As the global economic crisis continues, many travelers worldwide are wondering where they can get the most for their dollar, pound or euro.

And although global destinations such as Paris, London and New York have been battered by decreased tourist arrivals, lesser-known and (most importantly) cheaper international destinations are seeing increased interest from global travelers.

U.S. travelers who stayed at home in 2008 because of a depressed dollar and soaring fuel prices are finding that overseas travel has once again become an option, as airlines and resorts attempt to lure them back with discounted fares and rates.

Combined with reasonable exchange rates in up-and-coming destinations such as Southeast Asia, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, U.S. travelers are able to get favorable deals in many vacation spots throughout the world.

Europe, which in recent years has been accessible only to wealthy U.S. travelers, has become more of an option, especially countries such as Norway, Denmark and Hungary, where the U.S. dollar has a positive exchange rate.

Denmark has become an unusual up-and-coming destination because of its countryside beauty and its welcoming atmosphere; most Danes speak English and interact well with tourists. For those looking for an urban getaway, Copenhagen has fast become a hot spot because of its compactness (easily a city to explore on foot) and its architectural beauty.

An exchange rate that offers nearly 5-to-1 krone-to-dollar is also alluring. Copenhagen’s popular Tivoli Gardens, which is said to be the inspiration for the late Walt Disney’s empire, charges a mere US$15 admission — something you definitely won’t find at the Magic Kingdom or other U.S. amusement parks.

Hungary, which has long been a hidden gem for European travelers, is not what one would expect from an Eastern European country. It has a history of open access to Western tourists and offers some of the most luxurious public baths in the world. The famous Kiraly Gyogyfurdo, with its Ottoman ambience and spectacular pools, is a sight to behold — especially since current exchange rates put the price of admission at a little more than US$8.

Another destination hard-hit by the global economic crisis, Africa is finding ways to attract travelers from the U.S. and U.K. — the backbone of African tourism — back to the region.

Kenya, which has long been a popular destination for many because of its beautiful landscapes and wildlife, is becoming more and more affordable for the average person, thanks to an exchange rate that is 65-to-1, Kenyan shilling to the U.S. dollar. That rate is even more favorable for U.K. and European travelers.

“Although most travel and tourism involves discretionary expense, people continue to travel even during tough economic times,” Nellie Ochanda, a director with Kenya One Tours, said recently. “People will want to get away from home, and travel will remain part of the way people do business. However, travelers are likely to be quite careful and cautious when forking out their hard-earned money.”

Travelers both domestic and international are finding their money can be stretched even in popular U.S. destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando and Branson, Missouri. Travel to these destinations is popular again, and the reasons are opposite of those for why it wasn’t popular just one year ago — the proliferation of discounted airfare and the weakened international economy.

Las Vegas hotels, even those on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, are a bargain now, especially for those who book directly through the hotels’ Web sites. Many are even offering package deals that will net hotel credit to spas, golf courses and restaurants — sometimes more.

Harrah’s Las Vegas, for example, is currently promoting a “Get Your Wings” promotion, where guests who book a three-night stay for as little as US$81 a night will receive a US$300 airline voucher.

The luxurious Wynn Las Vegas, where rooms generally start at US$300 a night, is even offering more for less. For US$829 per guest, the hotel offers a three-night package that includes tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show Le Reve, dinner for two at Stratta and your choice of either two rounds of golf or three spa treatments.

Cruising, which has always touted its affordability versus a traditional vacation, is even more of an option today as cruise lines continually one-up each other for customers. And while traditional destinations such as the Caribbean and Alaska have been reasonably affordable, more exotic locales in the Mediterranean and South Pacific are becoming a downright bargain for the savvy traveler.

Oceania Cruises touts US$2,000 price reductions and free airfare for guests aboard its European sailings. Princess Cruises can get you from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon, Portugal, for less than US$1,100 in a miniature suite onboard it’s Crown Princess. And many cruise lines are offering hundreds of dollars in onboard credit for guests booking one of many deals being offered.

Even river cruising, long considered a luxury travel itinerary because of the cruise length and destinations, is more of an option. For example, Homeric Tours, a New York-based travel agency specializing in Greek and Mediterranean trips, is offering a 7-day Egyptian tour — including a 4-day cruise down the Nile River — for less than US$2,000, including airfare from New York City. Competitor Central Holidays is offering an 8-day Egyptian tour with its own Nile river cruise starting at US$1,200 per person, not including airfare.