The Cost of Traveling Western Europe: Budgets, Prices, & Ways to Save

Updated: 05/27/18 | May 27th, 2018

Europe. It’s an expensive place and prices vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south or west your travel. Europe covers a huge area of the world with multiple visa zones and multiple currencies. For 20 euros, you can get a private room in Greece. For that same price in Paris, you may get a 16 person dorm room. You can eat for a few euros in Spain or Hungary, but a sit-down meal in Italy will cost around 15 euros, and triple that in Norway!

I’ve been going to Europe for close to ten years now.

A trip to Europe isn’t cheap, but there are plenty of ways to cut down costs. Since Europe is so big, today I want to talk about traveling around Western Europe and the Eurozone countries.

One of the most asked questions I get is “how much does it cost to travel to Europe?”

Well, today, let’s talk about planning a trip to Europe!

How much do things cost?

Here are some general costs for things in Europe, because as I said, prices can vary a lot depending on where you are:

• Accommodation: In most Western European countries, expect to pay 25–35 euros per night for a dorm room. (Though in Greece and Spain, it’s only 10–20 euros per night.) In Scandinavia, expect to pay around 30–35 Euros per night. In England, prices are usually around 20–30 pounds per night.
• Food: Food costs vary as wildly as accommodation costs. Cheap fast food meals cost 9–15 euros, while restaurants meals cost around 15–25 euros. Nicer establishments will cost 30 euros or more. You can cook your food for a week for around 65 euros>.
• Transportation: The easiest way to get around Europe is by train. Trains connect every major part of Europe, and they’re often very cheap. High-speed trains, though, can cost over 100 euros. Try to get the regional or slow trains for cheaper prices! The rise of cheap airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Transavia has made flying around Europe in a hurry really cheap. For flights, expect to pay around 50 euros if you book in advance. Transportation around most cities is only 1–2 euros.
• Activities: Most museums and tours start at around 14 euros. It’s cheaper, of course, in eastern Europe. Full-day tours cost 35–100 euros. Prices vary drastically per country, so it’s hard to give a good general cost of this budget item.

How to Save Money in Western Europe

• Picnic – Europe has a lot of tiny shops where you can be premade sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city go by. It’s a cheaper and more enjoyable way to eat.
• Eat Local and Cheap – Not into picnicking? That’s OK, there are other ways to save money on food. Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, outdoor street vendors, and the like. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab ‘n go” places will give you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price.
• Couchsurf – Hostels can add up really quick in Europe. If you don’t have any friends you can stay with, consider using the service Couchsurfing, which lets you connect with locals who will let you stay with them for free.
• Fly Cheap – If you know where you’re going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get one-euro fares from many of the discount airlines like Transavia, Easyjet, Air Berlin, and Ryanair. MORE: There are many cheap ways to get across Europe.
• Drink Less – Those five-euro beers really add up. Hit happy hour or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks, or you can buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Take the Free Tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, learn some history, and get your bearings without spending any money. Almost every city in Europe has a free walking tour available. Your hostel or the tourism board will have details!
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific is Campspace (formerly Camp in My Garden), which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or a nominal fee (around 4-10 EUR). This is a new service that started in 2010 but more and more people are signing up for it each day. All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer.
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars when I used them. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal. Here’s more information how to pick a Eurail pass.
• Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices issue a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – Hugely popular and widespread in Europe, I did this to get around Switzerland, France, and UK. BlaBlaCar, the biggest website, connects drivers and riders and lets you get around much cheaper than a bus or train. Moreover, this way is amazing for getting off the highways, seeing more the countryside, and meeting locals. It’s money-saving and much more exciting than taking the train or bus!

What’s a good daily budget in Europe?

Recently, I went through Amsterdam, Greece, Italy, and Hungary. In 59 days of traveling, I spent 4,317 euros, which averages out to 73.17 euros per day. That includes a few flights, many a nice meal, too many drinks on Ios, a few nights of private rooms (it was my birthday, after all!), and some unexpected purchases (a jacket, a new iPhone charger, and new headphones).

So how much does it cost to travel Europe?

On a backpacker budget, if you were avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing, staying in cheap dorms, and cooking most of your meals, you could average between 40-50 Eur per day. It would be a tight budget but you could definitely do it. One of the biggest costs in Europe is accommodation so reducing that cost will help a lot!

