Lower Canadian dollar could mean looking for exotic travel deals further abroad

While the Canadian dollar is down – currently at 70 cents U.S. – travel advisors say there are ways to make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank.

"It's really about the value. It's what you are going to get out of your vacation," Hidar Elmais told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.

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The advisor from Travel Gurus has three keys to travel on a budget: visit places off the beaten path, book well in advance, and take off during shoulder seasons.

Elmais recommends places in eastern Europe such as Poland, Romania and Hungary, in South America such as Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and in southeast Asia such as Thailand, Laos and Bali.

Getting there can be trickier with fewer direct flights, but it also means you can do more for less money, Elmais said.

"Our dollar again is so much more valuable in these destinations for an amazing adventure and even relaxation," he said.

Elmais says you should book your trip during the shoulder seasons or when fewer people typically go.

If not, you should look into booking soon.

"Usually about 320 days prior is when the flights come out," Elmais said. "Peak times should always be booked as soon as possible."

And sometimes, you need to spend money to save money.

Elmais says a quality travel insurance, with anytime cancelation, could save you from a headache and save your bank account in the future.

"Always budget travel insurance, no matter where you're going actually, because so many things can happen in life," he said. "Things can change quickly."

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny