Curious about the travel gear I bring with me on my international adventures? I’ve put together this gear page to share my long-term travel packing list. Obviously, I recommend traveling with high-quality, lightweight & durable stuff.

The travel gear I use may not work for everyone. I carry extra photography equipment to maintain this travel blog, along with camping equipment for trekking up mountains, hitchhiking long distance, or exploring rainforests from time to time.

All travelers have different tastes & requirements while on the road. The following gear list is just what I’ve found works best for MY particular “adventure” travel style.

While I often travel on a budget, my gear can be expensive. I want it to be functional, multi-purpose, comfortable, and very tough. I don’t want to keep replacing worn-out equipment every few months while abroad — plus I have a slight obsession with keeping travel gear as lightweight as possible!

“He who would travel happily must travel light.“ ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

(One of my favorite quotes about travel!)

Top Travel Gear List For 2023

Travel Luggage: Suitcase VS Backpack

Ah, the eternal question. Travel backpack, suitcase, or rolling duffel? This is going to come down to personal preference — and what kind of traveling you plan to do.

If you’re riding chicken-buses through Central America or hitchhiking around Africa, you’ll probably want a travel-friendly backpack. If you spend a lot of time in cities or fly frequently, you might prefer a rolling duffel or suitcase.

I started vagabonding around the world with a backpack, but my travel style has changed over the years, where I now find a suitcase more convenient for most trips.

Mainly due to carrying a lot more photography gear, plus traveling with kids.

My Main Travel Bags

I currently travel with up to 3 different bags. A rolling suitcase as my main bag, a backpack for trips that entail hiking mountains or trekking, plus an airplane carry-on camera daypack.

I usually only need to check one bag, the hard shell suitcase. The hiking backpack can lie-flat inside it. For bigger trips that require more technical gear (like trekking or winter camping), I’ll check both.

Victorinox Suitcase

My favorite lightweight travel suitcase with lots of room, strong locking zipper and a tough outer shell. Quiet 360 degree wheels that can take plenty of airport abuse.

Hiking & Travel Backpack

This lightweight, comfortable hiking & travel backpack includes full front-zipper access to all my gear. It lies flat in my suitcase if needed.

Camera Daypack

Amazing carry-on camera & laptop backpack. I use this for day hikes with my camera gear, but it has room for things like snacks, water, jacket, full-size tripod, and more.

READ MORE: How To Choose The Perfect Travel Backpack

Basic Travel Gear

This is my basic, standard travel gear that goes with me on every trip. From items that make flights more comfortable to gear that helps me stay organized while traveling.

Filtered Bottle

Packing Cubes

Multi-Tool

Travel Pillow

Travel Scarf

Earplugs

Toiletry Kit

Flatpak Bottles

Passport Wallet

Travel Scale

Folding Duffel

Headlamp

READ MORE: Best Gifts For Travelers In 2023

Backpacking & Camping Gear

As an adventure addict, I do a lot of overnight backpacking, trekking, and camping when I travel. So I pack some specialized outdoor gear for these types of journeys, much of it pretty high-end (super lightweight & durable).

Nemo Tent

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Camp Stove

READ MORE: My Complete Backpacking Gear Checklist

Travel Clothing & Apparel

You don’t need a huge wardrobe to travel. Here’s some of the clothing I pack when traveling around the world. I try to buy stuff that’s lightweight and wrinkle resistant. As for how much?

Travel Blazer

Travel Pants

Travel Shorts

Boxer Briefs

Dress Shirts

T-Shirts

Fleece

Socks

Travel Shoes

Sandals

READ MORE: How I Do Laundry While Traveling

Tech Gadgets For Travelers

I would not be able to produce a travel blog of this caliber without some computer equipment. Other electronics are not absolutely needed, but they improve my quality of life on the road enough to be worth the weight.

Travel Plug

Power Bank

Kindle

Headphones

13″ Macbook Air

Unlocked iPhone

Hard Drive

My Travel Photography Gear

For the photographers out there, this is the camera equipment I use for adventure travel photography around the world. While I shoot images for this blog, I also sell images to magazines, brands, and national tourism boards. I carry more camera equipment than the average traveler because it’s part of my business. You can see all my camera gear here.

Sony A7R III

GoPro 9

Mavic Air 2

Travel Tripod

16-35mm

24-70mm

Microphone

Camera Clip

READ MORE: Best Travel Cameras For Different Budgets

Why Not Travel Carry-On Only?

Both my wife & I have traveled carry-on only before, and still do occasionally for short trips. However as I’ve collected more camera gear for the travel photography side of my business, and because we have kids now, I check a bag again.

And you know what? After ten years of regular travel, the airlines have only lost my checked-bag 4 times. In all but one of those cases my bag showed up the next day — it was not a big problem. Losing a bag for a day is not the crisis some travelers pretend it is.

Only once did it take a week to get my bag back. While this particular situation certainly sucked, having this happen once in 10-years, with all the flying I do, does not make it a frequent occurrence.

Checking a bag is not the end of the world… and odds are very high it will be waiting for you at luggage claim.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Is it possible to travel Cuba on a budget? Learn how to plan your visit with my Cuba travel guide — featuring travel tips, costs, things to do, where to stay, and more. Experience the best that Cuba has to offer!

The island of Cuba was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492.

While it’s been a popular travel destination for years, due to an economic embargo, Americans haven’t been able to visit easily until now.

In this article I’ll share my favorite Cuban beaches, hiking opportunities, the best of Havana, where to find great cigars, and of course, give you tips on what kind food you need to try!