However, if you wanted some flexibility in your schedule, planned to eat out only stay in hostels, and visit a lot of places, plan for around 70 euros a day.

If you’re going to stay in only private rooms or Airbnb as well as eat at sit down restaurants every meal, I’d say budget closer to 100 euros to be safe.

***

A trip to Western Europe can cost a lot of money. It’s never going to be a cheap area of the world to travel but with some smart money management and follow the tips in this post, Western Europe can become at least an affordable place to visit. Control your costs and you can be able to see anything!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
 

Also look at my other Europe guides:

View all my guides —>

Is Morocco Safe? 9 Ways to Stay Safe During Your Visit in 2019

Updated: 12/15/2018 | December 15th, 2018

12/15/2018 | December 15th, 2018

Wandering around the Fez medina, I could feel the stares. “Where are you going? Want to go to the tanneries? I’ll take you. No money. Don’t worry!” the medina’s faux guides said as they chased me down the street.

“No, I’m fine,” I’d reply, trying to dodge them at every turn. Turning down side streets, stopping to look at a map, or admiring a view caused them and any nearby vendor to pounce and badger me, inviting me into stores, restaurants, and attractions.

There were moments when I would turn down streets only to have my spidey sense tell me to turn back. A few guys tried to corner me before I managed to slip into a store. Heck, even a little kid tried to pick my pocket. While other cities were not as intense as Fez, my visit to Morocco required a thick skin and a watchful eye.

Before my trip to Morocco, I queried a number of friends about their experiences. I’d heard horror stories of touts, harassment, pickpockets, and scams. While that is common everywhere, Morocco travel seemed to take it to another level. “Keep an eye out,” everyone warned.

After two weeks visiting Morocco (which is amazing — see this post, where I fawn all over it!) with Intrepid Travel on their Best of Morocco tour, I could see why people say Morocco demands extra diligence when it comes to staying safe in Morocco. Touts, scammers, and harassers abound and, while it wasn’t bad when I was with my group, when I was alone, it was intense. As I settled into the famous and secluded Café Clock in Fez to relax, I messaged fellow writers online to ask if I was overreacting or if they felt the same way.

“No, it’s not just you,” was the universal reply.

How to Stay Safe in Morocco

In truth, Morocco is a safe place to visit. There’s only really small crime there (scams and pickpockets) and you’re unlikely to be assaulted or seriously hurt as a tourist in the country. Morocco is super safe for tourists now. As a solo female traveler, you need to watch out a little more carefully but, overall, you are still unlikely to encounter serious problems.

Morocco travel requires extra vigilance because it’s easy to have something happen to you. You’re unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger in Morocco, but the petty crime and harassment require you to stay on guard — more so than other countries. However, if you follow a few rules, you can leave Morocco unscathed and without incidence.

Here are my 9 tips on how to stay safe when you visit Morocco:

1. Don’t walk alone at night — While walking in well-lit and busy areas can be fine, be careful walking at night. You never know what lurks around the corner in the medinas. Petty crime is rampant here, especially against tourists.
2. Don’t walk alone if you’re a woman — A woman alone will attract a lot of unwarranted attention from men, an increased chance of being followed, and the likelihood of groping. Even when I was with the girls on my trip, they got a lot of attention. I could only imagine how much worse it was when they were alone. And, as a female, especially do not walk alone at night!
3. Dress conservatively — Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, and it’s not appropriate to wear skimpy clothing. Keep your arms, shoulders, and legs covered (especially if you are a woman) to avoid any unwanted attention and conform to local norms.
4. Avoid flashy jewelry — A good universal rule, this takes on more urgency in a country where theft is common and people will see the jewelry as a sign of wealth and therefore try harder to scam you in stores or rob you on the streets.
5. Don’t carry valuables — Since muggings and pickpockets are common, take the minimum you need when you leave your hotel or hostel. Don’t take your passport with you – leave it in the hotel! A few people on my tour carried it around with them and when my guide found out, he looked like he was about to have a heart attack!
6. Avoid back alleys — The tiny alleys of the medina are beautiful to explore but sometimes they make you easy prey for scammers and thieves. Don’t venture too far away from the crowds.
7. Watch for scams — If someone asks you into their shop for tea, they are going to use that as a pretext to get you to buy something and, thanks to the ingrained psychological idea of reciprocity, you’ll probably give in. Don’t let anyone ask you to write a letter or read a postcard that their “cousin” sent to them in English/French/whatever your native language is. It’s a ruse to get you into their store and wear you down. Same with letting someone put henna on your hand. Once these vendors have you, they will be relentless about you trying on clothes, buying something, or giving them money. Say “no thank-you” and walk away.
8. Say no to tour guides — The people saying “no money” definitely want your money. They will try to get you into their shops or take you places and ask for money for the service. Be firm and tell them no. It doesn’t matter their age or how helpful they are, if they start walking with you, they will ask for money!
9. Always negotiate taxi prices up front — Always negotiate the price for taxis before you get in, as prices are going to be substantially inflated when you arrive at your destination.

