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Is San Cristóbal worth visiting

San Cristóbal is absolutely worth visiting! It’s not only the perfect base to explore all that Chiapas has to offer, the city is also an incredible destination on its own. The fact that it’s largely inhabited by indigenous people makes it unique and unlike anywhere else in Mexico. What’s more, it’s full of trendy coffee shops as well as restaurants. Furthermore, Chiapas is one of the most affordable regions in Mexico.

Is San Cristóbal save

Like with many places in Mexico, safety seems to be a concern for many, mostly due to negative media coverage of Mexico. Hence why I felt this San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide wouldn’t be complete without addressing this matter.

San Cristóbal, like most of Mexico, is considered save. The only exception is the unstable situation on the road between Ocosingo and San Cristóbal, which is a known Narco territory where roadblocks and robberies are known to occur. However, you do not need to pass this route to get to San Cristóbal, so there’s no need to worry. I just want to mention it so that you know to avoid it! Even though San Cristóbal is safe, you should still take normal precautions, just like you would anywhere else. Avoid flashing your valuables, wearing expensive jewellery and walking around late at night.

For more practical tips to stay safe, I recommend that you read these 14 tips for staying safe while traveling!

When is the best time to visit San Cristóbal

The best time to visit San Cristóbal de las Casas is during the dry season, from November to May. In this period you get warm temperatures and little rain. Note that due to the high altitude, it can get pretty cold, or I might even say very cold, when the sun goes down. So regardless of which time of year you visit, make sure to pack something warm to wear in the evenings!

During my visit which was in February, the day time temperatures were pleasant, around 22°C (72°F). At night it cooled down significantly to around 12°C (54°F), but due to the humidity it felt much colder. Luckily, our apartment had some ponchos that we could use in the evenings.

Where to stay in San Cristóbal

I would recommend staying in or close to the historic centre (Zona Centro). It’s the most convenient way to explore the city as way you will be close to all major attractions. You’ll also have the best coffees and restaurants within walking distance. Here are some of the best accommodation options for every budget:

Best hostel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Kotantik

Best budget hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Casa Azabache

Best mid-range hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: La Estancia

Best luxury hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Collection O Casa de Familia

Here you can see reviews and compare prices of accommodations in San Cristóbal

How to get to San Cristóbal de las Casas

If you are traveling to San Cristóbal from within Mexico or Guatemala, it’s possible to get there by bus. It’s likely to be a very long ride though, depending on where you’re coming from. Check bus routes, schedules and prices here.

Alternatively, the closest airport to San Cristóbal de las Casas is Tuxtla Gutiérres (TGZ), which is located roughly 80km (50 miles) away. To get to San Cristóbal from the airport you can take a taxi, a public bus, a private shuttle or you can rent a car.

Taking an OCC/ADO bus

Those traveling on a budget will probably prefer to take an OCC bus (from the ADO company) from the airport. This is a convenient and affordable way to get from Tuxtla airport to San Cristobal, it’s a direct bus and the journey takes around 1,5 hours. Tickets are $250 MXN pesos and can be purchased at the ADO counter in the airport, or online. When booking online just make sure to put in Aeropuerto Ángel Albino instead of Tuxtla airport, as the system doesn’t recognize it.

Taking a taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get from Tuxtla airport to San Cristóbal. Taxi will cost around $800 MXN pesos, which can be split between whoever you are traveling with, or even a stranger. It might seem strange to some to share a taxi with a stranger, but it’s a common practice among locals. If you are a solo female traveler, I’d recommend you to approach a fellow female traveler and if she wants to share a taxi. I have actually made a few friends this way during my travels!

An important thing to keep in mind when taking a taxi from Tuxtla airport to San Cristóbal is to make sure to take an official taxi! After you pass baggage claim and make your way toward the exit, you will see taxi counters on your right just before exiting the airport. Head to the counters, where you will book and pay for the taxi. You will then be handed a ticket that you will give to the taxi driver.

Renting a car

If you are planning to do a road trip in Chiapas, I would recommend that you rent a car directly at the airport. This will be significantly cheaper than renting one once your in San Cristóbal, plus it saves you the hassle of figuring out how to get to San Cristóbal from the airport. You should also keep in mind that it’s difficult to rent an automatic car in San Cristóbal, which is important to know for those that don’t know how to drive a manual. Use rentalcar.com to compare prices to make sure you get the best deal!

Although roads in the state of Chiapas aren’t in the greatest condition, driving is considered safe. Just make sure to avoid the road between Ocosingo and San Cristóbal, which is a known Narco territory where roadblocks and robberies are known to occur.

How to get around in San Cristóbal de las Casas

As long as you are staying in or close to the historical centre, San Cristóbal is very walkable and all major tourist attractions can be reached by foot. Taxis are easy to locate and very affordable, should you need them. We paid $80 pesos ($4 USD) for a 10 minute ride from the bus station to our apartment, just to give you an idea of the price you can expect. Make sure to always negotiate the fare upfront and have cash for the fare, as taxis in San Cristóbal generally do not take cards!

Although San Cristóbal is walkable, it is not built for dragging around luggage, especially if it’s heavy. Sidewalks are very narrow and usually made of cobblestone and/or have holes in them. So believe me when I tell you that if you are carrying a suitcase on wheels, you will want to take a taxi if you need to move your luggage from A to B. When we arrived in San Cristóbal, we had planned to walk to our apartment which was about 15 minutes away. We gave up on that after just about 2 minutes, sat down at a local restaurant where we had tacos and margaritas, and then asked the waiter to call us a taxi This might just be the most important thing you take from the San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide :)))

There is no Uber or Grab in San Cristóbal.

Things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

There are a ton of things to do in and around San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Join the free walking tour

The free walking tour is a great way to begin your trip in San Cristóbal. Discover the history of the city, learn about the culture, traditions and customs and get to know the city from a local perspective. The tour is interactive, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

The tour starts here, in the heart of the city, at Plaza de la Paz. The tours take place every day at 10am and 5pm. They are in English and last about two hours.

Explore the many Artisan Markets

San Cristóbal de las Casas is home to a range of interesting markets that are worth browsing through.

