The FAQ series has been popular, so today I’m going to answer your burning questions about what it’s really like to travel certain areas solo or as a female. In this case, it’s Central America, where I traveled for a few weeks in 2017. Some destinations are well tread on the backpacker trail, while others require a bit more preparation.
It’s a great area for intrepid travelers because it’s not quite as popular as Southeast Asia. There are a few things ladies should know before going to make their trip more enjoyable. For the purposes of this post, Central America includes the Riviera Maya portion of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.
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Do I need to dress modestly?
Like in other parts of the world, the cultures of much of Central America are traditionally conservative and Catholic in particular. It’s not uncommon to see women dressed in shorts and tank tops in the more tourist-friendly destinations, but this generally means some form of harassment on the street from men. It’s unfair, but true.
But beach towns are a different matter as bikinis on the beach are acceptable. Generally, it means “hola chica” and little else, but modesty may prevent unwelcome comments. With that said, respect the traditional holidays like Semana Santa. It was rather hot during my travels, so I wore items like midi dresses or yoga pants with scarves over my shoulders.
What can I eat that won’t make me sick?
As I can tell you from firsthand experience, food can make you sick just about anywhere, including countries like Australia and the United States. There is a street food culture as well as restaurants that are more like dining in someone’s home.
Most dishes contain ingredients like rice, beans, and plantains with some form of meat. Sometimes dishes with vegetables are made with water that isn’t as clean as what you’re used to back home, but you should be fine. Carry Pepto Bismol or some similar stomach medicine with you just in case.
Also keep in mind the injections you’ll need before your trip that will prevent more serious illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control, all travelers should be up to date with their MMR, diptheria, chicken pox, polio, and flu vaccines.
Each country also has its own set of recommended vaccines, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended throughout the region. Malaria protection is also encouraged for Costa Rica and for some people visiting the rest of the region.
Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever vaccines may also be suggested. As of late 2017, there is still a Zika threat in this part of the world, but mostly affects women either pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Travel Insurance is encouraged for travel in this part of the world. I used World Nomads for my trip.
What about safety? How can I avoid getting robbed or scammed?
When you hear things about safety in Central America, much of it is related to things that have happened in the past, namely the revolutions and guerrilla wars that have taken place in the last 50 years. But these political events have little effect on the tourist experience today.
Most crime in Central America is that of convenience, namely purse snatchings and the like. There is some violent crime, but mostly in residential areas beyond the tourist zones. In Guatemala, I felt perfectly safe walking by myself in Antigua at midnight, but wouldn’t have done the same in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua after a man grabbed my arm in the afternoon.
For the most part, you’ll find bigger cities to have higher rates of crime, so be more cautious than in other destinations. As I mentioned in my post about Guatemala City, it’s listed as one of the most dangerous, but so is parts of the city where I live.
If you’re worried about it, there are a few ways to lessen the likelihood of being a victim. Don’t go to the beaches after dark as this is where crime tends to take place. Stick with a group whenever possible. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially on crowded chicken buses and in markets.
Items like a theft-proof bag, like my beloved PacSafe, and a personal alarm, self defense ring, or whistle will help you feel more at ease. I’ve never used a money belt in my life, but do have a small fanny pack that can fit under my shirt.
There aren’t as many scams in this region, but instead you may be asked to pay more than locals would. I asked my hostel owner how much a taxi should be to the airport in Guatemala City. The driver quoted me twice that but I haggled down to the midway point. The ones you should be aware of are listed in this post.
What if I don’t speak Spanish?
Unlike Thai or Turkish, Spanish is a great language to learn because so many people, especially in the United States, speak it. It’s fairly easy to learn, especially since it shares the same alphabet as English, and there are countless resources for learning it.
Take an immersive class upon arrival in Antigua or sign up for a free DuoLingo account. There are also phrasebooks you can purchase for those small towns where English isn’t widely spoken. At least learn the important words like directions and foods.
How can I safely get around? Should I go with tours or independently?
There are many methods of transportation around Central America, ranging from private transfers to backpacker shuttles to local chicken buses. I took all of the above and felt fine in each. But keep in mind that local buses keep their own schedule and may take longer than they advertise. Most transportation can be arranged by your hotel or hostel or from a local travel agency. Shop around for the best price if you’re on a budget.
If this is your first time traveling solo, you might feel more at ease by traveling with a tour group. The big-name companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures operate tours of varying lengths.
Should I stay in hotels or hostels?
I stayed at both hostels and hotels during my travels and felt equally safe at both. In Nicaragua, my hostel had someone working late to welcome me and let me into the gate. Staying in hostels will allow you to meet more people, but private rooms and hotels are a nice and affordable treat.
Any other questions I didn’t answer?
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