While this is good advice for any country, Morocco is more intense than your average destination due to the sheer number of people who will give you unwanted attention. It takes a lot of energy to always be on your guard in a place where the simple act of asking for directions often leads people asking for money.

Is Morocco safe? Yes, for the most part. But visiting Morocco requires you to be a little tougher and keep an eagle out for problems. It requires you to be a little bit more skeptical.

I was insulated because I was on a tour, but when I was alone or with just a few people, people came out of the woodwork, catcalled my friends, grabbed at the girls, and blocked entrances to restaurants in order to accost us. Even after a decade of travel, I found myself wishing I had a companion to share the mental burden and wanting to scream, “Leave me alone so I can just enjoy your country!”

Many people have asked me if they should go visit Morocco alone.

My honest answer? If you’re a first-time traveler, it might be hard.

This was my first time in North Africa and it was an adjustment for me (and I’ve a very experienced traveler). I was glad to be on a tour and have a guide. If you don’t have a lot of travel experience or are a woman traveling alone, it might just be too much. I might suggest going on a tour first instead of exploring the country solo. Moreover, it is hard to get into the remote desert and mountains on the public transportation systems. I wouldn’t drive here either as everyone races around mountain curves.

That said thousands of people come here alone and they are fine. If you’re OK in uncomfortable situations and a frenetic environment, you’ll be able to visit Morocco just fine!

Morocco was a battery on my senses — the food, the colors, the spices, the smells, and the scenery were unforgettable. (Also the doors — they have such ornate and colorful doorways in Morocco. I have dozens of pictures of doors).

I would 100% recommend to anyone that they visit the country, but make sure you keep an extra eye out (especially in Fez) and have a thick skin for all the people asking you to buy things!

Morocco won’t be easy but it’s worth the visit – and it’s a lot safer than you think!

Editor’s Note: I went to Morocco with Intrepid Travel on their Best of Morocco tour. It was part of my ongoing partnership with Intrepid Travel. They covered the cost of the tour, flight, and meals.

Want to Learn How I Travel the World for Free?

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Book Your Trip to Morocco: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Morocco?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Morocco for even more tips on how to plan your visit!

Backpacking Europe: A 6 Step Guide To Planning Your Trip in 2019

Updated: 7/10/19 | July 10th, 2019

7/10/19 | July 10th, 2019

Backpacking Europe is still one of my favorite things to do as a traveler. There isn’t a year I don’t criss-cross the continent.

I’ve been doing it for over close to thirteen years and it never gets old.

During the summer, hostels brim with life, the Mediterranean sparkles, streets brim with people slowly drinking wine, and the late night setting suns leads to long wonderous days. During the winter, winter brings Christmas markets, skiing, fewer crowds, and lower prices! (Note: May and October are really the best months to backpack Europe in my opinion.)

Over the decade I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve written a lot of posts on Europe. I visit Europe multiple times a year, have been all over the continent, and I have even run tours there.

And recently, I even lived there!

With so much content on the blog, I wanted to create an awesome resource page that will help you plan your backpacking trip to Europe with ease. In this post, you’ll find all my best resources on planning a backpacking or budget trip to Europe, including destination guides, transportation information, and backpacking Europe tips.