Mercado de Artesanias de Santo Domingo, is a market full of colourful indigenous crafts, such as textiles, jewelry, baskets and weavings. It’s located next to Templo de Santo Domingo and is open every day from 9am to 8pm.

Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias Ámbar is an indoor market where you’ll find sweats, baked treats as well as clothes and handmade items. It’s open every day from 8am to 9.30pm.

Mercado José Castillo Tielemans is the most traditional market in San Cristóbal, over 50 years old. It’s a lively market where can buy local products, handicrafts, all sorts of foods, including baked goods. It’s open every day from 7am to 8pm.

Visit a museum

As the cultural capital of the state of Chiapas, San Cristóbal is home to a number of interesting museums. They focus mostly on textile and the ancient Mayan culture & traditions. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (Maya World Textile Center)

Inside the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, you will find the Maya World Textile Center. A museum that focuses on Mayan textiles and embroidery techniques, displaying over 500 examples of handwoven textiles from throughout Mexico and Central America. The museum features permanent exhibition rooms where you’ll see videos explaining the production process of clothes and textiles.

Note that Maya World Textile Center is closed on Mondays.

Entrance fee: $65 pesos ($3.25 USD)

Museo Mesoamericano del Jade (Jade Museum)

One of the things that Chiapas is famous for is its jade, a precious stone used by ancient Mayas. The museum showcases replicas of Mayan jade jewelry and other jade objects found in Mexican archeological sites.

Entrance fee: $35 pesos ($1.75 USD)

Museum Casa Na Bolom

Casa Na Bolom, which means House of the Jaguar, is an historical building that is now a museum dedicated to the protection of Chiapas’ indigenous culture as well as the environment. It was once the home of Danish archaeologist Frans Blom, and his wife Gertrude Duby Blom, a Swiss photographer. The couple were among the first foreigners to contact the Lacandon indigenous group, which are the only ethnic group to manage to escape the Spanish conquest. Among things you will see in the museum are photos of the Lacandon culture and hand drawn maps of the entire Chiapas rain forests, which used to belong to the Lacandon group. Today Casa Na Bolom operates as a hotel, restaurant, museum and a research center.

Note that Na Bolom is closed on Mondays.

Entrance fee: $60 pesos ($3 USD)

Take a walk down Calle Real de Guadalupe

Wandering the pedestrian street Calle Real de Guadalupe was honestly one of my favourite things to do in San Cristóbal. It’s essentially the main promenade, a lively street where you’ll see street vendors and performers. Real de Guadalupe is lined with trendy coffee shops and restaurants, as well as many arts & crafts stores.

Admire the view from Iglesia de Guadalupe

At one end of Calle Real de Guadalupe you’ll find Iglesia de Guadalupe. You will need to climb a few stairs to get there, which is certainly worth it for the views you get from the top!

Try a cup of Chiapas coffee

This San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Chiapas coffee! Mexico is one of the top 10 coffee producers in the world, with the state of Chiapas making up 40% of the Mexico production. There are a number of trendy coffee shops all around San Cristóbal, almost too many! Our favourite one was Ki Múul, which is located on Real de Guadalupe.

Go on a day trip

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a popular base for doing day trips to the many places worth seeing around the state of Chiapas. I can highly recommend visiting Sumidero Canyon, which is just over an hour’s drive away. We did an amazing day trip that included a scenic boat ride through the canyon as well as a stop in the picturesque town Chiapa de Corzo.

Other popular day trips include Palenque, Agua Azul waterfall and Misol-Ha waterfall. Note that these are roughly a 5 hour drive from San Cristóbal, so it will be a very long day.

For those that aren’t up for so much time on the road but want to visit a waterfall, there is a more manageable option. El Chiflon waterfalls are only a 2.5 hour drive from San Cristóbal. The easiest way to visit El Chiflon is on an organized day trip. However, these usually include a stop at Montebello Lagoons, which may or may not interest you. If you’d rather visit on your own, the easiest option is to rent a car. To make sure you get the best deal, use rentalcars.com to compare prices. It’s also possible to take a combination of a bus and a colectivo. Take an ADO or OCC bus from San Cristóbal headed to Comitán de Domínguez (around $96 pesos), and from there take a colectivo to El Chiflon ($30 pesos).

Visit some of the churches of San Cristóbal

With the state of Chiapas being one of the most religious part of Mexico, it might come as no surprise that there are many churches in this area. Some of the ones worth visiting are:

• Cathedral Santo Domingo
• Iglesia de Guadalupe
• Cathedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas
• Iglesia de San Cristóbalito
• Saint Lucias Temple

I hope you found this San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide helpful and that is answered the questions you had about visiting San Cristóbal. If you’re planning to head over to Guatemala from San Cristóbal, check out this post about how to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to read:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• 5 Must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

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As one of the world’s largest cities, getting from one part to another can more than an hour of driving. Luckily, getting around is relatively easy – Uber is available throughout Mexico City and is very cheap. For reference, a 20 minute ride from the airport to our hotel in the center, cost me 90 pesos, or 4.5 USD. Public transport, which consists of buses and trains, is an even more affordable option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

How many days do you need in Mexico City

We spent four days there, which I thought would be plenty, but turns out it was just about enough time to see the highlights. I would recommend spending a week in Mexico City if you want to be able to explore it properly. I even would have loved to spend a few weeks in Mexico City to discover the city and eat my way through all the cafés & restaurants.

Best time to visit Mexico City

There is really no bad time to visit Mexico City, as both weather and prices tend to be relatively stable throughout the year. The most popular times to visit are from March through May and from September to November. March-May is the warmest time of the year, while the period from September-November is popular due to the various celebrations that take place at this time of year. The most popular celebration is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which takes place at the beginning of November. The rainy season lasts from June through October, the rain usually hits in the afternoon or evenings, so don’t let that stop you. The coldest months are December, January and February. So the best time to visit just depends on your preferences.

Due to its high elevation (2240m, or 7200ft) above sea level, the nights are usually chilly throughout the year, so make sure to bring some layers, regardless of which time of the year you’re planning to visit.

