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Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everyone is facing challenging times ahead. People, like myself, have lost their jobs, and the future is uncertain. One question that I have gotten since mass hysteria hit has been, “As a traveler, how does this make you feel?”
Honestly, as a traveler, this is probably my worst nightmare come true. Having to stay put in one place for an extended period has never been a department that I excel in. I’m always on the go. Even when I’m not traveling, I find a way to be doing something. It can be work or leisure, but it’s hard to stay in my house for longer than a day. My closest friends even say that my Instagram stories exhaust them because I’m always doing something.
When news of the COVID-19 first came out, I was traveling in Panamá. I, just like many other travelers, brushed it off as not a big deal. The world, in general, seemed not to pay it much attention and brushed it off as just a simple cold. I didn’t want to alarm myself over something that appeared to be contained to only Asia while I was, in fact, in Central America far, far away from the epicenter of the madness. Thinking back on this rationalization, it was pretty ignorant to assume that in today’s day and times where travel is so easy that the virus wouldn’t spread quickly. Jump to today, March 26th, and the virus has spread across the entire globe.
Luckily, I was already back at my home before all hell broke loose. As a traveler, I would typically be all in for being stranded somewhere and just taking it day by day and figuring it out. Right now, if I were to be stranded somewhere, not knowing if my family is safe, I would probably lose my mind. My adventurous side has currently taken a back seat, and my family, my health, and their health has taken priority over everything. I’m concerned with the survival of the ones I love during all of this. I’m praying for everyone around the world. The ones who are suffering because of the virus, whether they have it themselves or have lost a loved one from it.
Although my focus has shifted, this doesn’t mean that I have totally forgotten about travel; it has actually made me appreciate more. I have been looking back on photos and video clips of places I’ve seen around the world. Now, more than ever, I realize how privileged I am. I have been able to see many parts of the world and soak in cultural experiences that not many people can say that they have had. I have been watching GoPro videos of my last sunset on the beach in Panamá, looking at pictures with friends around the old part of the city, and other photos and videos I took while I was there. These fleeting moments have now become cherished memories.
Once the quarantine is over, and we are allowed to freely move about the world, I plan on creating more memories and traveling to more exotic locations. If this quarantine has reiterated anything for me, it’s that when this life is over, I will be taking nothing with me. The only thing we will take with us is the memories that we make. What stays embedded in my brain during this chaos are the images of beautiful sunsets, gazing at the stars with my mom during summer, dancing with friends, walking on beautiful islands, listening to a stranger’s story, and sharing a coffee with a new friend. These are the moments that are engraved in my mind. The moments that I value and cherish now more than ever are the ones that seemed so simple at the time that they were happening.
I can’t speak for every traveler around the world because we are all different, and we are all dealing with this pandemic in distinct ways, but for now, I plan to continue to live in the moment. Worry less about the future and focus on the now. This doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to dream about foreign places and possible trips. Right now, dreams of freedom and unfamiliar places are the glue that is keeping me together at times. Until the last day of this arrives, I’ll continue to live through my photos and videos and vicariously through other travelers’ videos and pictures of places I’ve not yet been to. This also may be the spark that will light the fire for others to want to venture out and see the world. I choose to remain hopeful that this will trigger a positive shift in our mindsets and light a fire in our hearts to continue to explore the world. In the meantime, I’ll let my wings rest like the rest of the world.
One of the most popular destinations in Panamá is a small mountainous town of Boquete. Located about 7 hours away from Panama City (the capital) and roughly an hour away from Costa Rica, it makes for a perfect escape from city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Some people refer to Boquete as the “Switzerland of Panamá,” and when you look at photos of the landscape, you can tell why people would give it this nickname. It is surrounded by mountains, a river that runs through the main town, and a luscious land that produces some of the world’s best coffee.
