DALLAS (AP) — Trips in Europe or Asia should be cheaper for Americans this year.

Thank a stronger dollar.

Since the middle of last year, it has been gaining against the euro, the British pound, the Swiss franc, the Russian ruble, the Indian rupee, the Japanese yen and other currencies.

That means dollars go further in those countries, reducing the price of everything from a hotel room to a glass of beer.

"This is one of the best times for Americans to travel in years," says Matt Kepnes, author of "Travel the World on $50 a Day" and other travel books.

WHY THE DOLLAR IS STRONG

Other economies are shaky, making their currencies less valuable. Europe is barely growing. Japan is already officially in recession. China's growth has slowed. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy has been chugging along. Many economists expect that steady U.S. growth will compel the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates later this year, making dollar investments more attractive and leading traders to sell other currencies and buy dollars.

WHAT IT MEANS

Let's say that in June you had a charming dinner for two in Paris for 75 euros. First, congratulations. Second, it cost $103 then; today it would be $89. Expensive countries may not be cheap, but at least they're more affordable now.

BEST BARGAINS

Thanks to the pound's decline, England is cheaper than it was six months ago. But the euro has slumped more, making most of continental Europe an even better bargain. Travel writer Kepnes says Greece is attractive right now because hotels and tour operators have been slashing prices to fill rooms. The same thing is happening in Portugal and parts of Spain.

"Be the contrarian traveler," Kepnes says. "If you want to go to Europe, consider eastern or central Europe, where prices are generally cheaper," he says. He recommends going during the "shoulder season" — late spring or early fall — rather than in summer, which is peak season.

WHEN TO BOOK A FLIGHT

Demand for travel is so strong that most airlines don't have to cut prices to sell seats.

"The summer fares are still very expensive," says George Hobica, founder of travel website airfarewatchdog.com. But airlines might cut prices this spring if the strong dollar discourages Europeans and Asians from flying to and from the U.S.

CONSIDER ALL THE OPTIONS

Hobica recommends checking foreign airlines. He says Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and others sometimes offer better prices to Europe than U.S. carriers do, although they could include a distant stopover.