Where to stay in Mexico City

I would recommend staying either in the center or in the Roma Norte neighbourhood. The center is conveniently located when it comes to exploring Mexico City, and has a lot of interesting places to see. Roma Norte is the arty/boho type of neigbourhood, it feels a little upper class with all the stylish, and often fancy, cafés and restaurants. Rome Norte is very up-and-coming, so you will most likely find that staying in the center is more affordable.

We stayed at Hotel Flamencos in the centre, it’s an amazing hotel I’d highly recommend. We paid around 50USD per night for the room, which had breakfast included. For a hostel in the city center, I’d highly recommend this one, located right in the heart of the city center and has amazing reviews.

If you want to stay in Roma Norte, I’d recommend this hotel or this hostel if you’re looking for something more budget friendly.

10 Things to do in Mexico City

With all the basic information out of the way, now it’s time for the 10 things to do in Mexico City!

1. Visiting Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes is a beautiful building in the center of Mexico City. It’s a cultural center that hosts all sorts of art events and exhibitions. The entrance to the building’s first floor is free of charge, but if you want to visit the upstairs exhibitions you will need to pay a small fee.

2. Enjoying the views from Finca Don Porfirio

Located across the street from Palacio de Bellas Artes, this café has stunning views of the Palacio de Bellas Artres and its surroundings. It’s located inside the department store Sears, on the 8th floor. I would recommend being there for sunset, but note that this is a popular time to go, so I’d suggest getting there an hour before sunset just in case there is a line. We went there twice, the first time around 6pm on a Friday, there was no line but we didn’t manage to get seats with a view. We went back the next day around 4.30pm, this time it was a lot busier and we had to wait around 30 minutes downstairs before being allowed to head up.

3. Exploring the Roma Norte neighbourhood

This was absolutely my favourite neighbourhood in Mexico City. Not surprisingly, it was named a Barrio Mágico, which would translate to magical neighbourhood, in 2011. It’s a very trendy and hipster neighbourhood, with lots of upscale restaurants and stylish cafés. To me, the buildings and architecture felt like a mix of the US and Europe. Kinda fun. There are also lots of plazas and green spaces, which might be why Roma Norte seems to be popular among dog owners. We ran into a lot of dogs during our day in Roma Norte, so that’s a plus :))) I would recommend exploring Plaza Luis Cabrera and the area around it, getting churros at Churrería el Moro and having lunch at Pan Comido.

Plaza Luis Cabrera in Roma Norte – photo edited with the travel blogger preset pack/photo filters, available here

Churrería el Moro – photo edited with the coffee preset pack/photo filters, available here

photo edited with the exotic presets/photo filter, available here

4. Take a walk down Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue)

The wide and bustling avenue, known simply as Reforma, is Mexico City’s Champs-Élysées. It runs through the main financial district, from the downtown area to the Chapultepec Park. Reforma is lined with trees, allowing for some shade on those hot days! There are plenty of benches, fountains, statues, historical buildings, skyscrapers, modern architecture as well as all kinds of cafés and restaurants. On Sundays, the middle part of the avenue is closed to cars, instead you can bike, skate or rollerblade down Reforma along with hundreds of other locals and tourists.

Padlock to lock up
your valuables

Insulated water bottle
to keep your water cold

Power bank so you can charge your phone wherever you are

5. Head to Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. It’s huge. The park is popular to enjoy all sorts of activities and sights – including museums, fountains, monuments, lake, a zoo, green spaces, a castle and whatnot. You could easily spend a day in the park, there’s so much to see. The park can get very crowded during weekends, especially on Sundays, so I’d try to go on another day if you can.

Note that some of the museums as well as the castle and the lake are closed on Mondays for maintenance.

6. Grab a drink at Hanky Panky Speakeasy

This is essentially a “secret” bar in the Juarez neighbourhood. You walk into a local restaurant and then hidden in the back is a door to Hanky Panky. It’s a very cool cocktail bar with their own type of cocktails, it’s not your regular margaritas and mojito kind of place. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance as otherwise they might need to turn you away.

7. Visiting the Palacio Postal (the post office)

It’s not just a regular post office, it’s a cool one. It has some stunning architecture and kinda looks like a palace. A hot tip: you will most likely get into trouble with the security guards if you’re taking photos with a camera as apparently it isn’t allowed, but taking photos with a phone should be fine.

8. Exploring Coyoacán

Coyoacán feels like its own city – perhaps cause it used to be a village. This colourful bohemian neighbourhood that in a way, still feels like a village. With its artisan markets, parks, old historical buildings, museums as well as street performers, it has a very unique arty feel to it. The most famous museum in Coyoacán would be the Frida Kahlo museum, which is definitely worth a visit. I’d recommend getting tickets online as that way you won’t have to wait in line.

there are lots of markets and street vendors in the Coyoacán neighbourhood – photo edited with the film preset pack, available here

Ojo Amulets, an artisans store in Coyoacán – photo edited with the color pop preset pack/photo filters, available here

9. Walk around the center

In the center of Mexico City you will find loads of beautiful buildings, restaurants and plazas. One of my favourite ones was Casa de los Azulejos, it’s a historical building with blue tile walls on the outside and inside there is a restaurant in a very stunning historical setting. I would highly recommend visiting the restaurant, even if it’s just to grab a drink and see the building. Other sights that are not to be missed in the center are Palacio Nacional, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Nacional, Alameda Park, Barrio Chino (Chinatown) – and then of course the already mentioned Palacio de Bellas Artes and the post office.

Templo de Inmaculada Concepcion de Tlaxcoaque – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

Casa de los Azulejos – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

the restaurant inside the Casa de los Azulejos building – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

I would highly recommend having lunch or dinner at Mata Comedor Cantina in the center – photo edited with the food preset pack/photo filters, available here

10. Wander through the markets

Your trip to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of the many markets. You can find markets selling anything from textiles to jewellery, flowers, food and even antiques. These are some of the best markets in Mexico City:

• Mercado Medellín located in the Roma Sur neighbourfood. Here you’ll find all things food – fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, seeds, beers and so on.
• Mercado Roma is a food court located in Roma Norte. It’s great for grabbing some tapas, wine, coffee, meat and vegan food. On the top floor there is a beer garden with a foosball table.
• Mercado de San Juan is located in the centre. The market is split up into two buildings – one selling fruits, vegetables, meats and other food, while the other building has stalls where you can buy full meals. You can even try eating insects if that’s your kind of thing
• Mercado Jamaica is a colourful one! This is Mexico City’s main flower market and is well worth a visit even if you’re not in need of any flowers.
• La Ciudadela is an artisans market located in the center. With a huge variety of Mexican crafts and souvenirs, it’s a fun market to browse through.
• Mercado Coyoacán is, not surprisingly, located in the Coyoacán neighbourhood. It’s a market where you can find pretty much everything and anything. Fruits, vegetables, textiles, costumes, traditional clothing, toys, accessories, jewellery, tattoo shops – you name it. You will also find full meals, juices, smoothies and stuff like that.

