After being trapped in classrooms for two semesters, the urge to bolt the country is irresistible. For the summer vacation of a lifetime, head south to Central America

BACKPACKING THROUGH EUROPE has long been the dream trip for most college students with the travel bug. But before you scratch that itch and start booking your expensive flight across the Atlantic, consider the lesser-known but equally grand alternative — Central America.
From Southern Mexico to Panama, you will find some of the most exotic beaches, meet the kindest people, eat the freshest fruits, and wonder why the hell nobody has ever told you about these places before.
Beaches:
With the luxury of having the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea within a day’s travel of each other, Central America is a beachgoer’s dream. There is no shortage of coasts to soak in the sun then have a few drinks next to a bonfire under the stars. Must-see spots include the black-sand beaches of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and Starfish Beach in the amazing party town of Bocas Del Toro, Panama.
Wildlife:
Central America’s greatest asset could be its rainforests, which have some of the highest biodiversity in the world. Costa Rica is best known for wildlife in large part because of its booming ecotourism industry. However, to find the wildest places in the region, go to lesser-known spots that share Costa Rica’s wildlife but not its crowds. You will see troops of monkeys, colorful birds, and poison dart frogs to name a few. The best spots include northern Guatemala and the butterfly-filled volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.
Colonial Towns and Ruins:
If trekking through jungles isn’t your thing, you can get lost in the bustling street markets set in colorful cities colonized in the 16th century. In Central America, you will find stunning architecture, a remnant of Spanish colonization. Offsetting this European influence are thousands of ancient Mayan ruins peppered throughout the region. The most impressive temple complexes are the Copán in Honduras, Tikal in Guatemala, and Tulum in Mexico.
People:
The only things more colorful than the buildings of Central America are the locals. There is a stigma among most Americans that these places are incredibly dangerous, but with an open mind and some common sense you are going to meet some of the kindest people on the globe. Be good to them, and they’ll return the favor 10 times over. Also, you’re bound to meet fellow travelers along the backpacking trail — mostly from Europe. If you latch on to one of these groups be prepared for many late nights full of dancing and laughter.
Prices:
Central America is scenic, culturally rich, and vastly different than the United States. These are all traits shared by Europe, but Central America is far cheaper. The average night in a hostel is about $9 compared to $35 in Europe. Bus rides are less than $1. A plentiful dinner from the local market costs as little as $3 in most countries, and locally grown fruits and vegetables are pennies on the dollar compared to anywhere else.
Takeaway:
Central America isn’t as lavish and civilized as Europe, but that by no means diminshes your travels. Getting out of your comfort zone and giving up luxuries such as hot water and being able to flush your toilet paper will make you realize how well you have it in the United States. The people of Central America have next to nothing in material wealth, yet they are rich with happiness.
Traveling in Central America forces you to branch out and try new experiences such as sliding down a volcano on a chintzy piece of wood or jumping into the sea on a trampoline. The experiences you will take away from this trip will be priceless. The only downside is you will need to find a place to hang your new hammock.