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There is a misconception that travel is too expensive. The reality is that travel can be equally cheap or expensive depending on the techniques of each traveler and the travel style they prefer. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a backpacker to be able to travel without spending a fortune. Some factors that can help you save during your trip are:
► Accommodation: Search and compare prices on different platforms. I recommend you evaluate at least three platforms such as Booking.com, HotelsCombined.com or Google Hotels. This will allow you to find your accommodation at a very competitive price without sacrificing safety and comfort.
► Airline tickets: Take advantage of all possible offers. Remember that when you buy an airline ticket on sale, the money you save will be in your pocket to spend on accommodation, food and excursions. From almost any major city in the United States you can get flights to the Caribbean and some Latin American countries for between $100 and $300 on sale.
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► Shipping: Instead of just using taxis, consider using buses, subways and trains. Collective shipping will allow you to save up to 80% on my shipping cost estimates.
► Food: Avoid roads or areas full of “tourist traps”. In some destinations, like Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico, street prices can be up to 60% less if you go outside the tourist areas, in my experience. And often, the food is of high quality.
► Excursions: Consider, if possible, not buying almost all of your excursions in advance. In many countries, buying them when you arrive at your destination can give you the opportunity to negotiate the price.
All of these initiatives will allow you to explore at least one of the following countries for a period of five to eight days on a budget of $500, once you have purchased your airline ticket:
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Which day is the cheapest to fly?:When is the best time to book? Google Flights data shows cost trends.
Tips for your trip to Mexico
One of the best gastronomic and cultural destinations in the world. Mexico City is a destination where you can get beautiful and safe accommodations for less than $59 per night per person. For less than $10 you can eat authentic Mexican food at Tacos Hola in Condesa.
Tips for your trip to Guatemala
From volcanoes to its famous Tikal ruins, unique views of Lake Atitlán and its beautiful Antigua. Flights to Guatemala can go on sale from $150 round-trip departing from Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Florida or New York. The average daily cost in this destination, for a backpacker like me, is between $20 and $25, including food and accommodation.
Tips for your trip to Colombia
If there’s one place I recommend you start traveling, it’s Colombia. Cities like Bogota and Medellin are extremely cheap, with affordable flight options if you depart from cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa or New York. When they’re on sale, you can get round-trip tickets for $180 to $300, even in the summer. It is very easy to move between the main tourist spots. You can get accommodations in Medellin (Parque Lleras, its most famous area) from $25 to $50 per night with great views and service, and eat great dishes at the famous Mondongo restaurant for less than $10.
Tips for your trip to Ecuador
One of the most biodiverse countries in the world. You can find deals from Florida and the US East Coast for as low as $200 round trip. It’s very easy to find great accommodations for less than $30 a night in cities like Quito or Baños, and they include breakfast. If you use public transport, you can explore the whole country for very little money. For example, a taxi from Quito to the middle city of the world costs $20, but a bus from $1 to $2.
I have traveled to more than 100 countries and I can assure you that, yes, it is possible to travel without spending a fortune and without sacrificing the quality of your trip. Let’s go!
Wilson “Wil” Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, one of the largest travel platforms in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the US
