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Where to Get the Most for Your U.S. Dollar in 2018

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We all know that exchange rates change. But we don’t always think about those rates when we’re planning our next big adventure. As the value of the U.S. dollar changes, so does the buying power U.S. travelers when they’re abroad.

Sometimes those fluctuations are enough to warrant putting off a trip to one of your bucket list destinations for another year. Or maybe to bump an exotic locale to the top of the list so you can take advantage of the extra power your dollar will have while you’re there.

RewardExpert’s latest report looks at just that phenomenon by taking a deep dive into the changes in exchange rates over the last year. And their conclusion? You may want to start looking for a flight to some destinations right now, while other vacation spots are best saved for another day.

  • A Little Context

Before we get too far into the findings, it’s worth noting that the differences in exchange rates over the past year haven’t been big enough to justify jumping on the next flight to a destination whose currency has lost a lot of value.

On the other hand, if both Turkey and Thailand, for example, are on your list of places you want to see, Turkey’s a better choice at the moment since the dollar has gained about 28 percent in value over the last year. Thailand’s currency, on the other hand, has gotten about 6 percent more expensive.

By the way, Turkey made the top spot on the report for places that have gotten more affordable, and Thailand earned the top spot for places that have gotten more expensive.

All of this, of course, is relative to each country’s currency. So overall affordability of a destination is largely independent of changes in the exchange rate. In other words, it’s still cheaper to travel in Botswana than Switzerland even though the Swiss franc lost value against the U.S. dollar and the Botswana Pula is worth more.

  • The Dollar Has Lost Ground Overall

On the whole, the U.S. dollar hasn’t done very well recently. There could be any number of reasons for this, but the unpredictability of the current President and his trade policies certainly don’t help.

This is generally bad news for U.S. travelers. Most places you might be thinking about going will be a bit more expensive. It’s not in a free fall, though, and the drop shouldn’t be enough to keep you from traveling.

  • Where You Should Go in 2018

As I already mentioned, Turkey topped the list of destinations where the U.S. dollar has gained the most value. In fact, it is the place that saw the most change, either positive or negative.

The U.S. dollar will buy about 28 percent more in Turkey right now, so if you’ve always wanted to see the country—and you’re not too concerned about the current political situation over there—now’s probably a good time to plan a trip.

Mexico made number two on the list with the U.S. dollar gaining about 7% in value. And a flight from the U.S. to Mexico will be a whole lot cheaper than to any other spot on the list.

Rounding out the top places you should consider this year if you want your dollar to stretch a little further is Kazakhstan, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and New Zealand. Hong Kong and Trinidad and Tobago also made the top ten, but the changes in their exchanges rates were very minor, coming in at less than 1 percent.

Here’s an overview of the top ten:

Increase in Value of U.S. Dollar
Turkey 28.39%
Mexico 7.15%
Kazakhstan 5.68%
Nepal 5.10%
Indonesia 4.54%
Sri Lanka 3.57%
Switzerland 1.65%
New Zealand 1.32%
Hong Kong 0.66%
Trinidad and Tobago 0.02%

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  • Places You Might Want to Skip This Year

I’m sure Thailand is on many lists of dream destinations, but 2018 might not be the best time to go. It made the top spot for places that have gotten more expensive due to a drop in the value of the U.S. dollar. You’ll get about 6% less for your money if you travel there now compared to last year.

Croatia stunned soccer/football fans everywhere by making it to World Cup final, but you may want to put off a trip to the idyllic coasts of this Eastern European spot. That’s because the Croatian Kuna has gained about 4 percent against the USD this past year.

The rest of the top ten that have gotten more expensive includes Canada, Bulgaria, the European Union, Botswana, South Korea, Singapore, Romania and Australia.