Not only is it a popular tourist destination, but it is also a hub for ex-pats. The reason being is that the climate is much more refreshing than the rest of the country. Although it does rain frequently, Boquete has a milder temperature as in 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit or about 15-22 degrees Celcius. The climate, in particular, appeals to ex-pats who look to not sweat to death in the tropics and a way to escape the crazy city life in the capital. Boquete is a win-win situation not only for tourists and ex-pats, but it is also an ideal getaway from Panamanians. Boquete is located about 7 hours away from the capital and is easily accessed via car or public transport (bus).
On my recent trip to Panamá, I was able to return to one of my favorite places, Boquete, and take in all of the waterfalls, nature trails, hummingbird and butterfly sightings, and delicious coffee that this beautiful town has to offer. Here are my suggestions on how to get there, where to stay and where to eat while visiting Boquete.
How to get to Boquete
Option #1- Take a bus from the city to David, Chiriquí.
The first option and the most economical is by bus. Buses leave the city from the Albrook Terminal. The regular bus takes around 8 hours because of the many stops it makes on the way, and it costs $15. The express bus leaves at night and arrives at David, the capital of the Chiriquí province, where Boquete is located at around 6 a.m. It takes 6 hours and costs $18. Personally, I prefer the express option. From David, you will have to take another bus to arrive at Boquete. It costs $1.50 and takes about 40 minutes. The schedule changes, so you must check once you arrive at the bus terminal in David.
Option #2- Fly from Panama City (Ciudad de Panamá) to David, Chiriquí.
Air Panama and Copa Airlines provide daily flights from the capital to David. They average around $180 round trip. It is the most expensive option but also the quickest. The flight takes around one hour from Panama City to David and the airport that you will use depends on who you decide to fly with. Copa leaves from Tocumen and Air Panama leaves from Albrook. Once you arrive in David, you will still need to arrange transportation from David to Boquete. A taxi can cost you between $20-$30 to take you directly to Boquete. You can also get a ride to the terminal and then take a bus from David to Boquete.
Option #3- Rent a car and drive to Boquete.
Renting a car in Panamá is similar to renting a car in the U.S. as far as the paperwork and processing. You can find excellent deals are car rentals with some rentals being as cheap as $20 a day. The downside to this option is that it takes around 7 hours to drive from the city to Boquete, this is including stops of gas and restroom breaks. Not only does it consume several hours of your day, but if you have never driven in Latin America or Miami, I wouldn’t suggest Panamá being your first experience. Between the insane traffic in the city, drivers who have absolutely no knowledge of necessary driving skills, and not the best road conditions, driving in Panamá isn’t for everyone. I have driven from the city to all different locations across Panamá, but that’s because I used to live in Mexico, and if I could drive there, then I could pretty much drive anywhere in the world.
Getting around while in Boquete- If you chose the bus option or flying and not renting a vehicle, then there are two options to get around in Boquete, one being taxi and the other walking. There are no Ubers in Boquete, so you can solely rely on taxis, which are pretty inexpensive compared to other parts of the country. I would never suggest using a taxi in the capital, but in Boquete, it is a safe and reliable option.
You can search for flights and rental cars on my favorite travel website Kayak.com. The bus times, availabilities and prices can be found at the Albrook Terminal.
Where to stay
Boquete has many options when it comes to lodging. It provides plenty of options for anyone between the penny-pinching traveler to the billionaire travelers like Beyoncé, who want a full-on luxurious experience. The following are options that go according to different travel budgets.
Option #1- Budget-friendly.
Hotel Central Boquete is an excellent option for anyone looking for a beautiful place to stay, but that doesn’t empty the bank account. The average nightly cost is $48 U.S.D. a night. What’s to love about Hotel Central Boquete? They have their own coffee shop, amazing views of the mountains, and there are hummingbirds continually flying around the back of the hotel. (That wins significant points for me, obviously.) Apart from that, the hotel is clean, decent beds, and it is not too far out of the main town.
Hotel El Oasis. It is centrally located so you can walk from the hotel to anywhere in the main town with no issues. Your view is of the local river that flows through the town and the mountains that surround Boquete. The rooms are comfortable and are your average hotel style setup. The average nightly cost is $85 U.S.D., and the level of comfort and convenience validates the cost.
