Well, it's good that you're open to change, and have an adventurous spirit. But, I would like to remind you there's an old saying...';You're never bored if you're never boring.'; That's why I hate admitting that I'm bored, because I'm really only admitting that I'm boring. If you're not a boring person, you can find ways to keep yourself entertained anywhere. If you're a boring person, you can be bored anywhere.
If you're always looking for external sources to keep yourself entertained; make you feel validated; or to give yourself a sense of happiness or contentment, then you're destined to be a miserable person. All that comes from within, and it won't magically be provided by changing scenery or meeting new people. (Some of the wealthiest people in the world are incredibly unhappy because they're always looking for external sources of entertainment, validation, etc. And those external forces are always fleeting and never truly satisfying, so people like that always need more and more and more...always unhappy in the interim.)
It's a great idea to travel, don't get me wrong. But if you're doing it to ';fix'; some perceived problem in your life, you're probably barking up the wrong tree. Why not try to figure out what inspires you, and then focus on that for a while? If your inspiration allows for travel, maybe combine the two, so you're getting out and seeing the world (or this continent, at least), but you're doing it in pursuit of something you love...you know...with a purpose? I would think that would be much more satisfying, in the long run.
Well, that's my 2垄.I have decided that my life is boring and im sick of it, I want to drift across America/Canada, any advice?
Life is what you make it.
Drifting will just make it suckier, since you'll have no job, no permanent address, and you'll probably just blame that on everyone.
Suck it up, grasshopper.I have decided that my life is boring and im sick of it, I want to drift across America/Canada, any advice?
Join the Armed Forces. Then you can drift across the whole world.
Go for it. I drifted aimlessly all over Canada and got lost for 12 years. The best years of my life even though I had no money.
drifters have a very short life span in the US...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Any advice on backpacking through Central America?
We are planning on going for 2 months. Feb-April of next year.
I think that most of our time will be spent in Costa Rica, but there are other places that we want to see also.
I have never been on a backpacking trip before.
Any advice on the packing aspect?
....... what to bring?
....... where to go?
....... what to avoid?
Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks. :-)Any advice on backpacking through Central America?
Hi Moonshimmer,
My girlfriend and I backpacked around Central America last year at exactly the same time of year She had never been outside Europe so was quite nervous (as she's a girl who likes comfort!) but we both had the time of our lives. We started in Mexico City staying at a friends house, then weaved down through all the countries to Panama, flew to Colombia and then to Cuba. Buy a guidebook or get one out of your local library and started planning/daydreaming! I recommend the Rough Guide series. You can definately be ambitious in what you cover in 2 months because the transport is excellent. Our trip was three months, but we only actually stayed for one day in Costa Rica, as it was really expensive and I didn't like it so much. I think Panama has everything Costa Rica has to offer, but is a bit wilder and much cheaper. I could write a huge post but I dont wanna bore you so here are my main recommendations:
* A spanish evening class before you head out really helps, and gets you excited about your trip too!
* Scuba diving in the region is incredible. We learned on the Honduran Bay Islands where it is super-cheap and breath-taking. We ended up staying two weeks there!
* Spanish classes including homestays are popular and very affordable in Guatemala if that's what you want out of your holiday too.
* Nicaragua - isla de ometepe and masaya are brilliant
* Panama- bocas de toro islands.
* Bring: sleeping back liner to sleep in, lots of cotton t-shirts (its entering rainy season when you'll be there - hot and sticky), a knife and fork (if youre on a budget, so you can make sandwiches in the hostel/on buses etc), a stretchy washing line, a combination padlock (carrying keys around is such a drag), sunglasses, a travel towel (really light weight and dries quickly, cant do without one), some multi-vitamins, travel wash, shower gel (if you use it, its hard to get there), lotion for sunburn/bites, a light rain jacket (especially if youre climing volcanos etc, good for wind too), a couple of good books to read (many hostels have book swaps).
* Cant think of anything to avoid but Burger King - the only thing that gave me food poisoning on the whole trip!