My Cuba travel guide is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

Cuba Budget Travel Guide 2021

What draws people to the tropical Caribbean island of Cuba is much more than beaches and antique 1950’s cars, although there are plenty of those!

In Cuba, you can wander bustling city streets, go hiking in the mountains, learn about the history of tobacco, or simply soak up the country’s 1950’s time-warp appeal. Get a taste of what it’s like to live in a socialist country.

While Cuba can sometimes be a confusing and challenging place for many travelers, I invite you to give it a try anyway and experience some Cuban magic for yourself.

There are many wonderful reasons to visit Cuba for your next vacation.

Planning A Trip To Cuba

Cuba is generally pretty affordable, especially compared to other Caribbean Islands, yet is more expensive than other parts of Latin America like Mexico or Central American nations. With a special 2nd currency just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time.

Budget travelers can survive on around $50 USD per day.

Cuba’s local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP- ₱) and it translates to ₱24 CUP for $1 USD. However as a tourist, you’ll be using Cuba’s secondary currency just for tourists, the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC – $) which is pegged to the US Dollar. So $1 CUC = $1 USD.

You will need to exchange US dollars for CUC, but there is a special 10% penalty fee for this service. So it’s often cheaper to exchange Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, or Mexican Pesos for CUC instead.

If you’re an American, you still can’t use your credit cards or ATM cards in Cuba. They won’t work because of the economic sanctions in place.

So you MUST exchange cash to fund your whole trip unless you’re on a pre-paid tour. The other option is buying a foreign pre-paid debit card from banks in Canada or Mexico.

There’s an official currency exchange booth outside the airport in Havana. You can exchange your leftover CUC back to US dollars (or whatever) when you leave the country too.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Cuba?

TOTAL DAYS = 10

TOTAL SPENT = $900 USD

DAILY AVERAGE = $90 USD

Please use these numbers as general guidelines only. Remember, everyone travels differently. Your personal travel budget in Cuba may vary.

When I traveled through Cuba for 10 days in 2016, I spent a total of $900 for an average of $90 USD per day.

Some of the things I splurged on included renting a car for more freedom to explore the island on our own. Rental cars in Cuba aren’t cheap — ours was $83 CUC per day (which we then split 4 ways with friends).

Scuba diving, tickets to Havana’s famous Tropicana Show, cigars, and a classic car city tour were some other activities I chose to include in my own trip. Your own choices will affect your travel budget in Cuba.

Where To Stay In Cuba

While you can find fancy hotels in Havana and all-inclusive resorts in Varadero, the best accommodation options in Cuba are called casas particulares.

Casas particulares are like local guesthouses. The Cuban government allows some residents to rent the spare rooms in their homes for extra income, and as a traveler, you get a more local experience.

To find a casa, you simply walk around a neighborhood, pop in and ask to see a room, and decide if you want to stay there. Most are easy to find because they’re marked with a special sign that looks a bit like an anchor.

Prices will vary depending on the region. A double room costs between $25 – 40 CUC with breakfast included. If staying with locals isn’t your thing, there are other options too. Just a lot more expensive.

• Casas Particulares: $25 – $40 per night
• Mid-Range Hotels: $90 – $150 per night
• Resorts & Fancy Hotels: $200 – $400 per night

READ MORE: How To Find Cheap Hotels

Tasty Cuban Food & Restaurants

While many travelers complain about Cuban food and its availability, I found food in Cuba pretty cheap and tasty. Not to mention those famous Cuban mojitos for only $1 or $2!

The lowest-cost options are Cuban sandwiches or Cuban pizzas at street-side stores called “paladares”. These meals can cost as little as $1, but are super basic too. Cuban pizzas reminded me of frozen microwave pizzas. Nothing to write home about…

If you’re a dedicated foodie, and need more choices, you can find large plates of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish for about $7 at restaurants near the coast. There’s also traditional Cuban cuisine called ropa vieja (old clothes) which is basically pulled pork with gravy, served with rice and beans for about $5.

Larger restaurants are generally set up for tourists, with high tourist prices around $15-$20 for a meal. Most Cubans can’t afford to eat at these places. They cook at home, using government rations called Libreta de Abastecimiento to pay for basics like rice, sugar, and cooking oil.

Transportation In & Around Cuba

Flying To Cuba

The major airports in Cuba are in Havana (HAV) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU). For years, many Americans traveled to Cuba through foreign gateway cities like Cancun, Mexico City, or Toronto. However in 2016 the US government started allowing commercial flights to Cuba from the United States. New York, Miami, and Los Angeles all offer flights.

Buses In Cuba

Bus travel in Cuba is pretty comfortable. There’s one main bus line called Viazul. Cuban buses are cheap, but the routes fill up quickly, so you usually need to get your tickets in advance either online or in person at least a day or two early. The online booking system kinda sucks, so another option is booking them through ZunZunCar.

Cuban Taxis

Taxis are available in the more developed cities of Cuba like Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad. Official taxis, in modern cars, will be marked and some even have meters. Old classic car taxis are more expensive, often with set rates of $8-$10 per ride. Try to negotiate a price before you get in.

You can rent your own classic car with a driver for a full day for about $160 USD. There’s even advanced online book available now.

Almendrons are local shared taxis that run in some cities. It’s the cheapest option at 0.50 CUC per ride, however they aren’t easy to figure out if you don’t speak Spanish. They run on set routes, simply flag one down and jump in with everyone else. Usually old 50’s vans or Toyota Landcruisers.

Bicycle Taxis are another option. Officially they aren’t allowed to pick up tourists, but they still do. A ride costs about $1 CUC. You could get kicked off early if the driver notices police nearby.

