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I have so much to be grateful for and not just this year but every year. I’m healthy, I have my family and friends, I was able to travel at the beginning of the year, and I’ve rediscovered some of my passions. Honestly, my gratitude list could go on forever. However, we are all aware of what a roller coaster ride 2020 has been. I’ve had two long periods of writer’s block during this year. This is the first blog post that I publish in weeks because I’ve had the worst round of writer’s block of my life, but even with the downs of 2020, this year has been a blessing in disguise for me.
I know you may be thinking to yourself, say what? The girl who catches flights, the one who is always searching for the next big adventure, is calling 2020 a blessing when she hasn’t been able to travel since March? I know, shocking! The truth is, 2020 is a blessing in its own way. Having to stay in one spot and go on the most intense journey, the journey within myself, is probably one of the best things that could have happened this year.
I’m grateful for the moments of solitude that 2020 has brought me. Being “stuck” in one place has given me no other option than to go within and take a look at what has been missing, what has been ignored, and what it is that I desire. Do I have all the answers? No, I don’t. However, I have more insight into what I want, who I want to become, and what I want to do. Trust me; I don’t plan on giving up travel because one of the answers to what I want to do with my life is still to travel the world, but without taking the time to soul search, I would probably still be roaming the world to look for the answers that have always been within.
This year has been difficult and challenging for almost everyone I know. Some have lost loved ones, some have lost their jobs as I did, some have dealt with unexpected health issues, and others have faced some of their worst moments. This year’s trials feel more prominent than the triumphs, but I choose to remain positive and look at this year as a challenge. A time to step up to the plate and show the universe what you are made of.
The truth is it doesn’t matter what year it may be; there will always be problems and challenges to face. Maybe this year is the one that came in to remind us to remain grateful. To quit taking for granted the small things like going for a walk in the park, talking with friends and family, and sharing a meal with a loved one. These are the things that matter the most. The more we lead our lives in gratitude, the more we realize that we have an abundant amount of items to be grateful for.
With all of this being said, I want to say that I am grateful. I am thankful for this year; however screwed up it may be. I’m grateful for my health, family, friends, passions, talents, and faults. I’m thankful for 2020 and all of the tests, lessons, and blessings it has brought. Last but not least, I am grateful for every single one of you. Those of you who read my blog, follow me on social media, call yourself my friend or family, and am thankful to have each of you in my life. Thank you for following me along this crazy journey called life. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
An excellent way to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life is by spending time in nature. One of the popular ways to do this in Bali is by visiting a rice paddy. The most popular being Tegallalang in Ubud is the one featured in my photo. If you are interested in a total chill moment, I would suggest visiting a different one. Teglalang is beautiful and is the most popular, and it means that it is packed with tourists. It’s a must-see while in Bali. Now you know where all of the photos of rice paddies on your Instagram feed are coming from.
To book a tour to the rice paddy and other places of interest in Bali check out Adpada Bali Tours by clicking here: https://www.adpadabalitrans.com/
2. Try the world’s most expensive coffee.
I sh*t you not, (pun intended) the world’s most expensive coffee comes from Bali, Indonesia, and more specifically, it comes out of an animal’s feces. That’s right. An animal called a civet eats coffee cherries and digests them, and once they poop them out, they are cleaned and turned into coffee.
I love coffee, and I figure, I’ve tried some weird things in my lifetime, so why not? Kopi Luwak coffee doesn’t taste awful, but I also don’t think it is worth the price that it is sold worldwide, which is about $600 per pound. In other words, I’m not a huge fan.
The other part is that there has been such a high demand for this coffee worldwide that now the animals are put in caged and force-fed coffee cherries to mass-produce the highly sought out coffee. I tried it at a local farm that doesn’t produce on the mass scale and doesn’t force-feed their civets, nor do they partake in things such as animal cruelty. The truth is most people don’t know about the process involved; they hear “World’s Most Expensive coffee” and try it without knowing the backstory.