I kept a short diary just sticking things in and writing down just in little lists and bullet points to remind me of our adventures, it makes a really nice momento and gives you something to do when you're lazing in that hammock with a beer in your hand in the evenings :)
Have a great trip.Any advice on backpacking through Central America?
It depends on your interests. If you are only interested in beach and sun, then go only to Costa Rica and Honduras. But if you are interested in other things also, go to Guatemala for great Mayan ruins in Tikal and Yaxha (where the last Survivor was filmed), the beautiful and peaceful colonial city of Antigua where you can learn some spanish for a very affordable price and Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Costa Rica is really not that good; Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama all have better natural beauties than C.R.
ask the local people there are places no one should go without guides take the main roads good if you speak the language take the bus where you can many different bugs there so be prepared dont dring the water unless you boil it well bring noodles and soup mix dry water bottles knife fork spoon and hunting knifeswiss army knife etc sleeping bag if needed small tent nice.walking stick to beat the snakes.i would have a hand gun hidden it my pack.
1. Bring the very basics: jeans, shorts, bathing suits and lots of t-shirts
2. Avoid the big capital cities as some areas may be dangerous. Carry little cash, bring Travelers checks, and two credit cards. You'll find ATM's in all of these places. Heck! HSBC just bought half the banks in the region! (though you will not see the name in any of the signs)
3. Where to go:
Guatemala: Tikal (Maya City), Antigua (colonial town) and Panajachel (lake)
Honduras: Copan (Maya City), Bay Islands (Scuba diving), Comayagua (colonial town)
Costa Rica...well you'll have plenty of national parks to choose from.
Nicaragua: Leon and Granada (Colonial towns)
Get you a copy of the backpackers bible. The ';Lonely Planet, central america';. If you are going mainly to Costa Rica. I think the ';Costa Rica Hand Book'; is a better source.
Two important things to have are a small flashlight and a small Padlock. Travel light, have a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes and no jeans because they are heavy and take to long to dry.skin cream
I think that most of our time will be spent in Costa Rica, but there are other places that we want to see also.
I have never been on a backpacking trip before.
Any advice on the packing aspect?
....... what to bring?
....... where to go?
....... what to avoid?
Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks. :-)Any advice on backpacking through Central America?
Hi Moonshimmer,
My girlfriend and I backpacked around Central America last year at exactly the same time of year She had never been outside Europe so was quite nervous (as she's a girl who likes comfort!) but we both had the time of our lives. We started in Mexico City staying at a friends house, then weaved down through all the countries to Panama, flew to Colombia and then to Cuba. Buy a guidebook or get one out of your local library and started planning/daydreaming! I recommend the Rough Guide series. You can definately be ambitious in what you cover in 2 months because the transport is excellent. Our trip was three months, but we only actually stayed for one day in Costa Rica, as it was really expensive and I didn't like it so much. I think Panama has everything Costa Rica has to offer, but is a bit wilder and much cheaper. I could write a huge post but I dont wanna bore you so here are my main recommendations:
* A spanish evening class before you head out really helps, and gets you excited about your trip too!
* Scuba diving in the region is incredible. We learned on the Honduran Bay Islands where it is super-cheap and breath-taking. We ended up staying two weeks there!
* Spanish classes including homestays are popular and very affordable in Guatemala if that's what you want out of your holiday too.
* Nicaragua - isla de ometepe and masaya are brilliant
* Panama- bocas de toro islands.
* Bring: sleeping back liner to sleep in, lots of cotton t-shirts (its entering rainy season when you'll be there - hot and sticky), a knife and fork (if youre on a budget, so you can make sandwiches in the hostel/on buses etc), a stretchy washing line, a combination padlock (carrying keys around is such a drag), sunglasses, a travel towel (really light weight and dries quickly, cant do without one), some multi-vitamins, travel wash, shower gel (if you use it, its hard to get there), lotion for sunburn/bites, a light rain jacket (especially if youre climing volcanos etc, good for wind too), a couple of good books to read (many hostels have book swaps).
* Cant think of anything to avoid but Burger King - the only thing that gave me food poisoning on the whole trip!
