Tim Leffel: The dollar could strengthen by the spring, but I wouldn't bet on it. Fortunately, a lot of countries have their exchange rate pegged to the U.S. dollar, either officially or in practice. Ecuador and Panama actually use our currency as their own, so no worries there. Most of Latin America is pretty stable in terms of exchange with the dollar, through Brazil and Chile bounce around. Much of Asia is also stable, including China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. So the short answer is to head to Asia or Central/South America. Or Mexico.

_______________________

Georgetown, DE: I'm thinking about visiting Malaysia with my 7 year old daughter in October. Can you recommend some places and activities that are safe and interesting for a child?

Tim Leffel: Malaysia is in my World's Cheapest Destinations book and it's one of the best choices in Asia for a child. It's easy to get around, there are plenty of cuisines to pick from, and you can usually drink the water. A lot of people speak English and there are also a lot of attractions in a relatively small area. Georgetown, on the island of Penang, is a nice city, with colorful Chinese and Indian temples. There are beaches nearby, and even prettier ones on the opposite coast. (The Perhenthian Islands are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen--and I've seen a lot!)
Comfortable and efficient buses go almost everywhere, but this is a good place to take a train trip or two. You may want to venture into the Camaroon Highlands for some mountain air and hiking. With so much water around, there are plenty of boating and snorkling options. If the time is right, you can go on river rafting trips. All this will cost a fraction of what it does at home. You'll probably want to limit your time in Kuala Lumpur though--there's a limit to what you can see and do there. Malaysia is a very safe country--safer than nearly anywhere in the U.S., so don't worry.

_______________________

Hartford, CT: Where is the best place for a single, budget conscious 40 year old woman to go on a week long jaunt? I can leave from either JFK/Newark or Hartford. I would like to go at the end of August (I have some flexibility). I would like to stick my toes in the sand or the culture!

Tim Leffel: If you only have a week, you don't want to venture all the way to the other side of the world. So I would recommend going somewhere between Mexico and the top of South America. A relatively short flight, no jet lag, and your U.S. dollars are still worth a lot on the ground. Most of the Mexican beach resorts have become almost U.S. satellites though, so don't expect much culture unless you distance yourself from the resort strips. Plus that time of year it's hurricane season, so the Yucatan area is dicey. If you are an adventurous type who speaks a bit of Spanish, Nicaragua, Panama, or Ecuador would offer nice beaches, good prices, and a place that's definitely not just like home. If culture wins out over a beach, the colonial cities of Guatemala or Mexico might be the ticket instead. If you go to Grenada, Nicaragua, you can sort of have both: the city is on a large volcano lake with boat trips to islands, plus the Pacific beaches aren't far away.
If you don't mind sitting on a plane a little longer, being in Cusco, Peru for a week would be an enriching break. You have to go through Lima though, which cuts into your time. If you just want a mindless lie-on-the-beach vacation, the Dominican Republic is the best deal in the Caribbean.
So many choices--and all a good value--but if you can fly out of JFK, you have lots of flight options (and sales) at your disposal. Subscribe to e-mail alerts like those from TravelZoo and Sherman's Travel and watch for deals. If something pops up for cheap, go with the flow and make it an adventure!

_______________________

New Rochelle, NY: My husband and I are thinking of doing some kind of African Safari..are there any shots that we are required to get before we can travel to Africa? Thanks

Tim Leffel: It depends on where you go. You'll usually need a typhoid shot and you should be up to date on your standard boosters. Some, but not all, safari countries require a yellow fever vaccination. Consult the official web site or guidebook for the region you end up choosing.

_______________________

Stamford, CT: I'm trying to plan a trip for the middle of August. I would like to spend a week at a spanish language school. I'm thinking Central America, Mexico or Carribean. I've been to Costa Rica so I think I want a different country. I'm looking for a non-touristy place. Also I'm looking for a place with other things to do (beach, sightseeing, etc.) I'm try to go to an inexpensive country and would love to stop in LA for a weekend to see my son. I work so would love to be able to fly out to LA on Friday and fly out on Sunday and start class on Monday. Homestay would be preferable. Thanks.