Bambuda Castle. It wouldn’t be an actual travel blog post if I didn’t provide you with the spot to stay to make your Instagram feed as lit like a Christmas tree, now would it? I have not stayed in Bambuda Castle, but I have visited and what I can say is this, THEY HAVE HOBBIT ROOMS. That’s right—literal mini hobbit castles. You and a friend (or a lover or partner, no judgment) can stay the night and overlook the mountains while you reenact scenes from Lord of the Rings. I know, the influencer in all of us is just dying to stay there. The good news is that it is incredibly affordable. The average nightly cost is $79 U.S.D., which makes your hobbit dreams much more attainable. The downside? It’s pretty far outside of the main town, so if you didn’t bring a vehicle, you would probably end up spending a decent amount on taxis trying to get back and forth.
https://bambuda.net/boquete
Option #4- Luxury over expense.
Valle Escondido. If money isn’t an issue and you’re trying to experience what luxurious locations Boquete has to offer, then look no further than Valle Escondido. Valle Escondido (“Hidden Valley”) is a hidden resort that offers peace, solitude and nothing but the best in accommodations to all of its guests. It averages around $175 per night, and having stayed there myself, I can confirm that it is worth every single penny. It is comfort, beauty, and convenience all in one. Though it is hidden, it isn’t far from the main town, and while staying there, you don’t even feel the need to leave. There are flowers, streams, and cute gardens everywhere—plenty of places to get beautiful pictures, not just of the luscious landscape but also of the gorgeous resort.
Hacienda Los Molinos- This is for the traveler who doesn’t know the word budget, or at least it is the very last of their concerns. Averaging at $275 U.S.D per night, Hacienda Los Molinos is the definition of luxury. You can rent a villa and say “Adios!” to the outside world, well at least until you run into one of the other hotel guests, but for the most part, it is pretty private and also provides are more intimate experience than the rest. It is also the destination of many Panamanian weddings so don’t be surprised if you just so happen to be there the same day as a wedding party.
https://losmolinoshotel.com/
Where to eat
Although Boquete is a tourist hotspot, it is still a pretty small town. With that in mind, the food options are limited, but there are plenty of good restaurants around. In this category, I have decided to select my top restaurants for different meals.
Breakfast- Sugar & Spice
It is one of the healthiest options for breakfast that you will find in Boquete. They offer items such as pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos, and typical continental breakfast. You may be thinking, “That isn’t healthy.” Compared to the traditional Panamanian breakfast options, which tend to be fried, such as fried sausage, eggs, and hojaldre (fried dough). Not only is it a healthier option, but I have never been disappointed in a meal since I started going there. Their food is fresh, delicious, filling, and their prices are reasonable. My personal favorite thing to eat is their omelet, but there are no wrong choices here.
This isn’t a healthy option, but if you want to try a delicious sandwich and strawberry milkshake, then you cannot skip out on Granito de Oro. It is located outside of the main town, going towards David. You can only reach it by car or taxi, but trust me, the ride is worth it. My favorite sandwich on their menu is their pork sandwich or “emparedado de pierna” even though I don’t eat pork often, there is no denying that this sandwich is beyond excellent. One of the main things that the Chiriquí province is known for, besides coffee, is strawberries. When visiting Boquete, you cannot skip out on trying “fresas con creama” or strawberries with whip cream, but at Granito de Oro, they don’t sell strawberries with cream. Instead, they sell the best strawberry milkshake that you will ever drink in Panamá. It is an obligatory stop anytime that I am in Boquete. Just be prepared to take half of your sandwich home with you because the portions are massive.
Location: Calle 4ta Noroeste, Alto Boquete, Panama
Dinner- Retrogusto
A lovely Italian restaurant that is t is on the fancier and more upscale level of dining in Boquete. Although it is on the pricier side, the food and service validate the price. The prices are also less than the costs of fine dining restaurants. My favorite plate is the gnocchi, but their pizza is fantastic as well. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a nice meal either by yourself or with the company of someone else.