Renting A Car In Cuba

Renting a car to self-drive in Cuba is possible, but it’s not easy. The online car rental systems there generally don’t work for foreigners. The best option is to inquire by email or phone about a rental a few weeks or more before your trip. Don’t expect to just show up at the airport and book a rental car, they simply don’t have enough for the demand.

READ MORE: How To Find The Cheapest Flights Online

Visa Requirements For Cuba

For years it was possible for Americans to visit Cuba through foreign gateway countries like Mexico or Canada first. Then, President Obama opened a loophole for American tourism to Cuba, even though Congress hadn’t actually changed the law yet.

It was a kind of “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” situation. No one was enforcing the law.

You signed a piece of paper when you got on the plane saying you fit one of 12 special categories (that don’t include tourism), and no one checked.

Regular flights to Cuba from the United States started up, and things were looking good!

However it seems President Trump is clamping down on that loophole and will be making it tougher again by banning People To People trips, the category most people were using.

Support For The Cuban People

Americans can still travel to Cuba independently, but you’ll need to choose an approved travel category other than People To People tours, which Trump plans to ban.

Declare a category like Support For The Cuban People when booking flights, lodging and when you return to the US.

You can build an itinerary containing activities that meet the criteria for the category you chose, or get help from local experts to plan a legal trip (5% discount for Expert Vagabond readers!).

Foreign Gateway Cities

Another option is to fly into Cuba from a Foreign Gateway City like Cancun, Mexico or Toronto, Canada. This is what I did, and I share more details about that here.

Every traveler needs to purchase a Tourist Card for $20 ($50+ if traveling from the United States) regardless of nationality. This is most commonly done at the departure airport itself, or online/through the mail with your airline.

Best Things To Do In Cuba

Havana – The Capital City

It’s impossible to skip the capital of Havana on a trip to Cuba. Havana Viejo (Old Havana) is the historic city center, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is full of beautiful old architecture, interesting people, and of course – all those incredible classic cars.

Highlights Of Havana

• Rent a classic car for a tour through the city, $30 CUC for one hour.
• Visit some of Hemingway’s old hangouts, like La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio.
• Smoke a Cuban cigar overlooking the ocean at Hotel Nacional
• Walk the Malecon boardwalk at night with a box of cheap corner-store rum.
• Attend the world famous Tropicana Nightclub for a colorful show.

➜ Read My Havana Travel Guide Here

Varadero – Cuba’s Beach Town

Located on the Hicacos Peninsula about 140 km from Havana, Varadero is a popular resort town for tourists. The ivory-white sand beaches are gorgeous! While many beaches in Varadero are part of private resorts, there’s a large free public beach section too, which is just as beautiful.

Highlights Of Varadero

• Grab a beach chair, buy a few Cuba Libres, and work on your tan.
• Rent a kayak or sailboat and cruise down the coastline.
• Eat at one of Varadero’s amazing seafood restaurants.

Viñales – Cowboy Country

Viñales is a lush green valley surrounded by mountains located west of Havana. It’s a fun small town to visit if you’re into nature, caving, rock climbing, or learning about the art of cigar making. Viñales is Cuba’s tobacco capital, home of the best cigars in the world.

Highlights Of Viñales

• Visit a tobacco farm and learn how to make Cuban cigars.
• Rock climbing on the karst limestone cliffs.
• Rent an ATV for an off-road trip through the valley.
• Go horseback riding, or join a cave tour.

➜ Read My Viñales Travel Guide Here

Trinidad – Colonial Cuba

Trinidad is a picturesque colonial town lined with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. It was the epicenter of the Spanish sugar trade in the 18th century, where sugar barons become extremely wealthy off the back of African slave labor. Many of the old buildings have been restored.

Highlights Of Trinidad

• Hang out on the steps of Plaza Mayor with a mojito to watch the sunset.
• Visit some art & history museums, like Museo de Arquitectura or Museo Romantico.
• Climb the bell tower at Iglesia de San Francisco for great city views.
• Ride a bike to Playa Ancon, a beautiful white sand beach.
• Go swimming under waterfalls at Topes De Collantes National Park

➜ Read My Trinidad Travel Guide Here

Budget Travel Tips For Cuba

While Cuba can be affordable, it’s not an easy place to travel on an extreme budget. It takes some work.

• Try eating at locally run paladares (little restuarants in people’s homes) whenever you can.
• Use the confusing-but-cheap local shared taxis, or split a 1950’s tourist taxi with other travelers.
• Stay with locals in casas particulares whenever possible to keep accommodation costs down.

READ MORE: My Best Money Saving Travel Tips

Packing Tips For Cuba

So, you’re getting ready for your trip to Cuba, but you’re not sure what to pack? Here are some tips for things to bring with you on your journey.

• Bring a filtered water bottle to cut down on plastic waste, and save money too!
• Make sure you have a comfortable travel backpack or a sturdy travel suitcase.
• Cuba uses US-style outlets. Traveling from Europe? You’ll want a good universal travel plug.
• Don’t forget my favorite travel accessory, packing cubes to keep you organized.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Travel Gear Guide

Off The Beaten Path in Cuba

There is a cool national park called Topes de Collantes located about an hours drive from Trinidad. It has many hiking trails that lead to different waterfalls, and not many people visit them.

Some of the best waterfalls are El Nicho and Vegas Grandes, both are over 100m high, and its a great way to experience some of Cuba’s mountains. You can book a tour from Trinidad, or go on your own like we did if you have a car. Beware, the roads are pretty bad up there!