Here’s an overview of the spots you may want to skip this year:

Decrease in Value of the U.S. Dollar
Thailand -5.85%
Croatia -4.16%
Canada -3.96%
Bulgaria -3.81%
The European Union -3.76%
Botswana -3.73%
South Korea -3.55%
Singapore -3.25%
Romania -1.82%
Australia -1.79%

 

  • Other Tips for Making Your Dollar Go Further

One big takeaway from the report is that the biggest expense when it comes to travel to most of these destinations is the airfare. That’s particularly true of the countries that are harder to get to, but otherwise offer affordable travel. From the list of places where the dollar gained notable ground, I’d include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Indonesia and Kazakhstan in that category.

If you’re thinking of traveling to one of those destinations, you should consider staying for as long as possible to get the most out of that expensive plane ticket. Once you’re there, you’ll find that your daily  costs will be relatively little compared to, say, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the European Union.

  • Travel Credit Cards Can Help

Since airfare is often the most expensive single purchase you’ll make for a trip, it’s worth noting that getting a great rewards credit card can help cover those costs. If you play your cards right, you can easily cover the entire cost of your airfare with the right card.

If you’re familiar with frequent flyer programs, a card that’s part of a robust rewards program, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, is a great option. With those programs you can transfer the points you earn directly to a select group of airlines or book through the programs’ respective online travel portals.

Beginners and those who don’t want to deal with complicated award charts and limited award availability might be better off with a more straight forward travel card, like those offered by Discover and Capital One.

With those programs, you’ll earn miles that can be redeemed for statement credits to offset travel expenses. That means you can simply buy the travel you want from any vendor and reimburse yourself with the miles you’ve earned. You might not get quite as much from your points with a program like this, but they are simple, easy to use and still quite valuable.

  • Bottom Line

Traveling is expensive. So it can be important to get as much as you can for your dollar. Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas about the destinations you should prioritize and avoid this year based on recent changes in exchange rates. And don’t forget, a great travel credit card can help you pay for the most expensive part of many adventures—the airfare.

Cole is one half of New Zealand's leading adventure travel blogging couple who have been wearing out their jandals around the world since 2009. He loves any adventure activities and anything to do with the water whether it is Surfing, Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling or just lounging nearby on the beach. You can follow Cole on Google+. Or consider following us via RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our Newsletter.

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Reviews

My Experience at the Casino at Delaware Park: The Good & The Bad

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Casino at Delaware Park

The Casino at Delaware Park is a unique gambling destination with a deep history, a mix of offerings, and a local feel that differs from larger casinos in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this racino (a casino with a racetrack) provides horse racing, table games, slot machines, a poker room, a sportsbook, and even a well-maintained golf course.

For those who are considering visiting, it’s important to know what to expect. Delaware Park isn’t a luxury casino filled with high-rollers and extravagant amenities—it’s a blue-collar, straightforward gaming venue. The experience here is more about honest gambling than glitz and glamour. While there are some great aspects of the casino, there are also some downsides.

The History of Delaware Park

Delaware Park has been a fixture in the gambling and horse racing world since 1937, making it one of the older racetracks in the country. Originally opened as a horse racing venue, it expanded into a casino following Delaware’s legalization of slot machines and table games.

The casino has changed ownership over the years but remains under independent family ownership rather than being controlled by a major casino corporation. This independence gives Delaware Park a different feel compared to corporate-owned casinos, which often feature high-end branding, luxury hotels, and international dining options.

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Major Races and the Golf Course at the Casino at Delaware Park

One of the biggest draws of the casino at Delaware Park is its horse racing scene. The track hosts several prestigious races throughout the year, attracting serious bettors and racing fans.

  • Delaware Handicap (Del ‘Cap) – One of the most historic and prestigious races for fillies and mares in the United States.
  • Delaware Oaks – A race that has featured many top-class horses over the years.
  • Endurance Series – A set of competitive races that often see large fields and strong betting action.

Outside of the gambling scene, Delaware Park Golf Course is another hidden gem. The course is known for its:

  • Scenic fairways with beautiful greenery.
  • Well-maintained greens that offer a smooth playing experience.
  • Affordable rates compared to other golf courses in the region.