Location: Avenida Central & Calle 1 Norte
https://ilretrogusto.com/
There you have it—my suggestions for transportation, lodging, and food while in Boquete. Be sure to look out for next week’s post when I discuss my favorite things to do in Boquete. Trust me; if you love adventure, then you won’t want to miss out on the next post.
The classic Boquete picture of the river that runs through the town.
Strawberry milkshake from Granito de Oro
Emparedado de pierna from Granito de Oro
Omelet from Sugar & Spice
When the milkshake is so good that you can’t resist a selfie.
Blue morpho butterfly. One of many butterfly species that can be seen in Boquete. This just so happens to be my favorite.
Inside of where the have their annual coffee and flower festival.
Boquete at night.
Views from one of the mountainsides.
The welcome sign before you enter the actual town.
The banks of the river that runs through the town.
The flowers in bloom during their love coffee and flower festival.
Havana seems to be on the tip of every traveler’s tongue these days and with good reason. Havana is a place that ignites warmth within the coldest of hearts as it is one of the sexiest cities you can visit. Havana is intoxicating to the senses. There are gorgeous men and women everywhere, and the rum is some of the strongest your lips will ever touch, and the music in the streets will make you sway your hips even if you have no rhythm.
The other part that appeals to travelers is that many people say going to Cuba is like traveling back into the ’50s. The old cars, dilapidated buildings, and lack of modernization, it’s as if Cuba never caught up with the rest of the world. If you are from the U.S. and you are wondering if traveling to Cuba is still a possibility, the answer is yes. Although travel has been restricted, again, it is still possible. As long as you apply for a visa through one of the visa programs that the U.S. allows, you are still able to travel to Cuba.
If you want to find what all of the hype is about Havana, the best way is to go and check it out for yourself. The following are my tips on what to do if it is your first time in Havana.
1. Walk El Malecon
First and foremost, you didn’t go to Havana if you don’t have a photo sitting on El Malecon. El Malecon is the causeway that separates the city from the sea. When you see pictures of old cars driving against the shoreline, they are driving next to El Malecon. The best time to walk it (in my opinion) is right before sunset. Sunsets in Havana are out of this world and especially at El Malecon because you have the sea and the city as a backdrop.
2. Drink a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio
Even though this is a tourist trap, it is a must for anyone who is in Habana for the first time. It is the birthplace of the original mojito and has seen a fair share of famous faces since it opened in the 1940s. It is always guaranteed to have a large crowd of tourists, so I suggest going mentally prepared to wait for your mojito. You might as well order two to make dealing with the crowd work it.
3. Visit La Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC):
Located in Vedado, La Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a contemporary art collective that allows modern Cuban artists of all types to share a common space which just so happens to be an old oil mill that they converted into their home. You can expect to see all different types of art on display here, between musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, etc. They are only open Thursday until Sunday from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. They are also home to some of the best local concerts you can find. If you are interested in the arts, this is a must-see.
4. Ride in an old convertible
One of the biggest attractions in Cuba is riding around Havana in an old car. Even if you don’t have much background knowledge on automobiles, the old cars that filled the streets of Cuba are amazingly well maintained, considering that most of them are over 60 years old. A popular thing to do in Havana is a ride in a convertible alongside el Malecón as the driver or guide points on different buildings and historic locations in the city. The cost can range anywhere from 40 to 60 CUC.
5. Go to El Cañonazo
Each night at 9 p.m., a cannon is shot off at San Carlos de la Cabana. It is a tradition that goes back to the colonial times, and back then, it indicated the closing of the harbor for the night, today it is done for tradition. The guards wear traditional colonial outfits and fire off the cannon at precisely 9 p.m. The fee to see El Cañonazo is 8 CUC, which equals around 8 USD. If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can also hear El Cañonazo for free if you walk El Malecón at night.
