There are some destinations that just seem to be made for backpackers. Central America is one of them. It offers a wealth of activities and experiences, from adventure sports to exotic culture and historic architecture. Moreover, accommodation, food and transport are cheap, offering the best backpacking trips for those on a shoestring budget.
Many backpackers refuse to book their accommodation ahead of time. However, you may want to have book ahead for your first night in the region so that you don't have to walk around looking for a place to sleep in a strange place when you're tired after a long journey. Most of the time you'll find room in a hostel of a budget hotel without too much trouble but especially the time around Easter can be very busy and pre-booking is a good idea.
Use your guide book for the maps and bus times but don't make it your bible. There are many places and experiences to be had that aren't mentioned in the guide books. To find out about them, talk to other travelers along the way and veer off the gringo trail every now and then.
No trip to Central America is complete without taking the 'chicken bus' at least once. These buses aren't the most comfortable but they're a great way to taste local culture. If you're going to undertake a long journey, however, a tourist shuttle or a more luxurious bus may be a better option.
While Central America has a high rate of crime and violence, this shouldn't deter you from visiting the region. Tourists are generally quite safe as long as they're sensible and take the usual precautions. You wouldn't walk alone at night through the bad part of your hometown so it would be a stupid thing to do in a foreign country. Heed the locals' warnings about areas to avoid and don't get involved in illegal activities and you should be safe.
You may find that illegal drugs are very easy to find throughout the region. Remember though that the drug trade is responsible for most of the crime and gang violence. A responsible traveler wouldn't encourage the trade by buying drugs, no matter how tempting. Be respectful towards the local communities too. For instance, most people in the region dress conservatively and modestly and so should you as a guest in their country.
Central America abounds with opportunities for volunteering. This is one of the most enriching things you can do, not only for the community that benefits but also for yourself. Take the time, even if it's only a week, to get involved and to give back to the region.
While many travelers get by without knowing how to speak Spanish, you'll find that knowing at least the basics will open doors for you. It also earns you the respect of the local people if you make the effort to try and speak to them in their own language. You'll find good and affordable Spanish schools throughout the region so that you can return from one of the best backpacking trips you can imagine with an extra skill.
Many backpackers refuse to book their accommodation ahead of time. However, you may want to have book ahead for your first night in the region so that you don't have to walk around looking for a place to sleep in a strange place when you're tired after a long journey. Most of the time you'll find room in a hostel of a budget hotel without too much trouble but especially the time around Easter can be very busy and pre-booking is a good idea.
Use your guide book for the maps and bus times but don't make it your bible. There are many places and experiences to be had that aren't mentioned in the guide books. To find out about them, talk to other travelers along the way and veer off the gringo trail every now and then.
No trip to Central America is complete without taking the 'chicken bus' at least once. These buses aren't the most comfortable but they're a great way to taste local culture. If you're going to undertake a long journey, however, a tourist shuttle or a more luxurious bus may be a better option.
While Central America has a high rate of crime and violence, this shouldn't deter you from visiting the region. Tourists are generally quite safe as long as they're sensible and take the usual precautions. You wouldn't walk alone at night through the bad part of your hometown so it would be a stupid thing to do in a foreign country. Heed the locals' warnings about areas to avoid and don't get involved in illegal activities and you should be safe.
You may find that illegal drugs are very easy to find throughout the region. Remember though that the drug trade is responsible for most of the crime and gang violence. A responsible traveler wouldn't encourage the trade by buying drugs, no matter how tempting. Be respectful towards the local communities too. For instance, most people in the region dress conservatively and modestly and so should you as a guest in their country.
Central America abounds with opportunities for volunteering. This is one of the most enriching things you can do, not only for the community that benefits but also for yourself. Take the time, even if it's only a week, to get involved and to give back to the region.
While many travelers get by without knowing how to speak Spanish, you'll find that knowing at least the basics will open doors for you. It also earns you the respect of the local people if you make the effort to try and speak to them in their own language. You'll find good and affordable Spanish schools throughout the region so that you can return from one of the best backpacking trips you can imagine with an extra skill.
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