Our Man in Antigua

‘Trigger Happy?’  there’s been some mention of a recent problem with a safety on a handgun,  within the confines of a local establishment, but if it’s true, it’s just another Antigua story. To prevent that kind of accident I finally got out to what they call ‘Barcenas’ but the sign at the entrance read ‘Poligono, Smart Shooting.’…..good: I hate the other kind, of which we have a fair amount of here.

And yes, I’m adding ‘content’ of a helpful kind, as compared to the above…tell me if you approve. I might not listen but I’ll think about it.

Central America on a Budget

By now, the experienced budget traveler knows that any destination in the world can be reached with limited funds, and Central America is no exception. Kissed by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are seven nations that have flourished as some of the most popular backpacking regions, due to their impeccable beaches, landscape, and diverse wildlife. And the best part of it all is that you can experience all of this firsthand without spending a fortune.

Flights
You can visit any flight comparison website and you’ll most certainly find an affordable tickets, but for trips specifically to Latin America, try searching for deals on STA Travel, where flights are priced at student-friendly rates. Skyscanner is also recommended for the budget traveler as it gives an overview of all available carriers. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of the cheap airfares, as Parking4Less describes that some airlines don’t explicitly include certain fees, such as for airport taxes and seat reservations.

Accommodations
Across Central America, you’ll find accommodation types for every kind of traveler, but the most popular option among backpackers and other sorts of budget travelers are hostels. Most places in the region don’t require reservations, and to help narrow down your hostel, opt for the locally or family owned places. They tend to provide you better insight on local life and will also give you room for price negotiations. If you happen to be flying off season, it’s entirely possible to arrange your stay at a hotel. Off season tends to be during rainy and dry seasons, so depending on your activities for the trip, the weather can have a dramatic impact on the quality of your travels, says BudgetYourTrip.com. Do your research and think about the priorities of your vacation.

Food and drinks
Costs vary between countries, but Nomadic Matt explains that you can generally expect to spend around $5 USD for a meal at local restaurants. Street foods are also available and are the cheapest alternative. If you’re big on cooking, weekly groceries at local markets will be about $15-20 USD. Eating local cuisine every day might make it hard to resist burgers, pizza, and all the food you’re familiar with, but know that you’ll be paying three times as much as for international dishes.

Attractions
A vacation anywhere in Central America beckons for amazing outdoor adventures, from hikes with breathtaking views to discovering majestic waterfalls, beach days to volcano tours. The great thing about most of these outdoor activities is that they are either free or relatively cheap. For specific attractions across the subcontinent, bloggers of Roaming Around The World share details of their favorite sights.