I kept a short diary just sticking things in and writing down just in little lists and bullet points to remind me of our adventures, it makes a really nice momento and gives you something to do when you're lazing in that hammock with a beer in your hand in the evenings :)
Have a great trip.Any advice on backpacking through Central America?
It depends on your interests. If you are only interested in beach and sun, then go only to Costa Rica and Honduras. But if you are interested in other things also, go to Guatemala for great Mayan ruins in Tikal and Yaxha (where the last Survivor was filmed), the beautiful and peaceful colonial city of Antigua where you can learn some spanish for a very affordable price and Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Costa Rica is really not that good; Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama all have better natural beauties than C.R.
ask the local people there are places no one should go without guides take the main roads good if you speak the language take the bus where you can many different bugs there so be prepared dont dring the water unless you boil it well bring noodles and soup mix dry water bottles knife fork spoon and hunting knifeswiss army knife etc sleeping bag if needed small tent nice.walking stick to beat the snakes.i would have a hand gun hidden it my pack.
1. Bring the very basics: jeans, shorts, bathing suits and lots of t-shirts
2. Avoid the big capital cities as some areas may be dangerous. Carry little cash, bring Travelers checks, and two credit cards. You'll find ATM's in all of these places. Heck! HSBC just bought half the banks in the region! (though you will not see the name in any of the signs)
3. Where to go:
Guatemala: Tikal (Maya City), Antigua (colonial town) and Panajachel (lake)
Honduras: Copan (Maya City), Bay Islands (Scuba diving), Comayagua (colonial town)
Costa Rica...well you'll have plenty of national parks to choose from.
Nicaragua: Leon and Granada (Colonial towns)
Get you a copy of the backpackers bible. The ';Lonely Planet, central america';. If you are going mainly to Costa Rica. I think the ';Costa Rica Hand Book'; is a better source.
Two important things to have are a small flashlight and a small Padlock. Travel light, have a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes and no jeans because they are heavy and take to long to dry.
Moving to america, advice? read the details! :)
ok so when i turn 18 im hoping to get a study visa so i can get an education over in america. im hoping to rent out an appartment and find a part time job too. can anyone give me adivce or information on where are the best college's are, cheapest places to live stuff like that.
thanks xMoving to america, advice? read the details! :)
Depends on the country in America where you want to goMoving to america, advice? read the details! :)
Thanks everyone. and btw i will apply for a normal visa once my study visa exspires.
im determined to move to america so thanks alot xx
You know, I wish all of our other immigrants were like you. I commend you.
College towns usually come with cheap places, it's a great business giving rent to students, I do it myself. It's great, too.
I don't know of your education, so I have no idea which colleges or Universities you can apply for. Ann Arbor, Michigan has the University of Michigan in there, it's a fantastic University. There's Penn State University, Harvard in Cambridge Massachusetts, Princeton in New Jersey, University of Arizona, Brigham Young University (Mormon place, don't know if you would mind that) and a lot of others.
Google top Universities in the USA and see what you find. A lot of great Universities are out East, in my opinion, see what you can find there. It also depends on what you plan on studying. Do your research for the best places to go to for your chosen major before you do anything, alright?
Good luck.
where in america?
if texas, i recommend austin. you can go to University of Texas or ACC. THere are many cheap places to live or you could live on campus. there is tons to do, great live music, lots of great diverse people, just a really good young community.
if california, try berkley or ucla. berkley is my favorite campus. its pretty expensive in california, but you could find a place if you're looking to rent with others. there is tons to do, there are parks, dog parks, great outdoors type of feeling, and lots of different kinds of people.
these have just been my favorite places, although if money is an issue i would definately lean towards austin. and try to get scholarships! im sure there's tons available for an immigrant. good luck! hope all goes well!
thanks xMoving to america, advice? read the details! :)
Depends on the country in America where you want to goMoving to america, advice? read the details! :)
Thanks everyone. and btw i will apply for a normal visa once my study visa exspires.
im determined to move to america so thanks alot xx
Report Abuse
You know, I wish all of our other immigrants were like you. I commend you.
