It’s hard to leave Utah. In the winter you have the best skiing in the country, and you have top notch biking, hiking, and climbing in the summer. But this summer, when you’re unencumbered by classes, you have to leave the state at some point. Actually, scratch that ­— leave the country.
Last summer, that’s exactly what Wasatch photographer Chad Zavala did. He spent three months backpacking through Central America, and what he found was a paradise unknown to many travelers. After learning of his experiences, we decided early on that Wasatch had to highlight his trip in our final issue before summer.
The benefits of Central America over Europe are numerous. Flights to Europe can cost thousands of dollars — Zavala paid $600 to fly into Costa Rica. Food and wine alone can cost a fortune in Europe, while a nice dinner in Central America is $10, tip included. The region is a haven for thrifty travelers, which allowed Zavala to travel abroad for months rather than weeks.
Price isn’t the only benefit. Central America doesn’t have near the wealth of the U.S. or Western European countries, which allows you to bask in the clockwork of a completely different lifestyle. Central America is also a tropical region, so the food and wildlife will be unlike anything you’ve experienced.
You may not have the time or money to travel abroad this summer, but you should get out of Utah for a bit. While the state is mesmerizing, there are plenty of amazing day trips that can show you a new landscape and culture without crossing a border.
Hit the beach in San Diego. Go rafting in Jackson, Wyo. Head to the Pacific Northwest for fresh seafood. It doesn’t matter where you go — you’ll find yourself doing new things, meeting new people, and making new memories.
Utah is amazing, but it will be here when you get back.