I’m not blaming anyone. No one randomly googles searches “World’s most expensive coffee” unless they are in the industry or a coffee connoisseur. However, I am a wildlife advocate and want to save our natural resources, so I feel compelled to inform my readers.
One of the popular things to do while in Bali is to visit a monkey forest. The main one on the island is the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Before visiting any Monkey Forest in Bali, you should know a few things;
They are used to tourists, and therefore they will approach you. Do not make a big scene like running, jumping, or screaming. It will scare them and quite possibly make them aggressive towards you.
They will steal your glasses, cell phones, hats, wallets, jewelry, etc. If you don’t want to lose something, put it in your backpack.
Because they are used to tourists, they expect food. Make sure you have plenty of nuts to feed them because they will get aggressive.
Monkeys in the Monkey Forests are known to do things like bite and throw sh*t at people. These things usually happen when tourists have not brought enough food or have started screaming or scaring them.
You are in their habitat. Respect them and do not try to hurt them. Remain calm and remember, it’s their territory, not yours.
My biggest suggestion is to not go to the popular Monkey Forest and go to a small one. Why? The monkeys are not nearly as aggressive, and they don’t focus on tourists. They prefer to keep their distance.I went to the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, which is much smaller, and as you can see, one of the monkeys approached me, and it went smoothly.
It’s an exciting experience. The monkeys are not in cages or mistreated by locals, but anytime any animals are involved with tourism, it is best to do your research and know how the animals are being cared for.
4. Visit a Hindu Temple
One thing that is abundant in Bali are Hindu temples. You can find them all over the island and you do not have to go far to find them. The Hindu temples are not only a representation of the Hindu religion which is the most prevalent religion on the island, but it is also a staple part of Balinese culture.
While I traveled around Bali with a new friend that I made who happened to be a local. I asked why I kept seeing people with baskets filled with fruit, flowers, and even money. He explained to me that part of Balinese Hindus traditions is to make a daily offering. If they cannot reach a temple, they will take their offering to one of the many small shrines spread throughout the cities and towns.
My new friend told me that if I wanted to make an offering, I could do so. He went with me to buy what I needed to take it to one of the local temples.
Honestly, it was a unique experience. I guess people will jump and say I tried to recreate an Eat, Pray, Love moment, but I’ve always been spiritual. I like to participate in a country’s culture actively, so for me, it was more about the experience than religion.
5. Visit Nusa Pineda
Nusa Pineda isn’t part of Bali, it is actually a separate island but if you are already in Bali then I highly suggest making the trip to Nusa Pineda. Why? Well, apart from being the second most popular spot for photos for the gram in Indonesia is Nusa Pineda just look at the views.
This small island is a short ferry ride from Bali, and although many tourists visit, it doesn’t feel overcrowded or packed at all. I suggest booking a tour guide or someone to show you around since getting around the island will be tough without a vehicle or motorcycle.
My guide while I was on the island was Tony who can be found on Instagram by clicking https://www.instagram.com/tonygila420/, highly recommend Tony. He is super down to Earth and laid back. He’s also extremely knowledgeable about Nusa Pineda and Indonesia in general.
A fun fact about the island is that Indonesians believe that the island is where evil spirits/black magic resides. Don’t let that scare you, though. Balinese believe that both good and bad must exist to create balance. Indonesian’s aren’t afraid of visiting the island, nor should you be. The island isn’t scary, and you feel like you are in paradise while you are there.
I love small islands because there is an immediate relaxing feeling when you arrive. Less traffic, less noise, fewer worries. I think 2020 has made everyone want to stay on an island for at least a month, and what better location than Nusa Penida?
If Bali wasn’t already on your bucket list then I hope after this list of things to do while in Bali has convinced you to add it. Below are more photos from my trip to Bali that I did not include on Instagram.
Stayed tuned for next weeks post where our virtual journey takes us to Thailand!
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.
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.
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