6. Drink a daiquiri at El Floridita
Cocktail connoisseurs know that El Floridita is the birthplace to the daiquiri, the lovely frozen rum drink that is sure to give you two things, brain freeze, and a buzz. It is also one of Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite spots in Havana. He was such a frequent patron that there is a statue of Hemmingway standing at the end of the bar. Just like La Bodeguita del Medio, it is a tourist trap and is almost always crowded, but since it is the birthplace of the daiquiri, it is a must-see.
With 2020 right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of all of the beautiful places that the year can take you. I typically start planning trips six months ahead of time, but when the new year approaches, I begin to get more realistic about where exactly I want to go. The other thing that I start to get realistic about is my budget for my future travel plans. The following destinations are all places that I have been and have been kind to my backpacker’s budget. In a lot of cases, the most expensive part of traveling to each destination is going to be the airfare to get there. I’ve also taken the liberty to include some of my contacts for each location. If you are looking to book an affordable trip or tour and don’t know where to start, then feel free to contact them. I asked their permission before posting this.
The following are My Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2020 for anyone wanderlust addict.
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena was on my bucket list for a long time, and finally, I went for my 30th birthday. The only thing that I didn’t like about it was that I had never been to before. Cartagena is an excellent mix of Caribbean and Colonial vibes. Known for its beautiful blue beaches and the famous Ciudad Murallada (Walled city). With horse led carriages traveling down brick streets, Cartagena takes you back in time when the Spanish first landed in South America. The modern Caribbean flair comes from the bright colored homes and the very Caribbean attitude of the locals. It is a must-see for any traveler. Cartagena is the most expensive destination in Colombia, but it is still relatively cheap, considering it’s a popular place to visit and the number of tourists that arrive daily. A hostel will set you back around $20 a night and food will cost you around $10-$20 a day depending on where and what you eat.
Walking through the beautiful streets of the Getsemani neighborhood in Cartagena.
2. Bali, Indonesia
There is a reason why this Indonesian island is a hot spot for backpackers, bloggers, and professional travelers. It’s one of the happiest islands you can imagine. Bali was my first real introduction to Asia, and it left such a great impression on me that I always tell people that they have to go to Bali at least once in their life. It’s also an excellent destination for solo female travelers to meet other travelers like themselves. Depending on what corner of the world you live, the most expensive part about your visit to Bali is going to be your plane ticket. Besides that, welcome to the island of $2 meals and $4 alcoholic beverages. A hotel (not hostel) will cost around $20 per night, and they are really nice considering the price. One of the reasons that my Bali experience is so memorable is the tour guide that I had, Widy. He asked me what I wanted to see in Bali and also suggested places that not many tourists get to see. He went above and beyond to ensure that my experience in Bali was enjoyable and that I left satisfied knowing that I saw what I intended to see plus some. If you are dying to see Bali and have no idea where to start, then feel free to contact Widy on WhatsApp. +62-813-3726-4922.
Visiting the famous rice paddies in Tegallalang, Ubud, Bali.
3. Havana, Cuba
If you haven’t heard that traveling to Havana is like going back to the ’50s, then where have you been hiding? Havana is more than a trip to the past. It’s old colorful buildings, clothes hanging on laundry lines between homes, old people sitting on their balconies “chismeando” to each other (gossiping), young people dancing cubatón (Cuba’s version of reggaetón) in the streets and the home of smiling faces everywhere. Cuba has been on many people in the U.S.’s bucket list, and recently the doors to Cuba were opened, and cruise ships filled with tourists filled the streets. Unfortunately, policies have changed, and getting to Cuba isn’t as easy anymore, nor is it as cheap as it once was. The good news is that when there is a will, there is a way and this way is a very budget-friendly one. I have the perfect contact for anyone looking to tour the island, not just Havana. My friend Marissa leads tours around Cuba and even takes them to her family’s home in Pinar del Río. Not only do you experience the natural beauty of the island, but you get to experience what it is honestly like for Cubans. Anyone interested in seeing Cuba and having an authentic Cuban experience, you can book her tours on her site below.
https://www.facebook.com/MariMundoTours/
Holding the Cuba flag in Varadero, Cuba.