College towns usually come with cheap places, it's a great business giving rent to students, I do it myself. It's great, too.
I don't know of your education, so I have no idea which colleges or Universities you can apply for. Ann Arbor, Michigan has the University of Michigan in there, it's a fantastic University. There's Penn State University, Harvard in Cambridge Massachusetts, Princeton in New Jersey, University of Arizona, Brigham Young University (Mormon place, don't know if you would mind that) and a lot of others.
Google top Universities in the USA and see what you find. A lot of great Universities are out East, in my opinion, see what you can find there. It also depends on what you plan on studying. Do your research for the best places to go to for your chosen major before you do anything, alright?
Good luck.
where in america?
if texas, i recommend austin. you can go to University of Texas or ACC. THere are many cheap places to live or you could live on campus. there is tons to do, great live music, lots of great diverse people, just a really good young community.
if california, try berkley or ucla. berkley is my favorite campus. its pretty expensive in california, but you could find a place if you're looking to rent with others. there is tons to do, there are parks, dog parks, great outdoors type of feeling, and lots of different kinds of people.
these have just been my favorite places, although if money is an issue i would definately lean towards austin. and try to get scholarships! im sure there's tons available for an immigrant. good luck! hope all goes well!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thinking of going to Camp America, can anyone offer advice?
Well I am thinking of going to work with Camp America this summer, but I'm not sure...I don't really have any skills beyond being alright at Guitar...do you need to be really experienced in your chosen field, and can you teach more than one activity?
Also what are the camps like? If you are teaching do you do it all day long? Then have to look after a group of kids at night and stuff like that?
Any other advice would be appreciated also :)Thinking of going to Camp America, can anyone offer advice?
Camp America is an opportunity you shouldn't miss!
Also what are the camps like? If you are teaching do you do it all day long? Then have to look after a group of kids at night and stuff like that?
Any other advice would be appreciated also :)Thinking of going to Camp America, can anyone offer advice?
Camp America is an opportunity you shouldn't miss!
Travelling to South America, advice?
Hi I would like to take a tour around 3 or 4 countries, which one will you advice and why?Travelling to South America, advice?
You can follow what people know as the ';golden circle';. Start in Peru (Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco), then go to Chile. After Santiago go to the south (Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas) and do the lake crossing to Bariloche. From Bariloche fly to Buenos Aires, then go to Iguazu falls. From there go to Rio (Buzios and Angra Dos Reis). What a magnificent way to finish your trip in Brazil! 4 countries in a row!Travelling to South America, advice?
Brazil - Go to Rio and stay in Ipanema on the beach. It is like New York on the beach. Very friendly, cool, hip, lots of street parties, nice weather all year....hot in their summer but you got the crazy social season at the beach and just nice in their winter - but you can still go to the beach. It is cheap cheap cheap. It is like being in the 70s again - just a wonderful place. Go to RIoforpartiers.com and check out the site and for sure get the book.
Also, go to Buenos Aires in Argentina and Uraguay.....Argentina is also a hip cool place and Uraguay is off the may - nobody thinks it is cool so it is kinda under the radar...But it is friendly and fun. I don't know about any others to advise but you are so lucky to go - please dont miss these three - especially Rio (dont stay anywhere but Ipanema)
Venezuela (cheap gasoline 12 US cents a gallon your money goes far there, nice beaches, shopping, great restaurants. The Andes are beautiful...)
Brazil (famous for beaches and carnival)
Argentina beautiful architecture, great food)
and Peru ( historical sites like Machu Pichu, great food also)
I hope this help...
Have fun
Argentina, you will find beautiful landscapes, friendly people, lts of places to enjoy and more. In second place i choose Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. If you want to find hotels, restaurants, places of entertainment, clothes, travel agencies and more, see http://www.eventoslink.com.ar
You can follow what people know as the ';golden circle';. Start in Peru (Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco), then go to Chile. After Santiago go to the south (Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas) and do the lake crossing to Bariloche. From Bariloche fly to Buenos Aires, then go to Iguazu falls. From there go to Rio (Buzios and Angra Dos Reis). What a magnificent way to finish your trip in Brazil! 4 countries in a row!Travelling to South America, advice?
