This Tiny Country Is A Tropical Vacation Hotspot Where The US Dollar Is Stronger

Traveling is often a costly expense that can feel hard to justify, especially when budgets are already stretched at home. International travel, especially, can feel like a luxury, and is often one of the first things people forego when they are trying to save money. But inflation isn't always a problem when it comes to traveling abroad. There are several countries around the world where the U.S. dollar enjoys a strong exchange rate, giving American tourists more bang for their buck. 

One of the most spectacular of these is the Seychelles, the gloriously remote tropical island paradise scattered about the Indian Ocean. This tiny country has become one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the world, and although it has a reputation as an indulgent luxury travel destination, the exchange rate means those visiting from the U.S. will get a boost. As of the time of writing, the U.S. dollar to to Seychelle rupee exchange rate favored the dollar by around 3%. While the overall cost might be more than other vacation destinations, the amount of tropical luxury you can enjoy for your money makes it worth the trip. 

The Seychelles is Africa's smallest country, an archipelago consisting of 115 islands spread out across the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. The islands are incredibly remote, located between 500 and 1,000 miles from the coast of East Africa, so the only practical option for getting there is by plane, either direct from Europe or the Middle East, or with a connection in Africa. The primary transport hub is Seychelles International Airport on the main island of Mahé, and getting around the archipelago is largely done by small plane or helicopter, with ferry service between the larger islands.

The Seychelles feels like the stereotype of a tropical island paradise. Almost invisible on the map, the islets, islands, and rocky outcrops boast stunning sugar-soft beaches, swaying palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and remarkable coral reefs. The Seychelles is all about decadent luxury and total relaxation, and is the perfect vacation destination for travelers who want to sun themselves on a paradise beach, swim in warm, azure waters, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

The main islands of the Seychelles are Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé. Praslin boasts verdant jungle and impressive coconut palms, interspersed with stark, granite boulders, which create a wonderful contrast. The snorkeling here is superb, with over 900 species of fish living in the reefs surrounding the island, while the gorgeous Anse Lazio is considered one of the world's best beaches. La Digue is renowned as one of the most picturesque islands in the world, and also boasts world-class beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent. Mahé is the heart of the Seychelles and is known for its  fabulous blend of history, architecture, cuisine, and cultural influences.

The highlight of any Seychelles excursion will be snorkeling and scuba diving over and around the magnificent coral reefs that surround the islands. You can expect dramatic wreck dives, turtles, dolphins, and eagle rays, close encounters with vast whale sharks, and a dazzling array of vibrant, electric-colored tropical fish. There are plenty of great dive sites near the three main islands, but it is definitely worth heading off on an island-hopping expedition to explore some of the smaller spots, particularly Aldabra. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed atoll is the largest raised reef in the world, and an absolute aquarium of marine species!

Thanks to the favorable exchange rate, you can enjoy a level of luxury in the Seychelles you might not expect without breaking the bank. There are obviously high-end resorts and fancy restaurants where you can drop a lot of cash, but there are also plenty of more frugal options that allow you to enjoy paradise on a more shoestring budget. Small guesthouses with breakfast included can be found on Airbnb and Booking.com for around $100 per night, and you can save even more by embracing the self-catering lifestyle and shopping for local produce. The Lazare Picault Hotel on Mahe and the Villa Authentique on La Digue are also recommended for budget-minded travelers. 

Eating out in the Seychelles can be a pricey affair, particularly in the tourist areas, but if you head to the more local spots, there are bargains galore. Food trucks and roadside stalls offer particularly good value for money. In general, look for places where the locals eat, and you can often find great, filling meals for around $6-7.

For more budget travel inspiration, check out our list of other affordable vacation destination where the dollar goes a long way.