A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Backpacking in Central America offers a unique experience. Each year, thousands of budget travelers discover a lifestyle that goes beyond mere adventure, engaging deeply with local cultures and communities.
It’s hard to imagine someone traveling to Guatemala and leaving unchanged. The mountainous landscape is nothing less than magical, and the people—forty percent indigenous Maya—are cordial and kind-hearted. While Guatemala’s beaches may not steal the spotlight, the country offers numerous inland attractions, making it a favored destination among Central America travelers.
Guatemala’s diverse landscape includes jungles, forests, beaches, and mountains, boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Guatemalan government is actively working to expand sustainable tourism across the nation. With over 30 national parks and preserved areas encompassing 19 different ecosystems, this guide highlights some of the most visited national parks in Guatemala.
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is bordered by Costa Rica to the south and Honduras to the north. About the size of Alabama, this scenic country features colonial cities, volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, and beaches. Known for its rich biodiversity, Nicaragua attracts more than one million tourists annually; tourism is the country’s second-largest industry after agriculture.
Panama is less visited as a destination for backpackers compared to other Central American countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica, and that’s a good thing. Although you’ll find prices higher than the Central America average, backpacking here is still affordable and worth every penny. Positioned as a geographical and cultural land bridge between North and South America, Panama is one of the most diverse countries globally. Its capital city is as modern as many U.S. cities, yet many of its remote islands and rainforests remain entirely unspoiled. Here, we explore some of the top Panama backpacker destinations.
The Gringo Trail is an itinerary that includes popular destinations for travelers in Latin America: Mexico, Central America, and South America. While the term “Gringos” typically refers to travelers from the United States and other foreign visitors, it can carry a derogatory tone among those who favor off-the-beaten-path destinations over crowded tourist spots.
Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, captivates visitors with its pristine white sands. Just looking at any photo of Ambergris Caye can ignite feelings of romance. The main settlement, San Pedro, offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in stunning Caribbean hues. Although many hotels are located in San Pedro, nearby resorts like Xanadu Island Resort and Captain Morgan’s Resort provide an intimate, romantic getaway experience.
Scuba divers, strap on your gear! From Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to Belize’s Caribbean cayes, Central America is an underwater extravaganza. Scuba diving in Central America appeals to both beginners and experienced divers, with the opportunity to witness unforgettable sights on your very first dive.
The fascination with Chicago’s infamous gangsters continues today, despite the height of gangster culture occurring long before World War II. Here are some ways to immerse yourself in the world of legendary figures likeAl CaponeandJohn Dillingerwith various gangster tours in Chicago.
The sexiest scene featuring a Chicago landmark happened in the 1980s flick “Risky Business” when Tom Cruise’s character took Rebecca De Mornay on a wild ride on a CTA train. It’s memorable, thrilling, and tempting, but in today’s volatile climate, we would highly discourage recreating it.
It doesn’t matter how cold or hot it is outside, Chicago never slows down. Therefore, there’s always something to keep you occupied no matter what time of the year you visit. When you think of all there is to do in the Windy City, it is essential to maintain a bucket list. Below is a comprehensive guide to the absolute top picks in this vibrant city:
Awe-Inspiring Nature in the Islands
10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, USA
Enhance your Chicago experience this July with exciting events like the Taste of Chicago and the Ravinia Festival. Enjoy outdoor activities, cultural festivals, and the city’s vibrant culinary offerings.
Chicago’s Museum Campus, located in the South Loop, was created after a reconfiguration of Lake Shore Drive in 1998. Previously, lanes ran through the middle of the area, dividing it and creating some tricky navigation from the parking lots to the museums. The lanes have been moved to the west, and the major attractions of the Museum Campus–the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field–are all tied together by green space.
Bistronomicoffers a contemporary take on traditional Hanukkah dishes. Located in the Gold Coast, its three-course, prix-fixe feast features options like prime beef short ribs, yellow Walleye Pike, and delightful house-made “Kit Kat” bars for dessert. The cost is $65 per person, with children’s meals at $20. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 5-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m., and Sunday 5-9 p.m. Address: 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400.
A parade in Chicago is always a big deal, and those that take place in the city’s downtown are well attended. This comprehensive guide helps you discover detailed information about the most famous parades in Chicago.
Opening in 1934 on approximately 200 acres of donated land,Brookfield Zooquickly received worldwide prominence for its cage-less displays and unique exhibits. The zoo is approximately 40 minutes or 15 miles from downtown Chicago. Annual events include “Summer Nights,” the Halloween-focused “Boo! at the Zoo,” and “Holiday Magic” in December.
When making Chengdu your travel base, you may seek to incorporate evening activities into your itinerary rather than concluding your day at 7 PM. Here are several options to enhance your evening experience: