South Africa – 10.45 South African rand to the dollar

Cape Town is Africa’s answer to San Francisco: Nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay, it claims an equally stunning natural setting, a similarly temperate climate and the continent’s most progressive cultural scene. Attractions include Long Street’s Pan African Market, a fabulous souvenir emporium. Or, visit the Old Biscuit Mill in the arty Woodstock district, which boasts the city’s best shopping plus a wide selection of organic foods on Saturdays.

If you’re brave enough to drive on the left, take a road trip south to Cape Point, which offers a fabulous, windy walk to a lookout point with views of both the Atlantic and Indian oceans; east and west of the city are the wine lands, South Africa’s Napa.

Indonesia – 11,600 Indonesian rupiahs to the dollar

If you can stomach the long flight, Bali offers incredible value for the money. The village of Ubud is one of the island’s chief draws; some popular sites include the Agung Rai Museum of Art, with a full calendar of performances, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum, once the home of Spanish artist Antonio Blanco.

For those interested in physical as well as cultural nourishment, the area abounds in spas and body treatment centers — the Ubud Bodyworks Healing Centre is one of the most renowned, particularly for its healing massages with founder Ketut Arsana; a $60 hour-long session is expensive by local standards but the best in the area.

Costa Rica -    554 Costa Rican colones to the dollar

This Central American favorite spoils visitors with its well-developed system of national parks and some of the region’s best Pacific beaches. For the former, the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is both spectacular and remote- a four-wheel drive vehicle is a necessity- offering a respite from the crowds that can plague the country’s more accessible destinations. Once you’re there, look for horseback tours across volcanic terrain or take a six-mile hike through tropical rain forest to the summit of an inactive volcano.

The park’s location provides relatively easy access to the Pacific beaches, including those along Tamarindo Bay. Playa Tamarindo may be the most bustling — either a plus or minus, depending on your perspective — and offers an endless assortment of outdoor pursuits, from surfing to scuba diving to kayak tours of the local estuary that cost as little as $35.

Vietnam     – 16,950 Vietnamese dong to the dollar

If capital city Hanoi is too overwhelming, use it as a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of this scenic country. Try the town of Sapa, easily accessible by the Victoria Express train. The Sapa REsort offers the area’s most luxurious accomodations, where rooms with a garden view start at only $130.

The town, though increasingly popular with visitors, still offers a glimpse of the traidtional life among the traditional peoples who live in the region. Make sure to bring an extra empty bag to pack for your trip home: You’ll have plenty of dong left over to spend on the gorgeous jewelry — hand-crafted bracelets at less than a dollar — or textiles you’ll find at the many local markets.

Argentina    - 3.31 Argentine pesos to the dollar

Argentina’s not the bargain-basement destination it was in 2001, but it still provides plenty of continental graces on a budget. Buenos Aires remains a top draw, with a culture both competitive and distinct from its European colonizers; expect a world-famous, meat-centric cuisine, a popular cafe culture, bustling tango halls and gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture.

Adventurous types looking to explore beyond B.A. should make their way to the beautifully preserved Salta, which is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Andean northwest. The region abounds with spectacular scenery; nature-lovers won’t want to miss the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a Rio Grande gorge and UNESCO World Heritage Site within striking distance of Salta.

Mexico – 13.25 Mexican pesos to the dollar

Who isn’t looking for a little respite from the cold weather this winter? For U.S. earners looking to stay close to home, head south where you can find a room at even an upscale, exquisitely designed boutique hotel like Playa del Carmen’s Basico for less than $200.

Playa del Carmen is a worthy destination far away from the parties of Cancun, but still buzzing. If you desire more solitude, a beachfront room at the Maya Tulum resort is less than $150. There’s also a full calendar of mind-body events, including a five-night, all-inclusive program that provides an ocean-view room, spa sessions, twice-daily yoga classes and all meals for less than $1,000.

Poland – 2.99 Polish zlotych to the dollar

Spend this holiday in beautiful and historic Poland. The country offers much of what neighboring Germany offers, but at a fraction of the price and a small portion of the crowds. In addition to housing several theaters and museums, the Palace of Culture and Science also boasts one of Warsaw‘s top attractions: a viewing station from the 30th floor.

Krakow, meanwhile, is building a reputation as the Polish Prague, with a growing community of young, artistic expats who enjoy cheap living (think $2 beers and a plateful of pierogies at Warsaw‘s Pierogarnia for about $5.50) and its historic Old City, which unlike Warsaw escaped the worst of the war’s destruction.

Be aware of more strictly enforced fuel policies. Some companies will hit you with a top-off fee unless you show them a receipt form a service station near the rental office. Pass on the option of returning the car with less than a full tank unless you want to pay a steep premium over gas-station prices.

Consider booking through a foreign car rental company when travelling abroad. Not only can you find better deals, but you can help support the local economy. Try DanDooley (which specializes in Ireland) or TigerCarRental (37 countries, including many in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East). You may even get a broader selection to choose from.

Airport locations are often required by law to add local and state surcharges. One industry consultant estimates that airport fees can hike the cost of renting a car by 25-45%. To make sure you don’t pay more than you have to, try reserving in a city center or suburban location.