Without further ado, here’s everything you could ever want to know about backpacking Europe:

Step 1: Plan Your Backpacking Europe Trip

Step 2: Get Your Gear for Backpacking Europe

Step 3: How to Get Amazing Accommodation in Europe

• How to Find Cheap Accommodation – If you are looking to stay somewhere besides a hotel or a hostel, this article lists all the types of places where you can rest your head in Europe — from couches to farms and even monasteries!
• How to Find a Good Hostel – This article features my best tips on how to find an affordable, clean, and fun hostel where you can meet a lot of amazing people.
• The Best Hostels in Europe – This is a list of European hostels that I would definitely use again if I have the chance. Hope this helps with your next European backpacking adventure!
• How to Find a Couchsurfing Host – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money (it’s free!), and it offers a peek into local life and a way to meet locals. It’s one of my favorite resources when I travel. Plus, Europe has a ton of hosts! If you want to stand out from the crowd and stay with amazing hosts, follow these seven steps, my tried-and-true Couchsurfing advice.
• How to Become a House Sitter – This is a how-to guide to house-sitting, a wonderful opportunity that allows you to stay in a location rent free in exchange for watching someone’s house.

Step 4: Get Around Europe on the Cheap

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe – Even with the falling euro, traveling around Europe can still be fairly expensive. Here are seven ways to backpack Europe without breaking the bank.
• Are Eurail Passes Worth It? – Everyone traveling to Europe wonders if they will save money by buying a rail pass or if it’s cheaper to buy tickets as they go. This detailed post will give you the pros and cons of buying a rail pass!
• Would You Contiki? – Is a Contiki tour cheaper than backpacking Europe solo? Are the tours worth doing? Find out more about the costs of solo vs group travel and whether a Contiki tour is right for you.
• Sailing Around Croatia with Busabout – Busabout is a hugely popular tour company for those backpacking Europe. They are especially famous for their Croatia sailing trips. Here’s a review of my experience I took with them.

Step 5: Save Money While Backpacking Europe

Step 6: Find Out What to See and Do in Europe

What do you do while backpacking Europe? LOTS! Here are all my comprehensive budget travel guides for destinations around Europe with tips and advice on things to do and see, ways to save money, and typical costs for each of them. You’ll find country specific tips as well as a host of cities listed as well.

What do you do while backpacking Europe? LOTS! Here are all my comprehensive budget travel guides for destinations around Europe with tips and advice on things to do and see, ways to save money, and typical costs for each of them. You’ll find country specific tips as well as a host of cities listed as well.

I have over 100 guides to places in Europe! Everything you ever need to know about where you are going can be found in these articles!

In addition to the free city and country guides above, here are some insightful travel itineraries to help you make the most out of your trip to some of Europe’s most popular cities:

***
This massive resource list will help you plan your trip to Europe in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step pattern so you won’t get lost, overspend, or stress out about your upcoming dream trip.

Want All My Money-Saving Tips? Get My Guide to Europe

Nomadic Matt’s Backpacking Europe
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!!

Get the Europe Guide

Also, be sure to check out my other Europe guides for more in-depth tips and tricks for backpacking Europe:

• Amsterdam
• Iceland
• Paris
• Stockholm

View all my guides —>

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

This massive resource list will help you plan your trip to Europe in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step pattern so you won’t get lost, overspend, or stress out about your upcoming dream trip. Europe is one of my favorite regions of the world (which is why I spend so much time there). There’s so much variety in food, culture, language, as well as so much history. I love the continent and hope you use these tips to plan your ultimate backpacking adventure in Europe!

Photo credit: 1, 3

Is Central America Safe to Visit? 15+ Ways to Stay Safe! (Updated 2019)

Posted: 7/6/2019 | July 6th, 2019

Central America is one of my favorite regions for backpacking. While it can be challenging to get around, it also offers incredible beauty, abundant nature, picturesque beaches, and affordable prices.

Political upheaval and civil unrest kept tourists at bay for a long time, however. But these days the area has developed into something of a hotspot for travelers, surfers, and retirees.

Why?

Because Central America has something for everyone!

But is it safe?

Yes — but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to take precautions.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to stay safe and have an amazing trip in this incredibly diverse region!

What Countries are in Central America?