Best Time To Visit Cuba

When is the best time to visit Cuba? Regardless of the time of year, average temperatures in Cuba are very pleasant ranging from 70s F to 80s F.

But the best time to visit Cuba is arguably from December to May, as the climate tends to be mild and skies are often sunny.

The wet season is between June and October, with the heaviest rain & hottest temperatures in July & August. It’s generally a less-desirable time to visit Cuba, and hurricanes are also a threat.

The tourist high season in Cuba runs from December through March, due to great weather and large numbers of Canadians escaping the winter snow in their own country.

If you want decent weather, and fewer tourists, April, May, and November are good choices.

Internet & Cell Phone Service

Internet in Cuba isn’t available everywhere, but it’s possible to find wifi spots in most major hotels, large public parks, and even some casas particulares. For a list of all the known wifi hotspots in Cuba, click here.

To get online you need to buy an internet scratch-card from ETECSA (Cuba’s national telecommunications company). They cost between $2-6 for an hour of service. You can buy the cards in front of the airport in Havana, at major hotels, at ETECSA kiosks, or from Cubans themselves.

To use services like Skype or Snapchat, you’ll need to install a good travel VPN before you arrive. The internet isn’t super fast, but it’s fast enough to upload travel photos to Facebook & Instagram if you’re patient.

READ MORE: International Cell Phone Service

Challenges To Be Aware Of

There are a few challenges to traveling in Cuba. The lack of internet can be frustrating at times, as we’ve all become comfortable finding our way around with help from Google Maps, or searching online for answers to travel questions.

Galileo Maps ( IOS | Android ) has offline maps of Cuba, so you can find your way around using a smartphone even without internet.

If you don’t speak Spanish you might often find yourself at a loss in Cuba, as the majority of people don’t speak any English. Without Spanish it’s difficult to arrange things, but not impossible.

While Cuba is a very safe place to travel, there are many scammers too. Especially around Havana. Some popular scams in Cuba include:

• Being invited to a bar/club from someone off the street, then getting stuck with a huge mysterious bar tab.
• Women asking you to buy milk for their babies, at inflated prices from shops that are in on the scam.

Everyone isn’t trying to scam you — but you still need to stay cautious and use common sense.

READ MORE: 15 Common Travel Scams

Suggested Cuban Books & Movies

• The Other Side Of Paradise (Book) – A sobering portrait of post-Fidel Cuba. Change looms in Havana, a city of uncertainty cloaked in cliché.
• The Old Man And The Sea (Book) – Hemingway’s story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his sea battle with a giant marlin.
• Our Man In Havana (Movie) – A vacuum cleaner salesman is recruited by the British secret service to act as a spy in Havana.
• Una Noche (Movie) – Trapped in the desperate slums of Havana, young Raul dreams of escaping Cuba to Miami.
• Lonely Planet Cuba (Guidebook) – A travel guide to Cuba that includes history, advice, things to do, and places to stay.

Cuba Travel Guide: More Articles & Experiences

Planning to travel to Cuba soon? Browse all my blog posts from Cuba to get ideas & recommendations.

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Enjoy Your Trip To Cuba!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my budget travel guide to Cuba! It’s one of the most unique travel destinations I’ve ever visited, as the whole island feels trapped in time.

Things are changing fast though as more and more American tourists add it to their bucket list.

Please make sure to support local Cubans with your travel choices while there, and let’s hope that relations between Cuba and the United States will improve in the future. ★

Have any travel questions or tips about Cuba? Other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Costa Rica Travel guide

Is it possible to travel Costa Rica on a budget? Learn how to plan your visit with my Costa Rica travel guide — featuring travel tips, costs, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Named “The Rich Coast” (Spanish: Costa Rica) by Spanish conquistadors, Costa Rica is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse places.

From stunning beaches and incredible rain-forests to the charm of small towns nestled between volcanoes, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise.

In this article I’ll share my favorite Costa Rican surf beaches, wildlife opportunities, the best waterfalls to explore, and of course, give you tips on what kind food you need to try!

My Costa Rica travel guide is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you!

Costa Rica Travel Restrictions 2022

Costa Rica is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.

Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Costa Rica here.

Get Travel Insurance

Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!

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Costa Rica Budget Travel Guide

Everywhere I traveled in Central America, I kept hearing the same thing. “Skip Costa Rica” they said. “It’s expensive and touristy”. But one lesson I’ve learned in my travels is to never believe everything you hear from others.

Costa Rica surprised me in a good way. Sure, there were plenty of expensive tourist-friendly types of activities that other backpackers warned me about. For example: I’ve never seen so many advertisements for zip-lining!

But I soon found out there are a variety of ways to experience the best of the country even on a backpacker’s budget.

You just need to dig below the surface a bit.

Planning A Trip To Costa Rica

While knowledge of Spanish will obviously be a huge benefit, it’s not absolutely needed to travel in Costa Rica. I was initially a bit worried about my lack of Spanish when I visited for the first time, and surely it was frustrating to communicate, but it wasn’t impossible.

I carried a small Spanish phrasebook that covered the basics which worked fine. These days my basic grasp of Spanish is all I need to get around and make myself understood for simple situations.

For the most part, the people I’ve met here in Costa Rica were all incredibly friendly, hard-working, patient and generous individuals.

Complete strangers frequently offered to help me with directions, interpret bus announcements, or take me out for drinks and show me around.

Example Costa Rica Travel Budget

TOTAL DAYS = 34

TOTAL SPENT = $1,100 USD

DAILY AVERAGE = $32 USD

Please use these numbers as general guidelines only. Remember, everyone travels differently. Your personal travel budget in Costa Rica may vary.