Brazil - Go to Rio and stay in Ipanema on the beach. It is like New York on the beach. Very friendly, cool, hip, lots of street parties, nice weather all year....hot in their summer but you got the crazy social season at the beach and just nice in their winter - but you can still go to the beach. It is cheap cheap cheap. It is like being in the 70s again - just a wonderful place. Go to RIoforpartiers.com and check out the site and for sure get the book.
Also, go to Buenos Aires in Argentina and Uraguay.....Argentina is also a hip cool place and Uraguay is off the may - nobody thinks it is cool so it is kinda under the radar...But it is friendly and fun. I don't know about any others to advise but you are so lucky to go - please dont miss these three - especially Rio (dont stay anywhere but Ipanema)
Venezuela (cheap gasoline 12 US cents a gallon your money goes far there, nice beaches, shopping, great restaurants. The Andes are beautiful...)
Brazil (famous for beaches and carnival)
Argentina beautiful architecture, great food)
and Peru ( historical sites like Machu Pichu, great food also)
I hope this help...
Have fun
Argentina, you will find beautiful landscapes, friendly people, lts of places to enjoy and more. In second place i choose Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. If you want to find hotels, restaurants, places of entertainment, clothes, travel agencies and more, see http://www.eventoslink.com.ar
Holidays to America. Advice, please.?
I'm wanting to go to America, next Summer (between Mid-June and Mid-to-End August 2010).
I want to go to Los Angeles/Huntington Beach.
I need to do it cheap as I'm a student with very little money.
How is the best way to get the best, cheapest holiday, yet still be protected, should anything go wrong with the holiday?
I've tried going via last minute/cheap flight websites and hotel websites but I want to explore all other options and make sure I understand all the costs.
Thanks.Holidays to America. Advice, please.?
There is a limit to how much you can save on airfare. Check the travel sites (airgorilla, expedia, priceline, travelocity, etc.) and also check the airline websites. I have often (not always, but often) found the best fares on the airline websites. Check with a real travel agent to ask about promotional fares and special deals.
Assuming you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, go ahead and register. It's free, valid for two years (multiple trips), and you don't need your exact travel plans. Print the confirmation and keep it with your passport:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/withou鈥?/a>
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_vis鈥?/a>
Travel agents sell trip insurance. It's cheap, and you can get coverage for medical treatment, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Try to get medical insurance that pays the bill rather than reimbursing you after you pay.
Along with airfare, accommodations are usually the largest cost for a trip. The USA does not have as many youth hostels as Europe and the quality is irregular. An example of a good hostel where I live is:
http://www.indiahousehostel.com/
Consider joining SERVAS, which will give you local contacts in many places and you have the opportunity to stay with hosts for free:
http://joomla.servas.org/
Couchsurfer is reportedly similar but I have no personal experience with the program.
You might want to re-post your question in the Los Angeles section of the Travel section to get more answers from locals.
Good luck!Holidays to America. Advice, please.?
I suggest you go to West Virginia. It is a beautiful state that offers white water rafting, If you go in October you can attend Bridge Day, a day you spend on the New River Gorge Bridge to bungee jump. And about fifteen miles from there you will come across a town named Summersville. You could go boating at Summersville lake, go hiking, visit the park, and other recreational activites. Another attraction is the Seneca Caverns, large caves that you can explore. Tamarack is a crafting place adored by many visitors. There you can watch as people blow glass to make vases, bowls, etc. You can shop for West Virginian clothes, buy nic-nacs to take home to loved ones, study the museum, and many other things. There are also many many many museums all over the state to visit, each one portraying something different and unique. When I visited West Virginia I loved it so much I moved here! :]
hi,
Have you visited http://traveltovacations.blogspot.com I'am sure you'll find cheap hotels and airfares here..
I want to go to Los Angeles/Huntington Beach.
I need to do it cheap as I'm a student with very little money.