There are seven countries in Central America:

Click on the map for country guides:

Central America

Central America

8 Important Safety Tips for Central America

While Central America is considered generally safe for traveling and backpacking, there’s no denying that some precautions should be taken.

• Be aware of your surroundings – It can be easy to stop paying attention and let your guard down. But that’s when disaster strikes. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a greater risk for getting robbed, especially at night and in big cities. Try to stay where the crowds are. That’s the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.
• Don’t wear flashy items – Petty theft is the most common threat here, so remove any jewelry or watches, and don’t wave your phone around. Do your best to blend in, so you don’t become a target for pickpockets.
• Separate your cash – Keep only the money that you need for the day on you. Keep the rest locked away safely at your accommodation.
• Take taxis at night – If you need to get somewhere at night, take a taxi. It will be safer than any public transportation. Have your accommodation call the taxi for you, so you can be sure you’re getting a reputable driver.
• Be careful on public transit – If you have to take public transit, keep your valuables on you and keep them well secured, especially on chicken buses (colorful, modified, and decorated buses that transport goods and people). Petty theft is common on night buses, so avoid them if you can.
• Don’t do drugs – The cartels here have really made life difficult for the local population. Don’t support them by buying their products. Drug penalties are also harsh in the region, and you don’t want to end up in jail here!
• Buy travel insurance – Travel insurance will keep you protected if you get injured or ill, are a victim of theft, or have to deal with delayed or canceled flights. It’s a worthwhile investment and can save you thousands of dollars. Don’t risk traveling without it!

At the end of the day, you’ll just need to always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought and seems unsafe, get out of there and find a new place to stay. You have every right to remove yourself from such situations, so do what you need to do to feel safe.

What is the Northern Triangle? Is it Safe?

The Northern Triangle comprises Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. It’s the region of Central America that traditionally (and currently) has the most crime and violence. This is usually concentrated in the larger cities, and particularly in specific neighborhoods. If you’re going to be in the capital cities of any of these three countries, you’ll want to talk to your hostel or hotel staff for the most up-to-date safety advice.

That being said, if you’re visiting tourist areas or going on nature excursions, then you won’t have any issues here as long as you follow the safety advice above.

What is the Safest Country in Central America?

Costa Rica, which provides safety and stability alongside incredible natural beauty. Of course, prices are also much higher and reflect the country’s status as “the Switzerland of Central America.”

If you’re new to backpacking and want to start off somewhere that offers a good mix of adventure and safety, go for Costa Rica. It was the first country I ever backpacked in, and I absolutely loved it!

In terms of safety, the next best place is Panama. It’s home to a growing community of expats and retirees, which is giving the country an economic boost and making it a bit more gringo friendly. That means you’ll be able to get lots of great tips and suggestions (including specific, local safety tips) from the expat community while still having yourself an adventure.

Coming in strong behind Panama is Belize. It does a great job of balancing safety with plenty of things to see and do!

Is Central America Safe for Solo Travelers?

Central America is quite safe for solo travelers. As long as you avoid isolated areas and don’t travel alone at night, you’ll be able to avoid the most common issues tourists face, such as petty crime.

If you’re worried that you won’t feel safe, try to join a group of other travelers or invite people from your hostel to join you when you go out. That way, you’ll be able to feel safe while also getting to connect with other people.

As a solo traveler, be sure to scan your passport and other important documents and email them to yourself in case you do happen to run into trouble.

Additionally, be sure to download offline maps and offline language apps so you can look up directions if you get lost or communicate with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to learn some Spanish before you go too. Even a few key phrases can go a long way!

Is Central America Safe for Solo Female Travelers in Particular?

Solo female travelers will need to be more on guard during their time in Central America. Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize are the safest countries in the region. If you’re new solo female travel, stick to these countries.

Outside of those three countries, I’d suggest new solo female travelers stick to group travel or tours, just to be safe. However, experienced solo female travelers should be able to navigate the region without too much additional concern.

Women should be extra careful in large cities, though, especially at night. Beyond that, as long as you follow the usual precautions, you’ll be able to have an amazing time!

Are Taxis Safe in Central America?

The taxis in Central America are safe and reliable, though you’ll always want to make sure you’re getting in marked taxi. Never get in an unmarked car.

During the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, but you’ll want to be aware of the local custom, as some countries’ taxis use meters and others require you to negotiate a price in advance.

