Picking your next holiday is an exciting pass-time. If you’re dying to visit Latin America—of course you are, right!—but you’re not sure whether you can realistically afford the trip, these tips will help you keep a lid on those travel costs without putting a damper on the fun. Hopefully these three savvy ways will help you save on a trip to Latin America.

Go Off the Beaten Track

Let’s be real: most of us travel mainly in to taste the local food and get to know how the locals live. Hotels and touristy things are nice and all, but it can also be expensive, and feel a little inauthentic. The key to keeping costs down and getting the authentic experience you came for is to make sure you plan your journey in such a way that you are able to interact with local people and experience their way of life. (The locals definitely aren’t paying inflated prices for their food and drinks!) Try Cuba Travel for a fantastic experience in the Caribbean, and always ask for local advice to help you find the path less travelled. Street food is an amazing budget-friendly option with arguably superior food than any touristy restaurants will serve.

Cook Your Own Food

When you go travelling, most of your usual routines will go out the window. Most. You still have to eat three times a day. That means either eating out or eating in. Another great way to soak up the culture and enjoy the local cuisine at the same time is to head down to the markets that the locals frequent and get some fresh ingredients to prepare your own food back at your AirBnB. Not only will you have a blast while attempting to replicate the dishes you’ve enjoyed on your travels, but you’ll be able to make food that suits your own tastes and health preferences, which can be a relief after you’ve been travelling for a few weeks.

Use Public Transport

If you live in busy metropolis, you’ll know first hand how much cash you can save by using public transport links instead of taking a taxi every time you have to go somewhere. Even if you split the cost of a hired vehicle or taxi between a group of friends, your share will usually adds up to more than a local train or bus fare. Using public transport in an unfamiliar city can be intimidating, especially if you can’t understand a word the locals are saying! But why else have you decided to travel the world if not for a change of context and to break out of your comfort zone? Google translate is a great tool to help you ask friendly locals for help with public transport systems. Once you’ve worked out how to use the bus once or twice, you’re on your way.

Whether you’re a backpacking beginner setting off on your first solo adventure, or you’re a long-time globe trotter, the expense of travel can quickly add up if you aren’t careful with your money. Hopefully these tips will help your trip to Latin American stay within budget.

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