Costa Rica may be more expensive than some other Central American countries, but you can certainly experience the country on a backpacker’s budget if you take the time to investigate low-cost sleeping options like camping, hostels and small locally-owned guest houses.

Budget travelers can survive on around $30 – $50 USD per day.

Costa Rica’s unit of currency is the Colon (520 – 550 colones / $1 USD).

While US dollars are widely accepted, changing your currency to colones is recommended to avoid overpaying for things in dollars.

Where To Stay Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodation, so everyone can find a perfect place to stay. Prices of accommodation vary depending of the region (prices are highest in well-established tourist towns such as San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Tamarindo) or time of the year.

Here are some examples to help you plan according to your budget.

• Backpacker Hostels: $9 – $18 per night
• Guest Houses: $24 – $40 per night
• Mid-Range Hotels: $50 – $75 per night
• Resorts & Nice Hotels: $100 – $200 per night

Local Costa Rican Food: What To Eat!

Rice and beans are the foundation of most low-cost Costa Rican meals. If you never get sick of eating it over and over again, this will help you save on food.

You can buy a hearty plate of beef, pinto, & fried plantains for about $3 at small local establishments. Yuca (also known as cassava) is another inexpensive starchy root vegetable that is served frequently.

A great money-saving option that might give you insight into the local culture is sodas – local family run restaurants that serve typical Costa Rican cuisine for as little as $5 – $8 for a gigantic plate of food.

They’re a bargain compared to restaurants that cater to tourists, so you’ll definitely want to follow locals to the busiest spots if you’re on a budget.

If you want something a little fancier, meals at the best restaurants begin at around $20 USD. Most restaurants already include a 10% gratuity fee, so there’s no need to tip more.

Transportation In Costa Rica

Most people get to Costa Rica after flying into Juan Santamaria Airport just outside the capital city of San Jose. Search for the cheapest flights to San Jose Costa Rica on Skyscanner.com. From the airport, you can book a private shuttle or take the public bus or taxi to your hotel.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots in the country. It’s my favorite way to get around!

By Bus

The main ways to get around in Costa Rica are by public bus, rental car, taxis, shuttle minivan or small planes. Public buses are the cheapest option, but they aren’t always convenient.

While the buses aren’t luxurious, the ride is definitely doable. You can expect to pay around $3 to go from one town to the next or to up to $20 USD to travel across the entire country.

Shuttle buses cost about $40 – $80 USD per person from one town to another.

Flying Within Costa Rica

If you’re short on time and willing to spend some extra money you may want to travel using small domestic planes from local airlines NatureAir and Sansa. You can get a flight starting around $30 by booking in advance.

Alternatively, there are many multi-day and day tours in Costa Rica that can drive you from your hotel to the most famous attractions.

Rent A Car In Costa Rica

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and most European nations don’t need a visa to visit Costa Rica unless the length of your stay exceeds 90 days. Visitors must pay a Costa Rican departure tax of $29 when leaving the country.

What To Do In Costa Rica

Costa Rica has plenty of less-traveled towns and national parks that offer travelers numerous adrenaline-fueled or wilderness activities – and they won’t break the bank either.

The country’s system of national parks and reserves protects approximately 25% of the country, one of the highest in the world! Here are some examples of just a few of the cool things you can do in Costa Rica:

Tortuguero National Park

Ever dreamed of seeing sea turtles? Tortugero National Park is the place to go because endangered green turtles are breeding on the beach here. Tortugero is also home to many birds, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and manatees, so if you’re a fan of the jungle you’ll love it! Boat or kayak tours through the jungle will cost you between $40 – $60.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most popular natural parks with a lot of activities, such as walking through the tree canopy, zip lining ($50 – $90) over the forest, coffee plantation tours ($10 – $30) or hiking and wildlife spotting. The park is gorgeous and shouldn’t be missed. It’s easy to hike Monteverde on your own and save money.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid back Caribbean beach town boasting beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and plenty of good restaurants and nightlife. It’s also a decent surfing destination. Chill out on one of the stunning beaches like Playa Negra or Playa Punta Uva, then head down to Cahuita National Park for a little hiking & wildlife spotting.

Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)

Costa Rica is home to many active volcanoes with Arenal being the most visited one. Volcano hiking is a must, but unfortunately, you can’t see lava oozing out of the volcano anymore. There is also whitewater rafting ($70 – $130), relaxing hot springs, or walking through the treetops on suspension bridges ($60 – $80).

Playa Tamarindo

Lively Tamarindo is a hyped-up surfing and water-sports beach with wild nightlife. Most visitors come here to surf and learn Spanish. The beach is gorgeous and shouldn’t disappoint you.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado is for adventure lovers, where you can hike through the jungle searching for unique Costa Rican wildlife like tapirs, toucans, and pumas. The largest of Costa Rica’s parks, it covers one-third of the Osa Pensinsula. While you can’t hike the park on your own anymore, it’s possible to hire a local guide to show you the way.

Budget Travel Tips For Costa Rica

If you’re on a strict budget in Costa Rica, consider bringing your own tent for camping, instead of paying for a bed every single night. Campsites in Costa Rica are cheap (about $5) and the landscapes are often gorgeous.

You could also look into homestay style lodging, as locals are starting to open up their homes to travelers in an effort to make a little extra money.

Packing Tips For Costa Rica

So, you’re getting ready for your trip to Costa Rica, but you’re not sure what to pack? Here are some tips for things to bring with you on your journey.

