New Delhi: Most of us remember our parents gawking at prices abroad. Really, how often have Indian travellers been able to feel good about their currency? Well with the rupees hovering around nine year highs now is a good time to shop till you drop on that American vacation.

If biting into the Big Apple and cruising through Hollywood has been your long lost dream, this would be a good time to realise that fantasy. After all, the rupee is peaking and visiting the US hasn't been cheaper in nine years.

SOTC Kuoni MD Sunil Gupta says, "There has been an impact if you shop in US for $1000 you have to pay Rs 44,000 now you have to pay Rs 42,000. It will help you as rupee has risen."

After hitting an all time high of Rs 40 to the dollar the rupee is now just under 41 to the dollar. That's Rs 4 stronger than it was a year ago.

Now most of us do book tickets in advance, but there is much hope still for saving. Travel agents say at the current rates, a 10-day trip to the US will save you over Rs 8,000 on shopping and travelling within the US.

Mercury Travels MD Ashwini Kakar says, "Group booking are done in the beginning of the year and advance has been given, group booking will not be benefited, individuals who will book today will be benefited."

If you have missed the boat, you can still catch the plane if you act now. The rupee is expected to remain strong for some more time, there is pressure on the Reserve Bank of India to reign it in the as India exports are feeling the heat.