How is the best way to get the best, cheapest holiday, yet still be protected, should anything go wrong with the holiday?
I've tried going via last minute/cheap flight websites and hotel websites but I want to explore all other options and make sure I understand all the costs.
Thanks.Holidays to America. Advice, please.?
There is a limit to how much you can save on airfare. Check the travel sites (airgorilla, expedia, priceline, travelocity, etc.) and also check the airline websites. I have often (not always, but often) found the best fares on the airline websites. Check with a real travel agent to ask about promotional fares and special deals.
Assuming you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, go ahead and register. It's free, valid for two years (multiple trips), and you don't need your exact travel plans. Print the confirmation and keep it with your passport:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/withou鈥?/a>
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_vis鈥?/a>
Travel agents sell trip insurance. It's cheap, and you can get coverage for medical treatment, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Try to get medical insurance that pays the bill rather than reimbursing you after you pay.
Along with airfare, accommodations are usually the largest cost for a trip. The USA does not have as many youth hostels as Europe and the quality is irregular. An example of a good hostel where I live is:
http://www.indiahousehostel.com/
Consider joining SERVAS, which will give you local contacts in many places and you have the opportunity to stay with hosts for free:
http://joomla.servas.org/
Couchsurfer is reportedly similar but I have no personal experience with the program.
You might want to re-post your question in the Los Angeles section of the Travel section to get more answers from locals.
Good luck!Holidays to America. Advice, please.?
I suggest you go to West Virginia. It is a beautiful state that offers white water rafting, If you go in October you can attend Bridge Day, a day you spend on the New River Gorge Bridge to bungee jump. And about fifteen miles from there you will come across a town named Summersville. You could go boating at Summersville lake, go hiking, visit the park, and other recreational activites. Another attraction is the Seneca Caverns, large caves that you can explore. Tamarack is a crafting place adored by many visitors. There you can watch as people blow glass to make vases, bowls, etc. You can shop for West Virginian clothes, buy nic-nacs to take home to loved ones, study the museum, and many other things. There are also many many many museums all over the state to visit, each one portraying something different and unique. When I visited West Virginia I loved it so much I moved here! :]
hi,
Have you visited http://traveltovacations.blogspot.com I'am sure you'll find cheap hotels and airfares here..
I am looking into traveling to Central America to backpack. I'm a first timer and need advice!?
I have never done anything like this, i want to ';rough it'; but want to be safe, have good hostels, and not be eaten alive. Had friends who went to Costa Rica. Looking for suggestions on other/better places to visit. Any advice would be great!I am looking into traveling to Central America to backpack. I'm a first timer and need advice!?
Try Nicaragua. Its less developed, costs less, you would be much more of a novelty there and I think, if you werent a moron and flashed a lot of cash, that you would find the people friendly and willing to share. That the Govt is pretty leftist is of no matter to most Nicaraguans and even though some hate the US they love Americans. Figure that one out. Its the road less traveled. Go somewhere that other people dont often go.I am looking into traveling to Central America to backpack. I'm a first timer and need advice!?
Guatemala is beautiful as well. I loved it there...we went for 10 days with Habitat for Humanity to build houses and at times were in very remote parts of Guatemala and I still felt very safe. There are plenty of hostels you could stay at while you were there too. And of course the capital city Guatemala City is more dangerous than other parts of the country but just like NYC is more dangerous than other cities in the US. You just have to use your common sense and you will be perfectly fine. Costa Rica is also gorgeous and you will have the chance to see beaches, jungle and even volcanoes. I have heard stories from friends that studied there about getting held up by knife or gunpoint so just be sure not to travel down sketchy streets late at night or travel with a lot of money on you at a time. Mexico has a ton of nice places to see as well. You should do that as well depending on how many countries you want to see and how much time you have to do all this. In Guate I stayed in Coban, Antigua and Rabinal and loved every minute of it. I even enjoyed pretty much all the food except for the fact that they sprinkle goat cheese on almost all pasta dishes and I HATE goat cheese lol so if you don't like that either ask them not to put that on before you make an order.
que te diviertas!