If taking a taxi at night, have your accommodation call it for you. Never hail a random taxi at night.

Can You Eat the Street Food in Central America?

You bet you can! You’ll find all sorts of amazing street food stands and local restaurants in Central America, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try them! Just make sure to stick to places where there are a lot of locals gathered. That’s how you know the food is not only safe but delicious too!

For the most part, you’ll encounter places that sell various kinds of chicken. As long as it is fully cooked (not pink on the inside) and hasn’t been in the sun all day, dive in and give it a try! A lot of food here will also be deep-fried, which will almost always be safe (just not healthy).

Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel or hostel staff for street food or restaurant suggestions. They’ll no doubt have some delicious — and perfectly safe — ones for you.

Can You Drink the Water in Central America?

As a general ruled you’ll want to avoid the tap water in Central America, although it’s likely fine in Costa Rica and Panama.

The best way to make sure your drinking water is safe is to bring a Steripen or Lifestraw for your reusable water bottle. This way you’ll be able to purify the tap water so you don’t get sick — and avoiding single-use plastic bottles in the process.

***

With so many affordable accommodation and transportation options, stunning landscapes, plentiful outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches, it should come as no surprise that Central America is one of the most backpacked regions of the world.

Sure, it might get a bad rap due to its violent history and economic struggles, but that doesn’t mean it’s categorically unsafe. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to stay safe and healthy during your next visit!

P.S. – Did you know I wrote a new book? It’s called “Ten Years a Nomad” and it’s all about the lessons I’ve learned from a life of travel. It features tons of stories and misadventures I’ve never told on this blog as well! It comes out July 16th! Click here to learn more and grab your copy today! (I’ll be going on a book tour too!)

Book Your Trip to Central America: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

• Dirty McNasty (Caye Caulker, Belize) – This is one of the biggest hostels in the country and a hub for party-goers. If you’re looking to let loose, this is the hostel for you!
• Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica) – This an institution in Central America. The hostel has been there for ages and there’s a beautiful white sand beach in front of it. They have nightly BBQs.
• The Naken Tiger (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua) – Located in San Juan del Sur, the Naked Tiger is an incredible property nestled a bit far out of town but on top of a hill with a beautiful view of the entire area.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Central America?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Central America for even more planning tips!

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points — and the Best Ways to Use Them

Courtesy of Hilton

Mastering a hotel loyalty program can be the key to earning and redeeming points for fabulous trips all over the world. Travelers can rack up hotel points not only for stays, but on many other types of purchases as well, and then use them to book award nights at associated properties. In addition to free nights, hotel points can often be converted into airline miles or redeemed for experiences like concert tickets and sporting events.

Hilton Honors is one of the world’s largest travel rewards programs with over 89 million members, and more than 5,700 properties around the globe where those members can both earn and redeem their hard-earned points. Here’s how to make the most of it.

What is Hilton Honors?

Hilton Honors is the loyalty program of Hilton, obviously. But in these days of acquisitions and consolidations, Hilton now comprises 14 distinct hotel brands. Those include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts on the luxury side, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Curio Collection by Hilton for mid-range travelers, and solid budget brands like DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton.

There are also some brands you might not have heard of, like the Tapestry Collection and Tru by Hilton, as well as soon-to-launch labels like LXR and Signia.

This might seem like a lot of information to keep track of, but on the positive side, it means more opportunities to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points at hotels in over 100 countries.

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points

Courtesy of Hilton

Hilton Honors members earn 10 points per dollar spent on room rates and other eligible hotel charges (like dining or spa purchases) at most of Hilton’s brands. Stays at Home2 Suites and Tru properties only earn five points per dollar. If you have elite status, you earn more, but we’ll get into that below.

Hilton also fields three personal credit cards through American Express with which members can earn points on everyday spending. The first is the Hilton Honors American Express card. It has no annual fee and earns seven points per dollar at Hilton hotels, five points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations in the U.S., and three points per dollar on everything else. Cardholders enjoy complimentary Silver status, which is Hilton’s lowest elite tier. At time of writing, this card’s sign-up bonus was 75,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first three months.

