Travel on a Budget: Expert Tips from Chelsea Glass

Travel on a Budget: Expert Tips from Chelsea Glass
For many aspiring travelers, the cost of travel can feel like the biggest obstacle to seeing the world.
But affordable travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort, culture, or connection. With a
thoughtful approach, it’s entirely possible to explore vibrant destinations, support local economies,
and collect life-changing experiences—without overspending.
Chelsea Glass, founder of Heart of Travel, has spent years curating ethical travel experiences across
Latin America that prioritize immersion, intention, and accessibility. Her mission? To make travel feel
more inclusive—especially for women and first-time travelers—by offering budget-friendly trips that
still feel deeply enriching.
Why Latin America is a Budget Traveler’s Dream
Latin America remains one of the best-value destinations for budget-conscious travelers.
Countries like Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru offer stunning natural beauty, deep-rooted cultural

heritage, and thriving local markets—often at significantly lower costs than other global
destinations.
Travelers who choose Latin America often find that their money stretches further while still
accessing meaningful experiences: charming boutique hotels, artisanal cuisine, and
opportunities for deep cultural exchange. By staying in locally-owned accommodations and
avoiding commercial tour packages, it becomes easier to engage authentically and travel
responsibly.
Heart of Travel’s tours are designed to highlight these benefits by providing guests with curated
access to under-the-radar destinations and family-run businesses that offer fair pricing and
personal connection.

Small Group Tours: Budget-Friendly and Impact-Driven
One of the best ways to travel on a budget—especially in Latin America—is through small group
tours. When accommodations, transportation, and activities are bundled together, travelers benefit
from cost savings and streamlined logistics. Plus, you gain access to places and people you likely
wouldn’t encounter on your own.
Heart of Travel’s small group tours are capped at 14 people, making the experience feel intimate and
community-driven rather than crowded or impersonal. You’re not just following a flag down the
street—you’re sharing meals with new friends, learning from locals, and becoming part of something
bigger.
This format is especially ideal for solo travelers, women traveling independently, or those new to the
region. It provides structure and safety, while still leaving room for spontaneity and personal
connection. And with most meals, transport, and activities included in the price, it's easier to stick to
your budget while still feeling taken care of.
Eat Like a Local, Spend Like a Local
Food is one of the greatest joys of traveling in Latin America—and also one of the easiest ways to
keep your travel costs low.
Skip the tourist traps and chain restaurants and opt for mercados, street vendors, and mom-and-pop
eateries instead. Not only are the meals more affordable (think $1–$3 for a plate of pupusas or
tacos), but they’re often made with more love, more history, and more flavor. Plus, every bite
supports small businesses and keeps culinary traditions alive.
Heart of Travel guests are introduced to these gems daily. Whether it’s sipping atole in a
Guatemalan market or trying handmade mole in Oaxaca, eating like a local isn’t just budget-
friendly—it’s culturally rich and wildly delicious.

A Personal Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity
During one of Heart of Travel’s tours in Antigua, Guatemala, a traveler set out with a challenge:
spend no more than $7 USD in a single day.
She began with fresh pastries and coffee at a local panadería, joined a free walking tour through the
historic center, grabbed lunch from a street vendor selling empanadas, and spent the afternoon
chatting with artisans and watching dancers perform in the town square.
What stood out wasn’t how little she spent—it was how much she gained. That day, like so many
others on the road, became a reminder that travel is about presence over purchases, and meaning
over money.

Budget Travel Hacks That Make a Difference
● Use Local Transportation

Instead of booking taxis or tourist transfers, public buses and colectivos (shared vans or
cars) offer a much cheaper—and often more authentic—way to get around. In countries
like Guatemala and Mexico, these methods are common and cost-effective. They also
introduce travelers to the flow of daily life, offering a window into the culture that’s hard
to experience from behind private windows.
● Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Visiting during off-peak months like May, June, or late September can yield lower prices
on flights, lodging, and activities. Fewer crowds also make for a more relaxed
experience and often open the door to more meaningful conversations with locals.
Flexible timing allows travelers to avoid high-season markups and make the most of
their budget.
● Learn Basic Local Phrases
Even a handful of Spanish expressions can go a long way in building rapport and
reducing miscommunication. Knowing how to greet someone, ask for prices, or thank a
vendor creates a more respectful and connected experience. Locals often respond with
warmth and generosity, especially when travelers make the effort to speak their
language.
● Pack Light and Smart
Light packing reduces baggage fees and gives travelers more flexibility to move around.
Choosing versatile clothing and essentials that work across climates cuts down on
overpacking. Smaller bags are easier to manage on public transportation and allow
spontaneous shifts in travel plans without hassle.

Affordable Travel That’s Also Ethical
Budget travel doesn’t need to come at the expense of the places and people visited. On the
contrary, with careful planning, it can reinforce local economies and promote responsible
tourism. Heart of Travel emphasizes working with businesses that pay fair wages, avoid
environmental harm, and preserve cultural heritage.
Travelers are encouraged to support artisans directly, use refillable water bottles, and seek out
experiences that honor rather than exploit a destination’s uniqueness. Being intentional about
where money is spent helps ensure that travel remains a force for good.

Why Travel Should Be Accessible to All
The idea that travel is a luxury reserved for the wealthy is outdated. More travelers are looking
for ways to explore the world in alignment with their values and their budgets. By combining
affordability with cultural depth, organizations like Heart of Travel are opening new doors for
people who want to experience more—without spending more.
When travelers choose small group tours, connect with locals, and take the time to travel slowly,
they often return home with more than souvenirs. They gain perspective, self-confidence, and a
lasting appreciation for global connection.

Plan Your Budget-Friendly Adventure
Heart of Travel offers a variety of affordable, ethical, and immersive tours throughout Latin
America, including destinations in Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru. Whether you're a solo
traveler, on a gap year, or simply looking for a deeper kind of travel, their small-group
adventures provide the perfect blend of cost-conscious planning and meaningful experience.
To learn more or view upcoming trips, visit heartoftravel.org.