4. Barcelona, Spain
A great European country that is easy on the wallet but filled with fun cultural experiences is Spain. The country is big enough to travel around the different regions and feel like you are taking multiple trips in one, but also small enough to not be overwhelming to the novice travel planner. My personal favorite city to see in Spain is Barcelona. The gastronomy is to die for, the Mediterranean coast is picturesque, the culture is unique, and in case you haven’t heard yet, Spaniards love a good fiesta. If you are looking for things to do while in Barcelona then make sure to read my post “The Perfect Day in Barcelona.” If it is your first trip to Europe and you are trying to find the best city to start with then put Barcelona at the top of your list. A hostel will cost you around $30-$40 per night and food will run between $20-$30 per day. Barcelona is one of the most affordable popular Western European destinations.
Standing in front of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
I could never understand why my Italian grandfather decided to live in Buenos Aires for 13 years until I decided to go, and I finally discovered why for myself. Buenos Aires is the perfect mix of European architecture with Spanish and Italian culture and a South American flare. Buenos Aires is a city filled with vibrant hipster neighborhoods such as Palermo and La Boca, and magnificent architectural finds such as the Teatro Colón. One of the other architectural wonders of Buenos Aires is its famous cemetery, La Recoleta. I know suggesting visiting a cemetery sounds morbid, but it was my favorite part of Buenos Aires. Apart from the mausoleums being extremely ornate, there are tons of famous Argentinians buried in La Recoleta, the most renowned being Evita Perón. Apart from these great spots to see, there is a tastier reason to visit Buenos Aires. Argentine steak and Malbec wine. Argentina is known for its great beef, and an excellently prepared steak and a glass of Malbec will only set you back a few dollars. The most expensive steak meal that I paid for in Buenos Aires cost $12. Accommodation in Buenos Aires ranges in price, and it depends on the area of the city that you want to stay. I stayed in an area that was close to La Recoleta and Palermo. It cost me $42 per night, but it is one of the best hostels that I’ve ever stayed in. It is called Benita Hostel and can be found on Booking.com.
At Evita Perón’s mausoleum in La Recoleta.
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
White sand, blue water, and so much Mama Juana (their version of moonshine) that I can almost taste it while I’m writing this. The Dominican Republic is a terrific island to travel to if you’ve never been out of the country, if you are on a budget or if you are looking for a getaway that guarantees a fabulous time. Dominican Republic is a hot spot for U.S. tourists because you can get great all-inclusive deals for one of their best-known destinations, Punta Cana. If you are like me and you want to see more than a resorts pool bar, then I highly suggest touring other parts of the island, especially the capital, Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is easily accessible for budget travelers because so many Dominican resorts offer all-inclusive deals that include accommodation, food, and alcohol and sometimes flights as well. If you haven’t been outside of the U.S. are you aren’t quite sure about seeing a different country on your own, then an all-inclusive deal is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of travel. It’s also a terrific way to plan a group trip that is affordable for most budgets. An all-inclusive offer for Punta Cana for four days can run anywhere between $1,000 all the way to $2,000. It depends on the kind of resort and what is included in the package. The packages do not include any activities outside of the resort, so if you are looking to see more of the Dominican Republic, keep in mind that you will have to pay for all off-resort activities separately.
7. Katmandu, Nepal
Nepal is often a country that is often overlooked because not many people know what a gem it is. Nepal is known for one significant natural beauty, Mt. Everest, but what people don’t know is that Nepal is much more than Everest. While planning our trip to India, my friend and I decided to include Nepal, and it ended up being our favorite part of the journey. Part of the reason was that Katmandu isn’t nearly as busy or hectic as India, and the locals were extremely friendly to tourists. Apart from being less hectic, Katmandu is also filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, which contain gorgeous Buddhist and Hindu temples. Although the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April of 2015 did a lot of structural damage, many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites are still intact. Apart from the cultural sites, the natural beauty of Katmandu is that the Himalayas surround it. The sheer beauty of Katmandu is breathtaking. Although the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April of 2015 did a lot of structural damage, there are still plenty of beautiful sites to see. You can expect to spend around $5 per day on food while in Nepal, and accommodations can range between an extremely budget-friendly $15 per day all the way to $40. Depending on how you choose to travel. If you plan on visiting Nepal then I suggest contacting my tour guide, Raveen Shrestha. He is a local that speaks excellent English and goes above and beyond to ensure that you have an amazing experience. I plan to visit Nepal again and I will be contacting him to take me to other sites in the country. You can contact Raveen directly on WhatsApp. +9779803478328.
