If you are traveling to Latin America on a budget and want to save money yet enjoy your trip to the maximum, here are a few money-saving tips for your vacation:
1. Travel in the off-season
One of the best ways to save money is to travel in the off-season. Late-April to November is considered rainy or green season in many of our destinations and thus prices tend to be lower. The rainy season is actually a great time to travel. Everything is green, lush and beautiful. And a lot quieter!
2. Tourist activities
With our self-drive tours, you are flexible and have the freedom to choose your own activities. You can visit a lot of places like national parks and waterfalls on your own if you are trying to save money. Guides definitely add value to nature tours because of their expertise but are not always necessary. Talk to us and we’ll help you plan!
3. Avoid big tourist towns
The most popular destinations, like the beach towns of Guanacaste in Costa Rica, are more expensive than lesser-known places that haven’t made it into the guidebooks yet. And a small authentic B&B often times gives you a better value for money than a big anonymous resort, not to mention a more authentic experience of the “real” Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, or Mexico. Of course, you will want to visit some of the hot spots too but staying just 15 minutes away could save you hundreds on meals and lodging.
4. Choice of rental car
We can help you to decide whether to rent a standard sedan or a more expensive SUV/truck with four-wheel drive. Although there are places where you definitely want a 4WD, you don’t need it everywhere. You’d be surprised how big the price difference can be between the mentioned categories.
Related post: Check out our Self-drive tours
5. Eat locally
Sodas or fondas are small local restaurants that serve inexpensive, typical local food. They vary from full-blown restaurants to shacks with a couple of chairs. Often, they don’t look like much but don’t let the plastic tablecloths and simple structures stop you. I’ve had some of my best meals at the most unassuming places. You could enjoy a lunch plate of fresh fish, rice and beans, plus salad for only $6!
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