I hope this post helped you plan your trip to Mexico City – or that this list of 10 things to do in Mexico city inspired you to include the city in your travel plans! There is so much more to this city than I thought and it’s definitely one where I’d like to stay for a few weeks and just eat my way through all the restaurants and explore. In case you want to do explore beyond Mexico City, check out these day trips from Mexico City!

If you want to get notified when I publish new posts, just click the red bell in the lower right corner, or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new blog posts :)))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

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You might also want to read: How to Get to Tulum

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Where to stay in Tulum

One thing to be aware before visiting Tulum, is that the beach is about 5km from Tulum town. The traffic can be a nightmare so I’d recommend renting a bike or a motorcycle instead of a car. Unless you won’t to spend a lot of time on the beach, I would suggest to stay in the Tulum town. This is because the hotel zone (the beach) is so far away from everything else.

If you’re on a budget and want to stay in a hostel, I’d recommend Lum, Mimosa or Maka. Note that Mimosa and Maka are also hotels! All three are great, the main difference is that Lum is located very close to the ADO bus station, which is convenient if you’re arriving there. While the other two are about 20 minute walk from the bus station. Mimosa and Maka have pools, while Lum doesn’t. Lum has much more of a hostel vibe than Mimosa and Maka, as the latter two are also hotels.

Book your stay in Tulum here!

Your Four Day Tulum Itinerary

Day 1: Take it slow, eat local food & explore the Tulum town

Just to start things off easy, I’d recommend spending your first day exploring the Tulum town and eat some local food. Take a stroll through the town, browse through the shops and admire some of the street art. If you arrive early – rent a bike and head a few blocks from the main road to witness the local life.

For dinner – head to Calle Geminis Sur/Calle Geminis Norte for some street food! You will find lots of tacos and guacamole, as well as burgers and sushi. There are vegetarian and vegan options available, my favourite ones are La Cordobesita Tulum and Perro No Come Perro. They have vegan tacos, burgers and even hot dogs – and yes they’re delicious! Most street food trucks only take cash, so make sure to bring some.

edited with the Film preset pack/photo filters, available here

Tulum Itinerary Day 2: Tulum ruins & beach time

the view from the ruins! edited with the Wanderlust preset pack/photo filters, available here

Grab a breakfast at either Botanica Garden Café, Prieto or Matcha Mama. Then exploring the Tulum ruins (Zona Arqueológica de Tulum). These are Mayan ruins, located on a cliff next the ocean. Walking would take about an hour, so you’re gonna need a car, bike or a scooter. Make sure to get there early, with plenty of water in an insulated water bottle, as it gets incredibly hot and humid during the day and there is just about no shade. The ruins open at 9am, try to be there as early as you can. The entry fee is 85 pesos and can only be paid in cash. Try to have the exact amount as they don’t always have change.

the views are incredible! edited with the Ocean Blues preset packs/photo filters, available here

After exploring the ruins, which should take just under two hours, it’s now time for some lunch and beach time. There are three public beaches in Tulum – Playa Santa Fe, Playa Pescadores and Playa Paraiso, but essentially it’s just one beach as they all merge together. If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food – Casa Galeones is your place. If you’d prefer something fresh & cold, head to Matcha Mama or Raw Love. Casa Galeones is located at one of the three public beaches in Tulum, Playa Pescadores. Matcha Mama and Raw Love are both located in the hotel zone, about a 20 minute drive from the ruins and have vegetarian/vegan options. If you decide to go with the latter two, you can access the beach at Raw Love.

the beach access at raw love – so pretty! edited with the Ocean Blues preset pack/photo filters, available here

For those that want to take a photo with the “follow that dream” sign, this will be your day to do that. It’s located just a few minutes from Matcha Mama, search for “Lolita Lolita Tulum” in your google maps – that’s where that sign is!

For sunset – I would highly recommend heading to Ciel Rose: a sunset bar with a stunning 360° views of the jungle!

Day 3: Cenote day

edited with the Wanderlust preset pack/photo filters, available here

You can not visit the Yucatán Peninsula without exploring a few cenotes! Visiting a cenote is probably the most unique activity in this Tulum itinerary. To get the day started, I’d suggest grabbing a breakfast at either Botanica Garden Café, Prieto or Matcha Mama. Then it’s time to head to explore the cenotes! As there are over 6000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. Try to go early as the later it gets, the more crowded they tend to be – and it’s just so much more magical to explore them when it’s not filled with a bunch people The Gran Cenote opens at 8am, while most of the other ones open at 9am. I would recommend visiting Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera and Cenote Car Wash. The cenotes are roughly a 20 minute bike ride from Tulum town, so again, you’ll need a bike, a scooter or a car.

After visiting a few cenotes – it’s time for a late lunch! For tacos I’d recommend Taquería La Rivera Costena, for vegetarians/vegans I’d recommend La Hoja Verde.

In the afternoon (anytime after 4pm, cause that’s when they open) I’d suggest grabbing some churros from Don Churro Tulum! The best churros in Tulum in my opinion, you won’t be disappointed.

Day 4: Laguna Kaan Luum

If you only have four days in Tulum and you need to leave early, then your trip ends here. But in case you still have time and don’t leave until later, spend the morning exploring Laguna Kaan Luum. It’s a beautiful lagoon, hidden in the jungle, about 8 km (5 miles) from Tulum. You will need to take a taxi or have a car/scooter. Technically you could also bike, but for whatever reason it’s not recommended to bike on this road.