The mid-range Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card has a $95 annual fee. For that, you have a chance at a 125,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $2,000 in the first three months. It earns 12 points per dollar at Hilton properties, six points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, and three per dollar on everything else. It also comes with complimentary Gold elite status, with perks like earning even more bonus points on stays, room upgrades, and free in-room high-speed Wi-Fi.

The high-end Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, with an annual fee of $450, was only introduced in 2018. At time of writing, its sign-up bonus was 150,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That’s nearly enough for two free nights at the luxurious Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which would cost 160,000 points or $1,500.

The Aspire earns 14 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, seven points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and on car rentals and at U.S. restaurants, and three points per dollar on everyday purchases.

Every year you renew the Hilton Honors Aspire, you also get a free weekend night reward good at nearly any Hilton property around the world, which can be worth hundreds of dollars. Cardholders also receive up to $250 in statement credits on Hilton purchases each year, a $100 on-property credit on each stay of two nights or more at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties, an annual $250 airline fee credit, and access to over 1,200 Priority Pass airport lounges around the world. Finally, the card comes with automatic top-tier Diamond status, which includes benefits like 100% bonus points on stays plus complimentary breakfast and club hotel executive lounge access.

If you regularly stay at Hilton properties, the bonuses afforded by its credit cards can really add up, as can the points-earning opportunities on everyday purchases. Just note that Hilton Honors points expire after 12 months of account inactivity, so in order to keep your points active, you’ve got to either earn or redeem some each year.

How to Redeem Hilton Honors Points

Courtesy of Hilton

Speaking of redeeming points, Hilton Honors members can use theirs in a variety of ways. The first is by booking award nights at hotels.

Unlike some other hotel programs, Hilton Honors no longer has an award chart where properties are separated into distinct categories with set redemption rates. Instead, award nights are priced dynamically, meaning that if paid rates are lower on certain dates, you can redeem fewer points for an award night. Likewise, when paid rates are more expensive, you’ll need to redeem more points. In general, though, you can expect award nights to cost between 5,000-95,000 points each. For example, standard award nights at the sophisticated Waldorf Astoria Berlin range from 50,000 points or $230 per night to 70,000 points or $340 per night over the next few months.

Hilton offers Points & Money awards that allow members to use both cash and points on a reservation. Say an award night costs 50,000 points, but you only have 40,000 in your account. You can redeem the 40,000 points you have and then pay cash for the remainder of the bill.

For every 1,000 points you subtract from the regular award rate, the cash co-pay goes up by about $3-6, depending on the hotel. For example, on a night at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin that costs 70,000 points or $340, you could instead pay 35,000 points plus $175. This feature can be very handy in case you don’t have enough points in your account for an outright redemption, or if you want to save some of your points for the future and would prefer to spend cash instead.

Hilton also offers premium rewards where members can redeem even more points for upgraded rooms and suites, and those can cost hundreds of thousands of points per night. In general, aim to get about half a cent per point in value for any redemption. Hilton Honors Silver, Gold, and Diamond elites get the fifth night free on award reservations of five nights or more, which is a nice discount of up to 20 percent.

Members can use points for non-hotel experiences that range in value, such as Maren Morris concert tickets in St. Louis (30,000 points), or a 24-hour car-racing experience at Le Mans that includes a night of glamping at the Aston Martin campsite (350,000 points).

Finally, Hilton allows members to redeem points for Amazon purchases, but the redemption value tends to be pretty low, so avoid it if possible.

Hilton Honors Partners

In addition to accruing Hilton Honors points through hotel stays and credit-card spending, members can earn bonus points on car rentals with Alamo, Enterprise, and National; by joining the Priority Pass airport lounge network; or by booking a cruise through CruisesOnly. Members can also earn bonus points by eating out at restaurants that participate in Hilton’s dining network.

It is possible to convert miles from Amtrak Guest Rewards, Hawaiian Airlines and Virgin Atlantic into Hilton Honors points at varying ratios, though this is typically not a great option since the transfer ratios are quite low.

A much better deal – if you have an American Express card that earns transferable Membership Rewards points, such as the Platinum Card or the American Express Gold Card, you can initiate transfers at a ratio of 1,000 Amex points to 2,000 Hilton points.