• Bring a filtered water bottle to cut down on plastic waste, and save money too!
• Make sure you have a comfortable travel backpack or a sturdy travel suitcase.
• Costa Rica uses US-style outlets. Traveling from Europe? You’ll want a good universal travel plug.
• Don’t forget my favorite travel accessory, packing cubes to keep you organized.
• I recommend packing a lightweight rain jacket, as the country gets a lot of rain.

Off The Beaten Path

For an off-the-beaten path experience in Costa Rica you might want to check out Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 300 miles southwest from the Pacific coast. Cocos is part of the same chain of underwater volcanoes as the Galápagos Islands and activities include scuba diving with dolphins, hammerhead sharks, giant rays, or exploring over 200 waterfalls.

Best Time To Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is rainy pretty much all year round, so make sure to bring a light rain jacket or poncho no matter when you’re planning to visit.

December through April is generally considered the dry season, but this is also high-season and the most expensive time to visit, so keep that in mind if you’re on a budget.

However, visiting during the rainy season between May and November is a wonderful way to experience Costa Rica’s best nature reserves without large crowds – if you don’t mind occasional wet hiking conditions.

The busiest times to travel to Costa Rica are during Christmas break, as well as the week leading up to Easter Sunday (also known as Semana Santa). It’s also the least economical time to travel, as accommodation prices are high.

Challenges In Costa Rica

San Jose isn’t the safest city in the world, and taxi scams are rampant (especially the “broken meter” scam). Some national parks, such as Manuel Antonio, can be flooded with tourists at peak times/seasons.

Keep in mind that during the rainy season many unpaved roads could be impassable for regular cars, making getting to remote places more difficult.

Internet & Cell Phone Service

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can purchase a local Costa Rican SIM card and prepaid data package with 4G coverage/internet. The airports in San Jose and Liberia both have cell service booths from the country’s largest carriers — Kolbi and Movistar.

Suggested Books & Movies

Articles & Experiences From Costa Rica

Planning to travel to Costa Rica soon? Browse all my blog posts about Costa Rica for additional ideas & tips to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

Surfing Road Trip In Costa Rica

Exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest

Enjoy Your Trip To Costa Rica!

Despite what you’ll hear about Costa Rica being expensive, you can certainly experience the country on a backpacker’s budget if you use low-cost sleeping options like camping, hostels, and small guest houses.

Spend a few weeks exploring the diverse biology, mountains, beaches, and rain-forests of Costa Rica and I promise you won’t be disappointed! ★

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Mexico Travel Guide

Is it possible to travel Mexico on a budget? Learn how to plan your visit with my Yucatan Mexico travel guide — featuring travel tips, costs, things to do, where to stay, and more.

First of all, Mexico is huge. It’s difficult to write a budget travel guide generalizing the entire diverse country.

So this guide focuses on the Yucatan Peninsula, as it’s the region I’m most familiar with after living there for a few years.

In this article I’ll share my favorite Mexican beaches, fun party towns, the best Mayan ruins to explore, where all the good cenotes are, and of course, give you tips on what kind food you need to try!

My Mexico travel guide is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022

Mexico has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. Tests, vaccination details, and health forms are no longer required as of January 2022. However Americans still have to get tested in Mexico before flying back to the United States.

Most hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you might have to follow certain guidelines (like wearing masks) depending on your destination.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.

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Mexico Budget Travel Guide

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has something for everyone. White sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, deep jungle wilderness, excellent cheap food, and fabulous scuba diving make it a great vacation destination.

There are many wonderful reasons to visit Mexico for your next vacation.

Mexico has suffered from a reputation of being unsafe due to the drug war in certain parts of the country, but I can say with confidence that the Yucatan is plenty safe for tourists.

Media outlets tend to only report on sensational news coming from Mexico, so many people assume the whole country is a dangerous place. It’s not!

Planning A Trip To Mexico

While knowledge of Spanish will obviously be a huge benefit, it’s not absolutely needed to travel in Mexico. I was initially a bit worried about my lack of Spanish when I visited for the first time, and surely it was frustrating to communicate, but it wasn’t impossible.

I carried a small Spanish phrasebook that covered the basics which worked fine. These days my basic grasp of Spanish is all I need to get around and make myself understood for simple situations.

For the most part, the people I’ve met here in Mexico were all incredibly friendly, hard-working, patient and generous individuals.

Complete strangers frequently offered to help me with directions, interpret bus announcements, or take me out for drinks and show me around.

Example Mexico Travel Budget

Mexico is generally very affordable, but due to its popularity and location, the Yucatan is slightly more expensive than other parts of Mexico that receive less tourism.

Budget travelers can survive on around $30 – $40 USD per day.

Mexico’s currency is Mexican Peso ($ – same symbol as the dollar sign) and it translates to 16 – 18 MXN for $1 USD. While US dollars are widely accepted and even available for withdrawal at some ATMs, it’s recommended you convert your money to pesos as the conversion rate is lower.

Where To Stay In Mexico

Mexico’s Yucatan offers every type of accommodation you could think of. From tree-houses and hostels to luxury resorts. Accommodation prices in the Yucatan are similar whether you’re staying in Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen, but they can be 5X higher during high season and major holidays, such as Spring break and Christmas.

Here are some examples to help you plan according to your budget.

• Backpacker Hostels: $4 – $17 per night
• Guest Houses: $40 – $95 per night
• Mid-Range Hotels: $100 – $200 per night
• Resorts & Fancy Hotels: $200 – $500 per night

Local Mexican Food: What To Eat!

Mexico has one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. In fact, Mexican food has been added added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List by UNESCO.