It’s not your average lagoon, as in the middle of it, there is an 82m (270 feet) deep cenote! Despite its proximity to Tulum, it hasn’t really been discovered yet, so it’s mostly visited by locals. It’s the perfect spot to swim, relax and enjoy nature. Paddle boards are also available for rent, so that’s another thing you could do. The entrance fee is 100 pesos (about 5USD) and must be paid in cash.

I hope you find this four day Tulum itinerary helpful! If you have more days in Tulum, I would recommend having a look at these top rated day trips, that will allow you to discover more of the surrounding areas.

If this is going to be your first time in Tulum, you might want to read this detailed post on how to get to Tulum.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• How to get to Tulum
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

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Note that most restaurants in Bacalar close one day a week – usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Yerbabuena

Yerbabuena is my top choice for breakfast/lunch (it closes at 4pm). They serve delicious sandwiches, smoothies, fruit bowls, granola, juices and café – basically everything you would expect from a breakfast. I would usually order a sandwich, smoothie and iced coffee which came to around 190pesos (9usd).

Zana Sana Juice Bar

Don’t let the name confuse you, they have more than just juices I would say Zana Sana definitely have the best juices in Bacalar! They do cold pressed juices – they are delicious and cost 4USD. A part from juices, they have bagels, waffles, kombuchas and of course coffee.

Madre Masa

Madre Masa is both a bakery and a restaurant. Their pastries are incredible, I would especially recommend the cinnamon rolls and the chocolate chip cookies! They also have delicious breakfast options – toasts, bagels, croissants, eggs, smoothies and coffee. Madre Masa is really affordable – toasts and bagels are around 100 pesos (5USD), smoothies are around 50pesos (2,5USD), croissant with avocado (delicious) is 2,5USD. Coffees are around 2USD.

La Piña

La piña is a very affordable place to go for dinner (it’s not open in the morning). They have all things Mexican – tacos, burritos, guacamole, nachos and quesadillas and more. The restaurant is located in a tropical garden, the atmosphere is chilled and they have good music! Tacos here are about a dollar each, a decent sized portion of guacamole is about 3USD and burritos are 4-5USD.

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Mango y Chile

A great option for lunch or dinner. It’s a bit on the expensive side compared to other places in Bacalar, but the food is delicious and the view from there is nice! I tried a few of their burgers, which are amazing. All their food is vegetarian friendly – instead of meat they use seitan, falafel and tofu. A part from burgers – they also have tacos and hot dogs, as well as a few types of cookies (delicious) and coffees & frappos. The burgers (which all come with fries) and tacos (3 pieces) are 200 pesos (10USD). Most drinks are 2,5USD. I never tried the coffee there but their frappos looked good!

I hope this answered the question where to eat in Bacalar! If you want to get notified when I publish new posts, just click the red bell in the lower right corner

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

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Luckily, I have never had any problems during my travels, and the majority of travellers will not experience anything more serious than pickpocketing. I still keep these safety tips in mind when I’m traveling.

Here are 14 tips for staying safe while traveling, that are applicable around the world.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

1. Be aware of your surroundings

Always be aware of your surroundings and follow your gut if something feels off. Sometimes there are certain areas/neighbourhoods within a city that are considered unsafe, make sure to google that or, what I usually do is asking someone at the front desk of my hostel/hotel.

2. Don’t flash your valuables

Avoid flashing your valuables, especially in poorer countries. You will be seen as a “rich person” which could make you a target for pickpocketers. Just an average camera can be worth more than the monthly salary in some countries. You want to avoid standing out as a “wealthy tourist”.

3. Only use ATM’s inside banks

Manipulating ATM’s to copy your credit card information, is unfortunately something that happens around the world. As you probably want to avoid that, only use ATM’s that are located inside a bank branch, preferably during their opening hours.

4. Inform yourself about common scams

Scams happen around the world. Some are universal, like the one where one person will somehow distract you while the other one steals your valuables. Then there are scams that are typical for each country. In order to avoid becoming a victim of one, look up common scams at the country/city you are about to visit.

Another common scam, that I’ve heard about in Bangkok and Costa Rica, but surely happens in more countries: Someone will approach you in a bus or a train station, ask you where you’re going and will then tell you that all buses/trains to there has been cancelled due to a strike/national holiday or whatever. Either they will then tell you that their friend, or themselves, are a taxi driver and can take you to your destination. Of course for an outrageous price. People that fall victim to this scam will believe that all trains/buses have indeed been cancelled and will pay the price, thinking that it’s their only option.

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, check out these 21 things you must know before visiting Costa Rica including a common scam that takes place on the road between San José and the airport.

5. Do not carry your passport around

Obviously losing your passport while traveling is a hot mess, so unless you are gonna use your passport, do not carry it around. Instead leave it in a safe place at your accommodation. Carrying it around for no reason is just an unnecessary risk. It could get stolen, you could lose it or you could even just spill a drink on it or which might ruin it.

Some countries state that you must carry your passport at all times – in that case, carry a photo or a scanned copy of your passport. You can even get a notarised copy of your passport at your home country before you leave.

6. Keep an eye on your bag

Always keep an eye on your bag, there are some professional pickpocketers out there. If you’re in a crowded area, never carry any valuables in a backpack on your back, rather move the backpack to your front.

7. Avoid walking around late at night

Many places get more dangerous after dark. Avoid walking around late at night. If you do, stick to the more crowded streets and try walking with a group if you possibly can. Consider taking a taxi if it’s very late and streets are mostly empty, even if you’re with another person.

8. Don’t get wasted

There’s nothing wrong with going out and having a few drinks, but avoid getting too drunk as this might make you an easy target for all sorts of crimes.

9. Do some research before taking night buses

Night buses tend to be a popular option for longer trips, as you can hopefully sleep through most of it as well as not having to pay for accommodation that night. Usually night buses are safe, but in certain areas night buses are a frequent target for robberies. If you are considering taking a night bus, do a quick research to see if the route has a history of being targeted for robberies.

10. Follow your instinct

If something feels off, follow your instincts. This could be your instinct about a person, a place or whatever.