For those looking for a mix of gambling and outdoor recreation, the golf course is a great way to take a break from the casino floor.

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The Casino at Delaware Park Experience: What to Expect

First Impressions and Atmosphere

When walking into Delaware Park, the first thing you’ll notice is the state police presence at the entrance. Unlike many other casinos that create a flashy and inviting atmosphere, Delaware Park takes a more serious, security-first approach.

After getting past security, you’re immediately greeted by slot machines in a relatively dated environment. The carpet and overall décor are somewhat old-fashioned, and the casino lacks the high-energy, party-like atmosphere of places like Atlantic City. However, for those who prefer a quieter, more local-friendly casino, it might be a welcome change.

Table Games In High Limit: 

Table games at Delaware Park are mostly found on the first floor, offering a mix of:

  • Low-limit games start at just $1 for casual gamblers.
  • A small high-limit section with:
    • Blackjack ($50 minimums)
    • Baccarat ($50 minimums)
    • Roulette – ($1-$25 minimums)

One of the most notable aspects of the casino is that its highest-value chips are only $500. For high-rollers, this signals that Delaware Park is not a big-money casino. You won’t find the kind of high-stakes action or VIP treatment that bigger casinos offer. Instead, the focus is on accessible, everyday gambling.

The Poker Room: A Close-Knit Community

The poker room is located on the second floor and was once home to regular tournaments, but those have since been discontinued. Now, the focus is entirely on cash games, with a mix of:

  • $1/$2 $1/3 and sometimes $2/$5 No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) – The most common game in the room.
  • Occasional $2/$2 and $5/$5 PLO – Higher stakes but not frequently available. Extremely tough game to beat with the caliber of players there.

The poker room is well-run, and the staff and dealers are some of the best in the casino. However, one important thing to note is that most of the players are regulars. This means:

  • A tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
  • Newcomers may feel like outsiders at first.
  • Serious players who understand the game well.

For experienced poker players, this can be an interesting challenge, but for casual players, the social dynamic can be intimidating.

For those who enjoy sports betting, Delaware Park’s sportsbook offers a functional and straightforward experience. Unlike the massive, high-tech sportsbooks you’d find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, this one is designed for practicality rather than entertainment.

While it might not have the glitz and glam of larger casino sportsbooks, Delaware Park’s sportsbook caters to serious bettors who prioritize bet placement, odds tracking, and watching games without distractions.

What to Expect at the Delaware Park Sportsbook

Betting Options and Markets

Delaware Park’s sportsbook covers all major sports, giving bettors plenty of options to wager on:

  • NFL – A major draw, especially during football season when local fans bet heavily on the Eagles and Ravens.
  • NBA – A popular market with spreads, moneylines, and live betting.
  • MLB – Full-season betting, in-game wagers, and prop bets.
  • NHL – Pre-game and in-play betting for hockey enthusiasts.
  • College Sports (NCAA Football & Basketball) – Limited betting on in-state college teams, but all major national games are available.
  • Soccer – Coverage of European leagues, MLS, and international tournaments.
  • MMA & Boxing – Popular fight nights bring in a decent crowd.
  • Tennis & Golf – A smaller portion of bets but still available year-round.

They offer:

  • Moneyline, spread, and total bets.
  • Live in-game betting with real-time odds adjustments.
  • Prop bets, futures, and parlays.
  • Same-game parlays for added flexibility.

The odds are powered by Caesars Sportsbook, meaning bettors get competitive lines and reliable pricing, similar to what’s offered at larger sportsbooks.

Seating & Viewing Experience

One of the biggest differences between Delaware Park’s sportsbook and those in larger casinos is the seating and overall atmosphere.

  • Limited lounge-style seating. Unlike the luxury sportsbooks in major gambling hubs, there’s no sprawling, high-end seating area with reclining chairs and drink service.
  • Several large TVs for viewing. While the screens are decent in size and clarity, they aren’t the massive, wall-to-wall video boards you’ll see in Vegas-style sportsbooks.
  • No loud, energetic atmosphere. The sportsbook here is quieter and more reserved, making it better for focused bettors who don’t want excessive noise or distractions.

