Best places for budget travelers in North America
Best places for budget travelers in North America
Affordable local road trips and low-cost stays in North America
Budget travel in North America looks very different depending on which side of the U.S. border you're on. Mexico and Central America remain genuinely affordable, with strong bus networks, cheap accommodation and food that costs a fraction of prices further north, where budget travel requires considerably more planning.
The destinations on this list range from Mexican cities and coastal towns with well-developed backpacker infrastructure to parts of the continent where camping, hostels and planning around free attractions keep costs manageable. Long-distance buses remain the most reliable way to keep transport costs down.
Camping and cooking your own food make the biggest difference in the more expensive parts of the continent, where accommodation and restaurant prices add up quickly. Travelling in a small group can also help bring down the cost of accommodation and transport considerably.
Lists by region
Country
Mexico
Land of diverse wonders
Mexico is a large country with comfortable long distance buses and low local prices. Hostels and guesthouses are easy to find from the beach towns to the colonial cities. Markets and street stalls keep daily food costs low. Inland cities and small towns cost less than the big resorts.
Country
Honduras
Tropical diversity with ancient heritage
Honduras has low prices on the mainland and on the Bay Islands. Diving courses on Utila are known for being affordable. Buses connect the main towns at modest fares. Hostels and guesthouses near the ruins of Copan and along the coast offer simple and cheap places to stay.
Country
Guatemala
Land of diverse climates, volcanoes
Guatemala has low prices and a well developed backpacker trail. Hostels and guesthouses are common around Lake Atitlan and in the colonial city of Antigua. Colourful local buses and shared shuttles link the main sights at low fares. Spanish schools offer cheap lessons with homestays.
Country
El Salvador
Land of volcanoes and pupusas
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and uses the US dollar. Its size means travellers spend little time and money on transport. Local buses reach most towns at low fares. Hostels and guesthouses in surf towns and mountain villages keep lodging costs down.
Country
Cuba
Tropical rhythms meet historic charm
Cuba has a network of private homestays called casas particulares that offer clean rooms and home cooked meals. They are usually cheaper than hotels and put visitors in touch with local families. Viazul buses link Havana with the main sights. Travellers should carry cash because foreign bank cards are hard to use.
Country
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America and gets fewer visitors than its neighbours. Hostels in Granada, Leon and beach towns offer beds at low prices. Local buses connect most places at modest fares. Volcanoes, lakes and long beaches give travellers many outdoor adventures that cost little.
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