after the massive economic crisis that landed much of the nation in poverty, Argentina’s economy is on its way back to business. Buenos Aires is more vibrant than ever, with restaurant entrepreneurs opening trendy eateries around every corner, a thriving international fashion scene and the sultry rhythm of tango music underpinning it all. Do venture outside of the fabulous capital to the Mendoza wine region (Argentina is the world’s fifth largest wine producer), sublime Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil and the lesser known but equally impressive Esteros del Iberá wetlands (South America’s second largest wetlands - home to capybaras, the world’s largest rodents). You’ll pay less than $20 for a fabulous steak meal for two, complete with legendary Argentinean beef and a bottle of Malbec wine.

Thailand

If you’re on the market for exotic but want the creature comforts guaranteed, the former Siam is where it’s at. From cosmopolitan Bangkok – with its shimmering skyscraper cityscape studded with glittering golden temples and reclining Buddhas – to the sublime beaches of the southern islands, where unique limestone landscapes lure rock climbers from around the world, Thailand has it all. A room for the two at the iconic Atlanta Hotel in downtown Bangkok costs just $26, and you’d be hard pressed to spend more than $10 on dinner for two in the hotel’s amazing restaurant. For just 50 cents you can get pad thai takeaway on the touristy Khao San Road. That’s a whole lotta greenback to the baht.

Estonia

Situated on the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Russia, this eastern European country - the smallest in the Baltics, and a 2004 addition to the European Union - is on the tip of every savvy traveler’s tongue. The capital city, Tallinn, with its World Heritage listed Old Town, is increasingly referenced as ‘the next Prague.’ And modernity-meets-medieval is a common theme, countrywide. The waterfalls and pristine lakes of inland northern Estonia give way to a rugged coastline, where spa hotels lure intrepid jet setters. And the eastern border city of Narva is the place to see a mix of Russian and Estonian cultures. Pub hopping amidst the Gothic spires of Tallinn’s historic quarter is a must for any visitor - a mug of Saku Ice beer will rarely run you more than $3.

India

Sandspun villages painted in pastel colors in Rajasthan. Mumbai’s vibrant Bollywood culture. The sight of thousands of pilgrims on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities. No place packs the awe-factor punch of India. And it’s a country where you can go high-end all the way or pinch pennies, and still leave with an unforgettable, culture-rich experience. A dinner of dahl (lentils) in a Bangalore restaurant costs about $1.50 and you can take in the latest Bollywood film afterwards for about $3.70.

Morocco

From ogling the snake charmers in Marrakech’s storied Djemma al Fna square while snacking on escargot (pulled from their shells with a safety pin, as is local etiquette) to exploring the twisting alleyways of the UNESCO heritage listed Fes medina, Morocco is sensory overload to the max. You can pay as little as $30 per night for a double room in a romantic traditional riad in Marrakech. And a feast of grilled sardines and Moroccan salads at the port in the beautiful seaside city of Essaouira costs just a couple bucks a head.

Peru

The fog-shrouded peaks surrounding Machu Picchu are the iconic image conjured by thoughts of Peru. But when it comes to all this South American country has to offer, that’s just a start. Get an attitude adjustment at 11,500 feet in the beautiful city of Cusco. Marvel at the country’s geographical diversity with a ride down the desert coast, where vast empty plains fill the gap between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Or go museum and club hopping in Lima. Traditional Peruvian handicrafts are one of the country’s best bargains, and you can knock out your souvenir shopping for next to nothing. A hand knitted Alpaca wool scarf costs about $7 and a colorful Quechua basket can be yours for around $13 – even less if you’re skilled at bargaining.

Montenegro

This western Balkan nation on the Mediterranean Sea attracts the bulk of its visitors during the pleasant summer months, when the coastal resorts get packed with sun seekers. The cross-cultural blend here is a Croatian, Serb, Bosniak, Montenegrin and Albanian melting pot. In the winter you can go skiing at the popular resorts of Kolasin and Zabljak. And the mountain destinations are equally popular in the summer time for the nearby lakes and virgin forests. While not yet a member of the European Union, the euro is the official currency in Montenegro. In the capital city, Podgorica, a beer in a bar costs a little over a dollar, and a hearty dinner of local specialties – salted carp with plums, perhaps? – goes for about $13 for two.

Croatia

More than a decade after its devastating civil war, Croatia has become the hottest destination on the low-cost European travel trail. Dubrovnik’s walled city, oceanfront on the Adriatic, has been dubbed the new Riviera. You can indulge in a huge seafood dinner for two at a fancy restaurant in the old town, complete with a bottle of posip wine (a unique Croatian dry white), for less than $50 a couple.

Madagascar

Some 250 miles off the east coast of Africa lies the fourth largest island of the world. Millions of years cut off from the mainland left Madagascar - home to lemurs, giant chameleons, mongooses and endless plant species - with some of the planet’s richest biodiversity. The coral reefs are sublime. Intrepid surfers arrive from around the world to pursue little known breaks. And the culture (everything from the language to island religions) is born of an exotic mix of African, Arabic and Indian influences. You can snack on a national favorite called koba – a paste made of rice, bananas and peanuts- for a few cents. And an oceanfront dinner of ginger and lime flavored crab and lobster over salad won’t run you more than a few bucks. A first class, round trip train ticket on the scenic route between Antananarivo and Toamasina (232 miles one way) is just $15.

Fiji

Think stunning looks that rival those of South Pacific sisters Tahiti and Hawaii, at a fraction of the price. Fiji boasts verdant valleys, pristine island beaches and snorkeling lagoons where you can have the eagles rays and Nemo look-a-likes all to yourself. Add to that an interesting cross-cultural mix of Indian and indigenous Fijian culture, and you’ve got all the makings for an exotic escape to paradise for far less than you’d pay in Maui or Moorea. The three hour bus ride from Nadi to Suva City costs less than $8. And while you can shell out a fortune for high-end accommodation, oceanfront bures (beach huts) on the sand can be found for around $50 per night.

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