How to Plan Your Trip to Central America

By Sounds and Colours 20 January, 2020

Central America is known as the sliver of land which links the mass of South America to the region of North America. As the region is so small, many travelers forget to include it in their plans, so for those who are wanting to experience the best signs that Latin America has to offer, it’s important that you map out your itinerary before heading out the door. To help get you started, here is a guide on how to plan your trip to Central America.

Getting Around

No matter how long you visit Central America, it’s only natural that you will want to see and do as much as you can. Thankfully, the region has several modes of transport that you can use, such as bus, minibus, boat, and plane. Travel in Central America tends to be dominated by buses, so to explore what the region has to offer, check out the various bus services that connect many of the countries.

Costs

One of the beauties of Central America is that it’s incredibly cheap. While there will be some countries that will cost more than others, if you look in the right places, you can get great deals on your accommodation, food, and transport. There are tons of street food stalls and local restaurants that offer dishes of soup, beans, rice, and meat, usually costing under $5.

Vaccinations

No matter where you head to in Central America, it’s important that you visit your doctor 4 to 6 weeks beforehand so you can get your vaccinations. While the only mandatory vaccination you will need for the region is yellow fever, there are other recommended vaccinations that are worth getting, including typhoid and Hepatitis A. For those who are traveling to rural parts, working with animals, or staying in local communities, it’s advised to get vaccinations against rabies and Hepatitis B.

Visas

All the countries in Central America are collectively welcoming. If you’re an American passport holder, you will be issued with a tourist visa on arrival, which lasts between 30 to 180 days. However, this will depend on the country you’re visiting. Countries such as Panama, and Costa Rica require you to have proof of onward travel from their countries, so it’s important that you have your documents at hand when reaching the border. There are also entry fees that you need to be aware of in Nicaragua, and El Salvador which tend to be between $5 and $20 USD.

Booking Flights

No matter where you’re heading to in Central America, it’s always best to book your flights well in advance. Whether you have the cash to splash, or you’re on a tight budget, sorting out your flights many months before you depart can not only help reduce stress levels, but potentially save you some money too. The time of year you fly will also play a major part in how much you shell out on your flights, so booking everything in advance is advised.

Finding the Best Hotel

To get the most out of your Central America adventure, finding a good hotel that has everything you need is important. You want to find one that provides all the amenities that will make your trip one to remember, but it’s important not to overlook certain features. For example, you won’t be able to enjoy your vacation if you can’t get a good night’s sleep at the end of a busy day sightseeing, so you will want to look at hotels that have the best mattresses and bedding. You might want to check whether they are situated near a particularly busy nightlife area, too.

Whether you’re off on a solo adventure, a backpacking trip with friends, or a romantic getaway, you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime in Central America. Before you jet off to the region, make sure that you take all the tips listed into account to ensure your travels go smoothly and according to plan.

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