except in costa rica and guatemala hostels are not always the cheapest...and in some places they do not exist.
a mom and pop hotel might have a hostel section to it tho.
only costa rica are there ';HI'; hostels.
read ';lonely planet central america'; and take it with you.
keep a low profile (blend in) and watch out at night, but really, don't be too afraid. just make sure that when you are in a big city, you know where NOT to go at night.
i spent one year in central america and had a great time. there is no need to see many of the big capital cities anyway. panama city, san jose.....and if you must stay the night the others are fine.....but not much interesting th ngs there.
i visited every country except for belize. i also spent a year in mexico. chiapas mexico is culturally more like guatemala than mexico. it is also a cool place to visit.
pack light of course. you don't want to be luging around your big pack in and out of buses. besides, it is safer anyway. you can keep your bag with you more often that way.
if you want more info i would be glad to help.
I agree, Nicaragua would be a wonderful to place to visit. Just stay out of Managua. Most other places are relatively safe but you still need to watch your back and your wallet wherever you go. Also beware of cab drivers in Managua especially because they are notorious for hooking up with criminals. Nicaragua has lots of interesting places. It isn't called the ';Land of Lakes and Volcanos'; for nothing. Every turn you make it will be a surprise. go to www.http://vianica.com to learn more about this wonderful hidden paradise.
Try Nicaragua. Its less developed, costs less, you would be much more of a novelty there and I think, if you werent a moron and flashed a lot of cash, that you would find the people friendly and willing to share. That the Govt is pretty leftist is of no matter to most Nicaraguans and even though some hate the US they love Americans. Figure that one out. Its the road less traveled. Go somewhere that other people dont often go.I am looking into traveling to Central America to backpack. I'm a first timer and need advice!?
Guatemala is beautiful as well. I loved it there...we went for 10 days with Habitat for Humanity to build houses and at times were in very remote parts of Guatemala and I still felt very safe. There are plenty of hostels you could stay at while you were there too. And of course the capital city Guatemala City is more dangerous than other parts of the country but just like NYC is more dangerous than other cities in the US. You just have to use your common sense and you will be perfectly fine. Costa Rica is also gorgeous and you will have the chance to see beaches, jungle and even volcanoes. I have heard stories from friends that studied there about getting held up by knife or gunpoint so just be sure not to travel down sketchy streets late at night or travel with a lot of money on you at a time. Mexico has a ton of nice places to see as well. You should do that as well depending on how many countries you want to see and how much time you have to do all this. In Guate I stayed in Coban, Antigua and Rabinal and loved every minute of it. I even enjoyed pretty much all the food except for the fact that they sprinkle goat cheese on almost all pasta dishes and I HATE goat cheese lol so if you don't like that either ask them not to put that on before you make an order.
que te diviertas!
except in costa rica and guatemala hostels are not always the cheapest...and in some places they do not exist.
a mom and pop hotel might have a hostel section to it tho.
only costa rica are there ';HI'; hostels.
read ';lonely planet central america'; and take it with you.
keep a low profile (blend in) and watch out at night, but really, don't be too afraid. just make sure that when you are in a big city, you know where NOT to go at night.
i spent one year in central america and had a great time. there is no need to see many of the big capital cities anyway. panama city, san jose.....and if you must stay the night the others are fine.....but not much interesting th ngs there.
i visited every country except for belize. i also spent a year in mexico. chiapas mexico is culturally more like guatemala than mexico. it is also a cool place to visit.
pack light of course. you don't want to be luging around your big pack in and out of buses. besides, it is safer anyway. you can keep your bag with you more often that way.
if you want more info i would be glad to help.
I agree, Nicaragua would be a wonderful to place to visit. Just stay out of Managua. Most other places are relatively safe but you still need to watch your back and your wallet wherever you go. Also beware of cab drivers in Managua especially because they are notorious for hooking up with criminals. Nicaragua has lots of interesting places. It isn't called the ';Land of Lakes and Volcanos'; for nothing. Every turn you make it will be a surprise. go to www.http://vianica.com to learn more about this wonderful hidden paradise.
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