Many people think that Mexican food is basically just tacos, nachos and burritos, but it’s actually hard to find burritos in the Yucatan as they’re more American and popular only in the northern parts of the country.

While tacos are the most popular, Mexican cuisine is very diverse.

You can get tacos on every street corner for as little as $1 for a meat taco and $1.20 for a seafood one. You can easily be full after eating three tacos, so dinner with a side of guacamole would cost you about $5.

However, if you’re looking for a sit-down dinner you can pay $1 or $2 more to have a waiter deliver your tacos and drinks to the table.

If you’re bored of tacos, try quesadillas and sopes. Quesadilla is a wheat tortilla filled with cheese and other stuffing, folded in half and then cooked on a griddle. Sope is round shaped and slightly thicker, topped with refried black beans and crumbled cheese, lettuce and cream.

Another tasty food option in the Yucatan is ceviche, a mix of fresh seafood cured in citrus juice and spiced with garlic and chili peppers, usually eaten with totopos (Mexican nachos). Ceviche usually costs between $4 – $10.

Transportation In Mexico

Most people get to Mexico’s Yucatan area after flying into Cancun International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com. From the airport, you can book a private shuttle or take the public ADO bus to your next destination.

Rental Cars

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots in the country. It’s my favorite way to get around!

Budget Airlines

Flying around Mexico is affordable and local airlines are often more comfortable than many American carriers. You can get a flight starting around $25 USD by booking budget airlines in advance.

• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• Interjet

Colectivos

If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to use a colectivo to get around. These shared minibuses/vans connect different towns, and you simplhour-longwith other riders, tell the driver where you want to get out, and pay once you reach your destination. The price varies based on distance, but an hour long ride costs about $4.

Buses In Mexico

When traveling longer distances between cities, a comfortable option is to use Mexico’s fantastic ADO Bus System. Buses have AC, a toilet, reclinable seats, and Spanish language movies. They are faster & more comfortable than colectivos for long distances. An hour long trip costs about $12.

Mexican Taxis

Taxi drivers in Mexico generally don’t have meters, so ask the price before you get in. Local rides within a city or town should cost between $1 – $2. It will be a bit more expensive to hail cabs from bus stations or tourist areas.

Rent A Car In Mexico

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

Visa Requirements

US citizens and most EU passport holders can pick up a tourist visa on arrival that allows you to remain in Mexico for up to 180 days. Simply fill out the tourist card given to you on your flight, and remember to save the 2nd half in your passport, as you’ll need to hand it in when leaving the country.

What To Do In Mexico

Cancun

Sitting on the Caribbean sea, Cancun is a popular destination in Mexico famously known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Cancun is also incredibly rich in history and culture, with many ancient ruins scattered across the area.

If you are flying into Mexico from the United States or Canada, you will most likely arrive in Cancun, so I would highly recommend staying for a few days and enjoying some of the many activities they have on offer.

Highlights In Cancun

• Party it up with Cancun’s famous nightlife, like Coco Bongo.
• Visit Mexico’s “wonder of the world, the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
• Take a day trip to the island of Isla Mujeres.
• Go snorkeling to visit MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Playa Del Carmen

Located in the state of Quintana Roo, this Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist spot along the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya route. High season in “Playa” is from December through April, with many travelers trying to escape the cold weather in the northern hemisphere.

Playa is known for being less crazy than Cancun, while still having many great activities nearby. It’s a perfect base for exploring other areas in the region.

Highlights In Playa del Carmen

• Get some sun and sand at Mamita’s Beach Club
• Swim in Cenotes! The Yucatan has an underground river system full of caves you can swim in or even go scuba diving.
• Snorkel with the friendly sea turtles at Akumal Beach.

Cozumel

The island of Cozumel, just 30 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen, has some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. A single tank dive costs around $50 – $60. In the winter, diving with bull sharks is possible.

Two of the main highlights of Cozumel are the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, where you can find the Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures, and the Chankanaab, an eco park with underwater caverns where you can spot dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.

Highlights In Cozumel

• Climb the El Mirador sea arch for a photo.
• Scuba dive along the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef with tropical fish.
• Go snorkeling at Money Bar Beach Club
• Rent a car and go beach-hopping around the island.

Tulum

Tulum is a Mexican beach town that sits along the beautiful Caribbean ocean. Just a 1-hour drive south of Playa del Carmen, you can discover the fascinating history of Tulum as you explore their white sand beaches, cenotes, and ancient Mayan ruins.

While the exact origins of the Mayas is unknown, their extraordinary stone structures have remained intact since around 100 A.D. It is believed that Tulum was one of the last cities ever built and inhabited by the Maya, before the Spanish arrived in Mexico.

Highlights In Tulum

• Visit some Mayan ruins! There are actually two near Tulum, the Tulum Archeological Site and the Mayan Ruins of Coba (which you can still climb).
• Go kayaking and bird watching through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere
• Take a ritual Temazcal sauna, the Mayan version of a therapeutic “sweat lodge”.
• Swim or dive in one of Tulum many different mystical cenotes.

Valladolid

This beautiful city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is filled with colonial buildings, ornate art and colorful architecture. Underneath the charming streets, you’ll find the crystal-clear turquoise water of the underground X’kekén cenote, which leads you down to the famous stalactites. It’s no wonder Valladolid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1998.

Highlights In Valladolid

• Take a stroll through the streets with people watching at the main square, Plaza Principal
• Pick up some lunch at the Mercado Municipal
• Cool off at the local Cenotes Xkeken and Samula
• Visit the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, one of the oldest colonial buildings.

