WHERE THE DOLLAR IS STRONG

If you've always wanted to go on a safari or climb Mount Fuji, this may be the year to plan your trip.

- SANDRA BLOCK

EARLIER this year, many analysts predicted the U.S. dollar would weaken in 2024, based on expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates several times this year. But continued economic growth and lingering inflation have led economists to revise those forecasts. Because consumer prices in the first quarter were stronger than expected, Kiplinger forecasts that the Fed will postpone an interest rate cut until its November meeting.

High interest rates make investments in Treasury bonds more attractive to global investors, increasing the value of the dollar against foreign currencies. That won't save you money if you plan to visit Yosemite this summer, but in countries where the dollar is particularly muscular, you can enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet food for a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. If you're contemplating an overseas vacation during the summer or the fall shoulder season, consider these destinations.

Japan. Japan is surprisingly affordable because of the strength of the dollar against the yen. "In a country that's normally thought of as a pricey one, that can make all the difference in the world," says Tim Leffel, author of The World's Cheapest Destinations and founder of the Cheapest Destinations blog (www.cheapestdestinations blog.com). "If you've been wanting to go to Japan, this is a great year to do it." While Tokyo has a reputation as a high-cost city, there are plenty of deals to be had for American tourists. For example, a visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can see Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, costs about $3.25.