If you’re looking for a sportsbook that doubles as a sports bar, this isn’t it. Delaware Park’s sportsbook is built for bettors first, not casual fans looking for a party atmosphere.

How Busy Does It Get?

Delaware Park’s sportsbook can see big crowds during peak times, especially:

  • NFL Sundays – Football season is when the sportsbook is at its busiest.
  • March Madness – College basketball betting brings in a flood of action.
  • Major events like the Super Bowl & Kentucky Derby.

On a typical weekday, the sportsbook is quiet, and you won’t have trouble finding a seat. On weekends and major sporting days, however, it fills up fast.

Other Features and Amenities

Parking and Accessibility

One of the biggest positives of Delaware Park is its parking situation:

  • Free self-parking for all guests.
  • Valet parking available for just $5, which is quick and efficient.

This is a significant advantage over casinos in larger cities, where parking can be costly and inconvenient.

Service and Staff

One of the strongest aspects of Delaware Park is the customer service. The staff, from dealers to floor managers to cocktail waitresses, are friendly, professional, and efficient. The service is genuine, making up for some of the shortcomings in the casino’s overall appeal.

Who is This Casino For?

Delaware Park is not for high-rollers or those looking for a luxury casino experience. Instead, it serves a very specific type of gambler:

  • Casual gamblers who enjoy low-limit table games.
  • Locals who prefer a laid-back, non-touristy casino.
  • Poker players who like a tight-knit, regular-heavy environment.
  • Horse racing fans who enjoy live betting.

Pros of Delaware Park Casino:

  • Low-limit table games make it accessible for all budgets.
  • A well-run poker room with experienced dealers.
  • A long-standing horse racing tradition with major annual events.
  • A beautiful golf course as an added attraction.
  • Friendly and helpful staff.
  • Free parking and affordable valet.

Cons of Delaware Park Casino:

  • Dated atmosphere with an old-school casino feel.
  • A small high-limit section with relatively low betting caps.
  • No major luxury amenities like high-end restaurants or entertainment.
  • A poker room dominated by regulars, which can be intimidating for new players.
  • Limited sports betting experience compared to larger casinos.

For those looking for a simple, no-frills gambling experience, Delaware Park delivers exactly that. If you go in with the right expectations, you’ll find an honest casino that caters to everyday players rather than big spenders.

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Reviews

Bullion Bar: Try Your Luck Online

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Slot games have become synonymous with gambling and casino. They allow players to earn big while betting small amounts of money. And it is for this reason that the lure of trying to cash in big on slot games has become somewhat of a tradition for casinos and everything casinos-related.

What do we mean by this?

Well, online slot games have seen a massive amount of love from players worldwide. They are simple to play and easy to start earning money, but they also offer quite the gambling experience. And it’s for this reason. They are one of the primary online casino games for newbies and longtime gamblers.

So if you are new to the whole online gambling casino slot world, let us introduce you to this insanely enjoyable slot game called Bullion Bar.

With online slot games having a high RTP – you have very little to lose and so much more to gain.

Bullion Bars: Try Your Luck

Like many online casino slot games, the Bullion Bar has a relatively high RTP. The amount of times the online casino game has to pay out to its player is above 95.27%. This means you have a very high chance of earning money online while gambling, and Bullion Bars provide this for their players.

Aside from the high chances players are given – players are also given a nice cash jackpot prize for the lucky ones. The jackpot prize sits at about £20000 (roughly $40000 USD. Not too shabby).

The game allows players to wager as low as £0.4 and as high as £2 per line.

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The Visuals

As mentioned before, one of the best aspects outside of the monetary reason that one may come to play online slot games is also aesthetics. Bullion Bar provides a fantastic, visually stunning slot game that escalates the experience and the “gamblers rush” and makes slot games much more engaging and enjoyable overall.