Find the perfect hostel or hotel for your trip here! Make sure to read the reviews before booking

11. Be careful if (sketchy) people ask if you’re traveling by yourself

If someone you find sketchy and/or you don’t know, asks you if you’re traveling by yourself, always say no. Say you’re traveling with a group of friends, your family, your coworkers, whatever – and make it sound like they’re just around the corner. This could be at the cashier line in the supermarket, a random person on the street that just strikes up a conversation – if something feels off about it, do not say you’re traveling by yourself.

I’ve had this happen a handful of times, and to me it just feels weird that a complete stranger is asking me if I’m traveling by myself, why do they wanna know that? They most likely have no bad intensions and are just curious – but I mean it’s an innocent lie, better safe than sorry.

12. Do not take unofficial taxis

In many countries there are a bunch of “taxi drivers” that basically put a taxi sign on their car, but are not official taxi drivers. Make sure to avoid those as they are not registered/tracked and are likely to try to rip you off as they don’t have a meter.

So how do you recognize they official ones from the unofficial ones? The easiest thing to do is to have the reception/a restaurant/wherever you’re leaving from to call one. In case you are flagging down a taxi on the street, look for their registration number and/or if they’re wearing a uniform. If you’re unsure what the official taxis look like, just approach a local and ask.

13. Have a backup phone

In this day and age, not having a phone can be, well, challenging. Especially if you’re in a foreign country. I’m not sure if I’d last a day without google maps in a place I’m not familiar with haha. So I like to have a backup phone, which is just my old phone, in my luggage, in case anything happens to my other one. In case your phone gets lost, broken or stolen – this will allow you to get by until you figure something out. See if your family or friends have an old phone lying around that you could borrow, in case you don’t have one.

14. Walk like you know where you’re going

Even if you don’t have a clue about where you are or where you’re going, walk like you know the place like your palm and have no doubt about where you’re going. Looking lost will make you look vulnerable and thus, an easier target.

I hope you found this post helpful and will be able to use some of these 14 tips to stay safe while traveling – if you want to get notified when I publish new blog posts, just click the red bell in the bottom right corner :))

If you are planning backpacking trip, you might also want to read these posts:

• Common Mistakes to avoid when backpacking
• How to save money while traveling
• How to choose a hostel

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You can read about how I spent a month in Costa Rica in 2021 here

Before you start planning your trip to paradise, there are a few things you must know. After having visited Costa Rica four times and even lived with a local family during one of those trips, I have learned a lot about this beautiful country and its culture. So here are the 21 things you must know before visiting Costa Rica!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

1. Be careful when choosing your transportation to and from San José airport

My recommendation is to take an Uber from the airport, it’s much cheaper and more convenient than taxis, who have a reputation for overcharging tourists. As soon as you exit the San José airport, you will be greeted by loads and loads of people, whose seemingly biggest wish is to drive you to your accommodation. As such, they tend to get almost aggressive, sometimes they follow you around even after you’ve told them that you already have someone picking you up. The important thing to know is that not all of them are official taxi drivers. Some of them are just random people that one day decided that they will now be offering “transportation services”.

Make sure to have the Uber app installed and set up on your phone before you arrive! You will have to verify your phone number and your card info, and that’s not something you wanna be doing in a rush at the airport. If, for whatever reason, you can’t take an Uber, take an official taxi. You will recognize the official ones from the none official ones by their red colour. The driver will have a license and the car will have a meter, which in Costa Rica is called “la maría”. Make sure that they put the meter on, if they don’t, they’ll overcharge you.

There is no need to arrange transportation from the airport in advance. Although, if your accommodations offers airport pick up at a decent price, you might as well book that to save you the hassle. Especially if you’re arriving late at night. If you’re staying in one of the hotels close to the airport, they usually offer that service for free.

2. Beware of a common scam taking place between San José and the airport

There is a common scam that takes place on the highway between the SJO airport and San José. How it works is, that two or more people will be working together, one of them being the driver, whose job will be to stop the car at the side of the road, claiming you have a broken tire or some other problem with the car. This is where the other/others in the scam arrive, it will look like they’re just helpful people that just so happened to be passing by and decided to stop and offer to help you. Now, things become chaotic as you all start changing the tire or to fix whatever else the “problem” was. In the midst of this chaos, one of the scammers will quietly steal your valuables, while you and the rest of the scammers are in the middle of changing the tire or whatever.

To avoid being scammed – take an Uber, an official taxi or a transport arranged by your accommodation. Do not take any sort of unofficial transport. For those renting a car, if you have a broken tire or have any problems with your car on the way to/from the airport, AVOID stopping on the side of the road at all cost! Instead, drive to the nearest gas station/hotel/town, anywhere that isn’t in the middle of nowhere.

3. Although Ubers are frequently used, they are technically not legal

Even though Ubers are available throughout the San José area, and are frequently used by travellers as well as locals, Uber remains in some legal grey zone. This doesn’t change the fact that Uber is the way to go when moving around the San José area. The taxi drivers, especially in San José, have a reputation for overcharging tourists and being rude. Uber in Costa Rica works just like anywhere else, but since it’s technically not 100% legal, there are two things you must be aware of:

• The driver will usually ask one of you to sit in the front seat. So if you get in an Uber and the driver says something in Spanish, he’ll most likely be asking you to get in the front seat.
• Especially at the airport, you might want to be a little discreet about it. The drivers at the airport will be telling you that you can’t take an Uber because it’s illegal, just tell them that your friend is coming to pick you up.

4. There are no street addresses in Costa Rica

One of the most important things you must know before visiting Costa Rica is that there are no street addresses. Yes you read that right. Streets in Costa Rica normally don’t have names and the houses do not have numbers. I struggled a lot with this in the beginning and couldn’t really get over how extremely strange it was. Questions like how do people get their mail? How does anyone find anything? How can an entire country function without street names?

I quickly learned that instead of “normal” addresses, the “address” is simply an explanation of where the building is. You will find addresses such as 350m west of Taco Bell, San Pedro and the pink house on the corner 100m from the church. For me, this really just raised more questions than it answered. What if you don’t know where this Taco Bell is? How do you know which direction is east, am I supposed to carry a compass with me at all times? How do I know when I’ve walked 300 meters? I need to carry a measuring tape too? Four trips to Costa Rica later, I’ve discovered that there’s no need to carry any of those things around, thanks to apps such as Google maps and maps.me. These will pretty much get you pretty much anywhere, although you will have problems finding residential buildings. I still have not figured out how people get their mail though

For the record, in downtown San José you will see that some streets are numbered – you have “Avenida Central”, Avenida 2, Avenida 4 and so on. Avenues run East to West, and then you have calles that run North to South. The houses here are not numbered though. This is pretty much the only place in the country where you’ll see street names in any shape or form.

