Making Travel Dollars Last: Mother’s Day Edition – Costa Rica and Hungary
Most people travel to escape life. Yet, what is important is to take a trip every now and then so that the life inside of you never escapes. Or, become dulled or fades away. Travel shouldn’t just be an escape – it should be a journey. It’s too easy to become cynical or jaded with life. Or, to get so lost in your duties as a parent or caregiver, that it becomes easy to forget that it OK to pamper yourself sometimes.
That is why we have Mother’s Day! Even if Mother’s Day has already passed by the time you read this, you can still make up for it. Or, plan for next year’s gift. And, show Mom how clever you are. As an industry, Mother’s Day rakes in about $23 billion annually. About 86% of Americans say they will spend $180 on a gift for mom, but most actually spend a fraction of that. Listen, most of us spend most of our childhood, teens, and adult lives buying Mom a card and flowers.
And she loves you for it. However, why not give her a gift, at least once, that she will always remember? Like an all-expenses paid vacation. Paris would be nice. But if that would break the bank, then you should really keep currency rates in mind. You can buy Mom an all-expenses paid trip to a safe, adventurous country where the currency exchange works extraordinarily in your favor. Mom gets a gift of a lifetime, you save money, and all it takes is a little bit of research.
Costa Rica
$1 = 595 Costa Rican colons
Costa Rica has been described as breathtakingly alienated from the political instability, safety issues, and modernity concerns affecting neighboring countries. The country features stunningly serene beaches, extraordinary wildlife, tropical cloud forests, and limitless outdoor hiking adventures. Over a quarter of the country is dedicated spaces reserved for free visitation to nature reserves, national parks, and protected rain forests.
The renowned and picturesque cloud forests of the Alajuela mountains are worth a visit. Additionally, the beautiful coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula offers opportunities for sunbathing and relaxing. Without the incredible currency exchange benefits, you should be able to find a week’s stay of quality lodging at incredible savings.
Hungary
$1 USD = 287 Hungarian Forint
Hungary’s historic and iconic city Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest. They are seperated by the Danube river, the second longest river in Europe, and were united city in 1873. The Buda side of the site is the older city. It is full of historic influences, architecture, and references to former invaders. Some vestiges of ancient Roman structures can still be seen poking out from the ground.
Buda Castle, also known as the, “Var,” was constructed in the 1700s by the Empress Maria Theresa. The Buda Castle houses the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. Buda also has plenty of safe, public mineral baths and thermal spas throughout the city. Pest is the more modern part of the city featuring shopping, entertainment, bars, and more tourist-trap type offerings.
Plan According to Preferences
The average cost of an international plane ticket is about $1,000, depending on when you book it. If you buy a ticket in the off-season, you can save hundreds. That way you can afford to send Mom on a one-week trip with her spouse or a friend, if you are concerned about safety. If you consider currency exchanges, you can make a vacation for Mom incredibly affordable and an unforgettable vacation
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