Merida

If you’re looking for ancient stories and rich Mayan and colonial heritage, Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán is a must visit. Named the American Capital of Culture for a second time, the city acts as the perfect base to explore Mexico’s many UNESCO sites, eco-parks and villages.

If you drive 75 miles east of Merida, you’ll find one of my favorite spots in Mexico – Chichén Itzá. The history of Chichén Itzá is not for the faint of heart. These Mayan ruins are shrouded in mystery and have a way of haunting you long after returning home from Mexico.

Highlights In Merida

• Soak in Mayan history and culture at the Gran Museo de Mundo Maya Merida
• Stop by the cool Mayan ruins of Uxmal.

Isla Holbox

Expect laid-back, bohemian vibes on this tiny island just north of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Isla Holbox is the perfect spot for anyone who just wants to sit back and relax on the beach. The island is famous for its slow-paced lifestyle and narrow sandy roads, ideal for barefoot walks. Pedestrians and Cyclists always have the right of way, but you can also hop on one of the many local golf carts to get around the island.

Highlights In Isla Holbox

• Swimming with whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Relax in one of Holbox’s famous over-water ocean hammocks
• Love street art? Take a tour of the beautiful collection of murals in town

Rio Lagartos

There are many nature reserves in the Yucatan where you can go birdwatching, like around Rio Lagartos, famous for its flamingos. You’ll also find flamingos at the crazy pink lake called Las Coloradas. The name ‘Lagartos’ actually means alligator, so you can expect plenty of them too in this small fishing village.

You won’t find an ATM in this beautiful secluded spot, so you’ll need to have cash at the ready to enjoy the many water activities, such as boat tours, snorkel excursions, kayaking and alligator sightings.

Highlights In Rio Lagartos

• Visit the Pink Lakes, just a 30-minute drive from Río Lagartos
• Catch a glimpse of 400 bird species in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
• Rent a mountain bike and explore the town.
• Go on a deep-sea fishing trip and catch your own dinner.

Budget Travel Tips For Mexico

• Staying in dorms at backpacking hostels and traveling by 2nd class bus or public collectivos instead of taxis can save you a lot of money.
• If you want to spend less money on food, consider eating at taco stands instead of dining at restaurants. Keep an eye out for stands with the most people, they’re usually the best.
• If you’re flying from the US, book a domestic flight to San Diego, then cross the border to Tijuana and fly low-cost Mexican airline to Cancun to save money. Mexican airlines are much better than US budget carriers like Spirit/Frontier.
• There are certain places where product prices are fixed and non-negotiable (like chain stores), but you can haggle for the price of souvenirs almost everywhere else.

Packing Tips For Mexico

So, you’re getting ready for your trip to Mexico, but you’re not sure what to pack? Here are some tips for things to bring with you on your journey.

• Bring a filtered water bottle to cut down on plastic waste, and save money too!
• Make sure you have a comfortable travel backpack or a sturdy travel suitcase.
• Mexico uses US-style outlets. Traveling from Europe? You’ll want a good universal travel plug.
• Don’t forget my favorite travel accessory, packing cubes to keep you organized.

Off The Beaten Path In Mexico

While the majority of tourists go to Isla Mujeres, locals prefer to visit the more quiet Isla Holbox for a day or two. The island is surrounded by blue waters and the shallow lagoon separating it from the mainland attracts migrating flamingos, pelicans and whale sharks (from June to September).

There are no cars allowed on Holbox, only golf carts which are also used as taxis. The island is a great place to relax in a hammock, eat fresh lobster pizza, or ride horses on the beach.

Best Time To Visit Mexico

January – April

Excellent weather, with lots of sun and mild temperatures in the 80’s F. However this is also the high season, so there are many more tourists. Lots of Canadians and Americans come down for the winter.

May – October

These are the hottest and rainiest months of the year. The heat and humidity can be too much for some people. September and October is also hurricane season for the area. Far fewer tourists though.

November – December

This is my favorite time to visit Mexico, because the weather isn’t super hot, hurricane season is over, but the high season for tourists hasn’t started yet.

Internet & Cell Phone Service

There are four main cell phone providers: Iusacell, AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. Telcel is the most expensive, but it has the best coverage.

Getting a Mexican SIM card is easy – they are sold at cell phone stores, Sanborn’s shops, or even at Oxxo (Mexican convenience store similar to 7-11). SIM cards cost 150 pesos (about $12) and include 75 pesos of credit for calls and texting.

Challenges To Be Aware Of

Walking further away from busy bus stations or main roads should help you land a cheaper cab. Always ask the price before getting in.

The weather in Yucatan changes a lot and there are thunderstorms regardless of the season. If you’re planning some sightseeing make sure you check the weather forecast beforehand.

Certain parts of Mexico have problems with crime, however, the Yucatan is pretty safe in this regard. You can always ask your hotel or hostel which areas to avoid.

The beaches along the Yucatan Peninsula occasionally have a problem with seaweed washing up, called Sargassum.

Suggested Books & Movies

Articles & Experiences From Mexico

Planning to travel to Mexico soon? Browse all my blog posts about Mexico for additional ideas & tips to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

21 Best Things To Do In Tulum

The Hidden Ruins Of Calakmul

Enjoy Your Trip To Mexico!

If you can survive the occasional cold shower or a broken-down bus, Mexico will reward you with beautiful tropical beaches, historic Mayan ruins, and some of the best food on the planet.

Mexico is one of the best values for your money in adventure travel! ★

Have any travel questions about Mexico? Other suggestions or tips? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.