On the flip side, members can convert Hilton points into airline miles with over 40 partners including American Airlines, Delta, United, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. The conversion ratio for most of these partners is 10,000 Hilton points to 1,000-1,500 airline miles. So this should only be a last resort, as should redeeming points for a car rental with Alamo, Enterprise, or National.

Elite Status Tiers and Benefits

Hilton Honors members who spend a certain number of nights at Hilton properties each year can earn elite status, which confers benefits such as bonus points-earning opportunities, room upgrades, free breakfast, and more.

The program currently has three tiers of elite status starting with Silver, which is earned after four stays or 10 nights per calendar year, or earning 25,000 base points (equivalent to spending $2,500 at hotels). If you hit this level, you will earn 20% bonus points on stays (so 12 points per dollar instead of the regular 10), and receive a few perks like free bottles of water and a fifth night free on award stays.

If you earn Gold status by completing 20 stays or 40 nights in a calendar year, or by earning 75,000 base points (i.e. spending $7,500 at hotels), you get 80% bonus points (so 18 per dollar on stays), the possibility of room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast at most hotels.

Top-tier Diamond status is achieved at 30 stays or 60 nights, or by earning 120,000 base points in a calendar year (equivalent to spending $12,000 on hotel stays). Diamond elites get a 100% point bonus on stays (so 20 points per dollar), free premium internet, a better chance of room upgrades, club lounge access at some hotels, and various welcome amenities.

One interesting facet to the Hilton Honors program is that elite members can roll over any nights above the status level they achieve for the following year. So if you spend 20 nights in Hilton hotels this year, you would qualify for Silver status, which only requires 10 nights. The extra 10 nights will be rolled over into your qualification activity for the following year, giving you a jump on earning status yet again.

Remember, though, that all of Hilton’s American Express credit cards come with automatic elite status of one level or another, so carrying one of them is the fastest and cheapest shortcut to becoming a Hilton Honors elite and enjoying all the attendant perks.

Pros and Cons of Hilton Honors

The advantages of enrolling in Hilton Honors include the opportunity to earn and redeem points at thousands of hotels all over the world. The program’s co-branded credit cards offer some incredible benefits, including great ways to earn bonus points, automatic elite status, and on-property credits for things like dining and spa treatments during stays. One final factor in its favor: the ability for members to pool their points with up to 10 other people for free, putting more award nights within easy reach.

Unfortunately, the program lacks transparency when it comes to award nights since rates at a single hotel can vary by tens of thousands of points depending on demand. Also a drag? Hilton’s airline and shopping partnerships offer poor redemption values for your points.

How to Sign Up

It only takes a moment to sign up for Hilton Honors, and it’s free, so you might as well.

Cool Gadgets

Travel forces you to interact with the world in new ways, and cool gadgets do much the same. (It’s particularly thrilling when you can combine both.) Technology has radically reshaped the way we travel, from the advent of GPS, to smart phones, and even selfie sticks. Travel + Leisure stays abreast of all of the coolest gadgets designed to aid travelers on their journeys, from revolutionary robot suitcases and robot room service to a hotel fully manned by robots. But it's not all robots. Tech news increasingly overlaps with travel news: these are the devices travelers use to organize and plan their lives.

Sorting Through the Best Tech Gadgets

A cell phone game leads players young and old to explore the physical world in new ways. A lens the size of a keychain fob reveals whether or not sunscreen has been applied evenly. A camera shows its users existing images similar to the photograph they’ve framed before they ever close the shutter. A motorized suitcase gives rides to travelers (who sit astride it like a hobby horse) on their way to an airport gate. Drones fly to remote villages or difficult to navigate neighborhoods bearing supplies to combat Zika.

The most transformative tech gadgets often look unassuming: when was the last time you gazed at your EZPass with admiration? Yet electronic toll-collection systems have saved drivers countless hours of sitting in traffics. A smart phone, for all it can do, is similarly compact, and travelers can use it to do everything a travel agent would have in the past, and more: book hotels or rent apartments, meet people, arrange rides, buy tickets, find restaurants, and make reservations. Other gadgets are geared more for the outdoors, from popular GoPro portable video cameras to handheld GPS satellite devices and solar-powered cell-phone chargers. Travel + Leisure reviews the latest tech, from smart watches to virtual reality devices, to help you find the gear worth the investment.