Watching the sunrise over the Himalayas in Nepal. A moment that I will never forget.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a gorgeous city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, known as it’s Old Town, which is a medieval city that you can explore in just a couple of hours. Apart from the Old Town, Dubrovnik also is a great place to relax and get some sun. During the summer the beaches are filled with tourists from all over the world. One thing that tourists typically look for while traveling is a great place to party. Dubrovnik’s nightlife lives up to most tourist’s expectations. Dubrovnik is a great place to relax during the day and rage at night. My only suggestion while staying in Dubrovnik is to make sure that you don’t stay at a place at the top of the cliffside as I did. Trust me; your legs will thank you for not putting them through a CrossFit style work out just trying to get to your room. Although Dubrovnik isn’t the cheapest Croatian city, it is still extremely budget-friendly. A decent hostel will cost you around $20 a night and three meals a day average between $20-$30 depending on what you choose.
The wonderful Dubrovnik steps that I have very fond memories of. Still smiling after walking up and down 10,000 steps for the third time in one day.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Most college students and backpackers will say the following words when you ask them about Prague, “The beer is cheaper than water.” Although this is a fact, another fact about Prague is that it is also a beautiful city that gives travelers a great taste of Eastern Europe. A must-see spot in Prague is the Charles Bridge, which allows pedestrians to cross the Vltava River while going from the Prague Castle to the Old Town or vice-versa. The bridge is lined with gorgeous statues on both sides. Apart from Charles Bridge, the Lennon Wall is another popular spot that many tourists visit to leave messages of inspiration for others or to get a classic photo for Instagram. A decent hostel in Prague will cost you around $15 per night, and food will run about $20 per day, depending on what you choose. The portion sizes in Prague are pleasantly big, so if you don’t eat a lot, you might find that one decent meal a day is enough to hold you over.
Standing on the Charles Bridge over the Vltava River.
10. Agra, India
Who would have guessed that visiting one of the seven wonders of the world would be inexpensive? Well, it is. Apart from being home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is a great way to get acclimated to India before exploring the more populated cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. The Taj Mahal isn’t the only attraction in Agra. There are several other attractions built by the Mughals and just as magnificent as the Taj, one being Agra Fort. In general, India is extremely affordable for backpackers and travelers alike. One thing is that you also have to be willing to haggle prices with locals in order to get the best prices. When I traveled to India at the end of 2018/beginning of 2019, I traveled around the country by using a tour company. I typically don’t book tour companies, but India is a big country with a massive population, and just the thought of booking everything on my own was overwhelming. I paid more than what someone would typically pay for two weeks in India, but I don’t regret it. I paid $1,400, which included hotels, meals, entrances to all of the museums, historical sites, and temples and also included private transportation, and it covered my four days in Nepal as well. The truth is, I could have spent much less if I would have booked it myself, but at the time, I was a busy school teacher in Panamá, and the price that I paid was worth avoiding the headache of coordinating everything by myself.
The Taj Mahal. One of my bucket list dreams that came true in 2018.
And there you have it. These are my Top 10 Budget-Friendly destinations for 2020. As I mentioned before, with the majority of these destinations the most expensive part is going to be the flight getting there. These 10 destinations aren’t the only budget-friendly locations, but they are ones that I have visited and can confidently say that they are worth every penny. If you’ve been to any of the places listed above or if you have any other cities that you would recommend to check out that are budget-friendly, feel free to comment below.