Why Not Give It a Try?

If you are new to online slot games, then Bullion Bar is a great online slot ahem for you to test the waters. Offering players a high RTP, visuals that will leave the player captivated, and very engaging and immersive gameplay – do we have to ask?

What are you waiting for? Try your luck with Bullion Bar.

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Europe

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa

Our review of the very relaxing Grand Sheraton Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh.

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Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh

We were excited to be invited along to the recently refurbished Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh a few weeks ago as part of the Sheraton’s #meetyouthere campaign. And we are even more excited to giveaway 10,000 Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty points to one of you!

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh

As budget travelers, we are rarely given a chance to hang out in 5-star hotels, so we jumped to join the Sheraton team for a night of luxury at the refurbished Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh. Staying as part of the “Sheraton Club,” we were in line for the whole luxury experience. And boy, were we pampered from the minute we arrived!

Usually, we have to lug our backpacks up 17 flights of rickety stairs, but as we walked into the reception, our bags were carried to our rooms while we were whisked away to the Sheraton Club lounge for a welcome drink and canapes!

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh

Sure we were getting the star treatment as part of the unveiling of the refurbishment, but you can be guaranteed that you will get the same respect and luxury when you check-in, especially if you are lucky enough to win the 10,000 SPG points.

With our appetites held off for the next few hours, we were led to what is undoubtedly the showpiece of the Sheraton Grand Hotel. One Spa is attached to the Hotel as part of the Club member’s experience. You can even join the One Club separately from the Sheraton resorts.

Fortunately, we were dolled up looking dashing in shirts and skirts, so we were not expected to get a sweat on while we toured the exercise and workout areas. Although Adela and I did head down at 6.30 am the following day for a workout to burn off a few of the drinks we had. It is so lovely to walk through a Hotel directly to the gym rather than run in the cold like we usually do.

We didn’t say no to the Spa treatments, though. However, I did let the masseuse off lightly by offering to have a hand massage instead of a foot massage.

I even nearly fell asleep with the candles, oils, and hippy music lulling me into a dreamlike state. If only we had longer here so we could have enjoyed the rooftop pool as well.

Rooftop Hydropool at One Spa

I would have to say that the highlight of the entire night was the food and drinks. Heading behind the chaotic restaurant scenes, we met the world-renowned Malcolm Webster, the Head Chef, and creator of some of the most excellent food we have ever eaten. Plus, the Sheraton team dished out wines to complement every delectable forkful.

It turns out that pairing your food with a decent bottle of red is much nicer than the usual £3 bottle at Tesco.

The only thing left for us to do roll ourselves up to our Club rooms high above the city lights of Edinburgh and collapse on the gigantic bed. I now know why they make more expansive beds than they are long. Purely to fit my fat ass in after scoffing all that food.

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh

Our only disappointment is that now we will struggle to get back into the budget travel frame of mind and wish we wrote a luxury travel blog instead!

Starwood Preferred Guest Points Giveaway

We are so lucky to be able to give you a chance to win your very own luxury experience with Starwood Hotels and Resorts. And the best part is that you can use the points anywhere in the world! And you don’t have to use all the issues in one go if you don’t want to. Although we recommend it 🙂

For example, you can spend three nights in a Starwood Category 1 Hotel using 3,000 points a night or just one night in the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. The choice is yours. Check out this list of Category 4 Hotels around the world.

So all you have to do to enter our draw is follow the subsequent two links to join our newsletter mailing list and ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook. Once you have done that, there is nothing to do but sit back, relax and cross your fingers! If you have already done both, then you have entered already!

The draw will be held on Friday 29th June and be announced in our June newsletter, on our travel blog, and our Facebook page.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER. THANKS ALL FOR ENTERING.

All photos courtesy of Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa.

Disclaimer: We were guests of Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa as part of their #meetyouthere campaign. However, as always, our thoughts are always our own.

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Meet Cole and Adela

Cole and AdelaWe have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...

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