U.S. travelers going abroad next year could benefit from friendly rates now if they prepay for hotels in the local currency, but there are risks.
U.S. travelers who have recently visited Europe, the U.K., Japan and elsewhere have taken advantage of the strong dollar when paying for food, activities and luxury items. Some people planning international vacations for next summer can also save if they lock in rates now by prepaying for major costs such as hotel rooms. But doing so requires some finesse.
The bottom line
The strong dollar is especially favorable to U.S. travelers visiting many international destinations now, compared with those who traveled six months ago.