5. There are more than one “San José”

If you’re flying into San José, make sure to book the flight to the right San José! The airport code for San José, Costa Rica is SJO. There is a city in California that is also called San José. Something that has turned out very unfortunate for a number of people that have purchased tickets to the wrong San José and not realized until they land in California instead of Costa Rica

Here you can book your stay in San José, Costa Rica!

6. It’s not as cheap as you might think

A very common misconception about Costa Rica is that it’s cheap. Since most countries in Central America are indeed very affordable, people tend to think that the same must apply to Costa Rica. But that’s just not the case. It’s nowhere near as affordable as countries like El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. To be fair, fruits and public buses are very affordable, but that’s about it. Expect prices to be pretty similar to those in US and Europe.

7. Be careful in San José

While I would not necessarily agree with those saying San José is flat out dangerous, you definitely have to be careful. With that being said, I have spent my fair time in San José and I’ve never had any problems there. Just keep an eye on your stuff at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery (even if it’s a 3$ necklace) it’s not about the risk of the necklace getting stolen, but that it might draw attention to you. As long as you take normal precautions, and most importantly, know where to go and where not to go, it’s unlikely you’ll have any problems. There are certain areas in San José where you simply shouldn’t be, especially not late at night or early morning.

Buses leaving from San José usually depart at 6 or 7am, take an Uber (or a taxi) to the bus stop, do not walk there. Even if it’s a 5 minute walk, just don’t risk it. The area around the bus stations are often shady, the bus stations themselves are fine though.

Stick to the area around Avenida Central, which is the main street in San José. This is where you’ll find the most interesting sights such as the National Theatre and the National Museum. San José is not the place to wander off into the unknown, the atmosphere can change rapidly just from one block to the next, so always be aware of your surroundings!

8. The local restaurants are called “sodas”

The best way to get a taste of real Costa Rica is by eating at a soda. Sodas are small local restaurants, you’ll recognize them by the plastic chairs and the, often a little torn, “soda” sign. They are cheaper than regular restaurants and offer big portions, making them the perfect option for those on a budget. Sodas offer basic traditional food that usually consists of rice and beans, along with some meat or vegetables. Many sodas also offer things like nachos, guacamole and burritos.

9. The currency is the Costa Rica Colón

Colón, or Colones in plural, is the local currency in Costa Rica. US dollars are also widely accepted and usually you have a choice of paying with US dollars or Colones. Often you’ll get worse exchange rate when paying with USD, but if you’re bank account is in USD, paying in USD might be your best option. I always use Colones and never withdraw USD from the ATM’s. But since Colones aren’t readily available outside of Costa Rica, I often have 50-100USD with me when I arrive, just in case. I usually keep that as “back up” if my card doesn’t work somewhere or if the ATM’s aren’t working.

Santa Teresa, one of my favourite places in Costa Rica

10. Driving can take long and travel times are estimates

Between unpaved roads, sink holes, slow trucks, heavy traffic, and whatnot – driving in Costa Rica can take ages and driving times are estimates. If that. You can expect a 200km drive to take about 4 hours. Then again, a 4 hour journey can easily turn into 5 or even 6 hours if the traffic is bad. So always allow for extra time when going from one place to another.

11. The Waze app

The Waze app is a must have for anyone driving around Costa Rica. Especially if you’re traveling during rainy season (April/May-November/December). During that period the road conditions can change fast, rivers may flood and landslides can occur. Every day thousands of locals help update information on the Waze app, so you’ll always have the most recent updates on road conditions and traffic.

12. Bus stops are not well marked

Costa Rica apparently isn’t very keen on spending money on signs. Just like they don’t bother with formalities such as naming the streets, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they haven’t really gotten around to putting up signs for bus stops either. So when finding your bus stop, especially in smaller towns, you’ll often be at the mercy of locals, who will know where to find it even though that information is not written anywhere A number of people standing on the side of the street can also indicate that you’ve found a bus stop. Just ask them if this is the bus stop (parada de autobuses in Spanish). It’s just one of those things that isn’t written anywhere but somehow everyone just knows how it works.

13. There are road tolls

All the major highways between San José and the Pacific Coast have road tolls. Expect to pay around 250-750 colones (about 1 USD). Both Colones and USD are accepted, debit and credit cards are not accepted. You will of course only be required to pay the tolls if you have your own car, not if you’re on a bus or a shuttle.

14. There is no central hub for bus buses

You know how in most cities you have one main bus terminal where all buses depart from? That’s indeed very practical Well, In Costa Rica it’s not like that. Instead, you have lots of small terminals located all over San José. So when taking a bus from San José to anywhere else in Costa Rica, you’ll need to look up from which bus terminal the bus departs from.

15. It’s easy to take public buses to and from San José

There are direct public buses to and from San José to basically anywhere in Costa Rica. The public buses are way cheaper than shuttles, and they work just fine to get you to and from San José. However, if you’re traveling between others parts of Costa Rica, there often aren’t any direct public buses so in those cases I usually take a shuttle.

16. The traffic in San José during rush hours is insane

Driving in San José during rush hours is a nightmare. It’s loco. There are apparently some traffic laws in place but drivers seem too be more concerned about getting to wherever they need to be, than following any of them. Rush hours on weekdays is roughly 5-8am and 3-6pm. Additionally, you have a lot of traffic out of San José on Friday afternoons and than into San José on Sunday evenings, as the locals like to get out of the city during the weekends.

17. You can visit during rainy season

You can still enjoy Costa Rica during the rainy season! It can even be a great time to visit and certainly has it’s advantages! Rainy season, also referred to as the “green season”, runs from May through mid-November. During this time the jungles turns more green, as opposed to appearing brownish and often dusty towards the end of dry season. Costa Rica sees plenty of sunshine even during rainy season, it’s usually sunny in the mornings, followed by cloudy afternoons and a few hours of rain. Visiting during rainy season also means that you can expect to get better deals on flights and accommodation since this is the low season. This also means less tourists!

