As every New Schooler must know, Spring break is just around the corner. It begins this Friday, March 20th and ends on the following Sunday, March 29th. Going somewhere warm and beautiful would be great, but is it possible if you’re on a budget? We looked carefully at four factors–airfare, food, hotel, and transportation–and came up with places that just might work.
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Estimated round trip flight: $360 with United Airlines
Food: Puerto Rico’s street vendors are known for their delicious fruit juices and piraguas (icies), which cost $2-3, and there are small restaurants alongside almost any main road. Meals usually consist of a big plate with rice, beans, avocado slices or Mofongo, which is fried plantains mashed together with garlic, and often bits of pork; this will cost around $7.
Hotel: Puerto Rico is not as cluttered with fancy resorts as the neighboring Dominican Republic. Resorts do exist, especially near San Juan, but there are many small hotels and rental houses all around the island. Houses typically cost $125-175 per night; or hotels go from $150-350 per night.
Transportation: There is no subway system in Puerto Rico but the San Juan area has a reliable bus system that costs a little over a dollar a ride. To see the rest of the island, it’s probably best to rent a car.
Pros and Cons: Since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, the currency used is still the US dollar. However, the overall cost of living and food is much lower than in most U.S cities. Also since Puerto Rico is not the most popular Caribbean vacation destination, there are a lot less other college students/tourists and more tranquility.
2. La Paz, Bolivia
Estimated round trip flight: $650 with US Airways
Food: Bolivian cuisine is mainly soup or a dish with rice, potato and a small salad. The food in Bolivia is very cheap and can be bought from the many street vendors. Most food in Bolivia is found on the streets and in the markets. There are many markets, which are usually open three days a week. The larger markets, like the ones in La Paz, are open seven days a week. Bolivian markets offer fresh meat, cheese, herbs, and a few offer products for traditional rituals, such as baby animals. Food from a vendor will be served on a plate and eating utensils are usually provided by the food vendor. After you’re done eating, the plates are given back to the vendor. The portions are rather big and will cost around 13 Bolivianos, which is about $2.
Hotel: Hotels prices are determined by whether there’s a shared bathroom or private bathroom. Either way it is unlikely to cost more than 180 Bolivianos a night. If you want a high end luxury hotel the prices will be between $100-140.
Transportation: Buses are used all over the country. There are no bus stops and the buses usually look a minivan. The buses can be stopped by sticking out your finger and are paid for in coins when exiting. Areas where the bus will take you are listed on its front window and a trip within the city limits usually costs 5 Bolivianos.
Pros and Cons: Bolivia is perhaps one of the most affordable places on this list, aside from the airfare. The conversion between the Bolivian peso and the US dollar is more stable than other Latin American countries and has been at 6.91 for a while. The safety of Bolivia is something to be aware of when traveling–La Paz can be a little sketchy. When outside of the main cities, communities are usually very safe, quiet and respectful. Helpful tips would be carrying passports close to you, speak English rather softly and leaving expensive things at the hotel. Most of the museums and excursions are also free or low cost.
3. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Estimated round trip flight: $480 with United Airlines
Food: As in Puerto Rico, the food in Dominican Republic is mainly colorful tropical fruits and a lot of rice, beans and fish. Some classic dishes are Bacalao, a delicious salted cod that is commonly served along with avocado; tostones, fried plantains, Mondongo, a stew of cow stomach and Mofongo which is made of fried plantains, garlic and fried pork skin.
Hotel: The Dominican Republic is known for its all-inclusive resorts, where rates include accommodation, drinks, meals and often excursions. The main ones can be found in Punta Cana and average prices vary between $150 – $500 per night.
Transportation: If you’re staying at a resort there are usually small buses that take you around. If you decide to stay at a hotel in a small town or in the capital city then getting around can be done by taking one of the many sedan-style mini vans. They usually have a taxi sign on top and will carry more than one party. Private yellow cabs are also available.
Pros and Cons: The Dominican Republic is often considered the most affordable Caribbean island destinations and getting around the island is usually very inexpensive and safe.
4. Bogotá, Colombia
Estimated round trip flight: $410 with United Airlines
Food: Typical street snacks consist of empanadas, arepas or jugo fresca (fresh juice) and cost about $1. Many locals take advantage of touristy areas and sell set packed lunches for around US $3.
Hotel: Backpacker hostels will cost $5 to $25 US; budget hotels are $25 to 90. Comfortable accommodation is Colombia is very cheap and most provide services such as free breakfast/wifi.
Transportation: Getting around in any city or town will consist of taking a small local bus, these buses are usually small and crowded and have a flat fare. There are bus stops but one could also let the bus driver know where one wishes to get off. Medellin is the only city in the country with a Metro system. There are also motor bike taxis that have covered roofs and are mainly seen on coastal cities.
Pros and Cons: Colombia is often portrayed in a negative light, and though it has been infamously violent, crime ridden and heavy in drug trafficking, it has become much safer in the past decade. Drug cartels have moved north to Mexico and new government has made progress towards a safer environment. Currently many tourist flock to Colombia for its climate; Colombia is home to part of the Andes mountains, deserts, beach coasts, and Amazonian jungle. The US dollar is equal to 2611.20 Colombian pesos.