18. You can drink the water

There is usually no need to buy bottled water in Costa Rica as the tap water is generally safe. Some hostels and accommodations even have water filters so it doesn’t even taste bad. Just double check with your hostel/hotel before drinking the water, but in the majority of the country it’s totally fine. Make sure to bring an insulated water bottle to keep your water nice and cold. There is nothing worse than bringing a cold water to the beach, only to realise that because it’s in a plastic bottle, it has reached the same temperature as the outside temperature. Boiling hot water is not so refreshing

Find the perfect accommodation for your Costa Rica trip here!

19. It’s the safest country in Central America

Costa Rica consistently rates as the safest country in Central America. It’s one of few countries in the world that doesn’t have an army. Tourists do not have much to worry about when visiting Costa Rica, as long as they take normal precautions.
For some practical safety tips that are applicable around the world, read this post: 14 tips for staying safe while traveling

20. The biggest safety risk is petty theft

Bag snatching and pickpocketing do occur, so always keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid flashing your valuables and never leave your valuables unattended at the beach while taking a swim! If you’re going to the beach by yourself and plan to go swimming, leave any valuables at your hotel/hostel.

21. Don’t go to the beach after dark

This is possibly one of the most important things you must know before visiting Costa Rica! Yes it’s the safest country in Central America, but the beach is still not a safe place to be after dark. Unless you’re at a restaurant or bar at the beach, do not wander off to the beach at night. Even if you’re with a few other people. It gets completely dark, there is usually no one around, and the sound of the ocean will drown out any other sounds. This unfortunately makes for a perfect environment for crimes much more serious than pickpocketing.

I hope that you are better prepared for your trip to Costa Rica after learning about these 21 things you must know before visiting Costa Rica. if you want to get notified when I publish new blog posts, just click the red bell in the bottom right corner or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new posts :))

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, you might also want to check out:

• 10 Best things to do in Costa Rica
• My trip to Costa Rica
• Mistakes to avoid when backpacking

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If you are planning your first backpacking trip, you might also want to read these 14 tips to staying safe while traveling. These are things I’ve slowly learned through my travels, and are applicable around the world.

You can consider this your beginners backpacking guide – your backpacking 101. So if you are planning your first backpacking trip, or if you simply feel that you haven’t really mastered the art of backpacking just yet, this post is for you. Now let’s get into some of the common mistakes to avoid when backpacking!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Bringing too much stuff

Be very selective about the things you bring, especially clothes. It can be tempting to pack every piece of clothing you feel like you might possibly wear – been there, not a great idea Eventually you will just be dragging around extra weight and you’ll have a harder time finding the stuff you are actually using. You probably don’t need to bring that t-shirt you haven’t worn for a year. Nor do you need to pack multiple pairs of sneakers just because you can’t choose one. 

There is also no need to be carrying huge bottles of shampoo, conditioner or any types of toiletries, so go ahead and put those into smaller travel-sized bottles. You will be carrying your backpack through airports, to and from bus stops, what have you – so believe me when I tell you that you want it to be as light as possible. 

Planning too much in advance

Unless you are traveling during easters, christmas, or other public holidays when things tend to get busy – there is no point in having accommodations lined up weeks or months in advance. You can book hostels from your phone in a matter of seconds through the Booking, Agoda and Hostelworld apps.

You might also like: How to choose a hostel

This especially goes for booking hostels in places where you haven’t been before. Let’s say you are planning a trip to Colombia. You can’t possibly know in advance if you will only want to spend two days in Cartagena, or if you will love it (like I did) and want to spend three weeks there. So lining up accommodations in advance is essentially just guessing how long you want to stay in each place, instead of deciding when you’re already there. You also might meet people that are planning to do something really cool and you’d love to join, but oh, since you have already booked all your accommodations for the next three months, you don’t really have the flexibility to join them.

In my experience – you don’t really gain anything from booking and planning every little thing far in advance. But you lose is the ability to go with the flow and go on spontaneous adventures, which for me, is what backpacking is all about.

Bringing the wrong type of backpack

This is one of the common mistakes to avoid when backpacking! You will want to travel with a backpack that opens like a suitcase, not one that only opens at the top. Why? 
Picture this: You have been laying on the beach and eating tacos for three weeks, and have now decided that you would like to change that. So you need to find that one set of workout clothes that you’re pretty sure you brought, and are probably sitting somewhere at the bottom of your backpack at this point. You will most likely end up having to empty your backpack to find it, oh and then put everything back in. This can of course apply to just about anything, not just workout clothes :))

What I’m saying is that you do not want to travel with a backpack that only opens at the top, you want to bring one that opens like a regular suitcase.
This is the backpack I’ve been using ever since my second backpacking trip. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a backpack for their next trip – it’s super convenient to travel with. It does indeed open like a suitcase, and the straps can be zipped away which is important when bringing it on a flight or on a bus, preventing them from getting dirty when thrown around by airline staff or when loaded on a bus. It also has a side handle so it’s easy to carry around even when the straps are zipped away.

Traveling too fast

This is a very common beginners mistake. I get that you want to see as much as possible during the time you have, so it might be tempting to squeeze in as many places as you possibly can. Visiting three countries in a month may seem like a great idea at first glance, but what you will discover is that running from city to city, from one attraction to another, will quickly become exhausting. A part from becoming tiring very fast, the biggest disadvantage of traveling too fast is that you won’t really get to know a place. Yeah you might tick lots of countries off your list and snap a photo or two in front of the main attractions, but you won’t really experience the countries and their culture. 

You might end up spending half your time on busses or trains, which lets face it, is just not very pleasant way to spend the day. It will also be more expensive because you’ll be getting on some sort of transport every few days. You will also find yourself taking flights instead of a bus or train to save time, but will of course cost much more. Instead of enjoying exploring and taking in the culture, you’ll end up running around trying to stick to your packed schedule.

If you are planning backpacking trip, you might also want to read these posts:

• How to choose a hostel
• How to save money while traveling
• 14 tips for staying safe while traveling

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