Another long weekend, another trip.
This time I did a solo trip to San Salvador, El Salvador and to Managua, Nicaragua.
Below is a photo of the budget breakdown I keep on my Excel spreadsheet:
Let me start with the flights. I booked those all the way back in August of last year.
All of the flights were with Avianca and it was three one-ways.
The first was a direct flight from Toronto to San Salvador for $144.00.
The second was a direct flight from San Salvador to Managua for $137.00.
The final flight was Managua-San Salvador-Toronto and that was $200.00.
The total cost of my flights was $481.00.
I think I did pretty well. This felt like a good deal to me. All of the flight were personal item only, but that is a simple task for me nowadays.
The first stay of this trip is in San Salvador and I chose to stay at an AirBnB.
Judging from the reviews, this is the perfect place for a solo traveler as it is safe and has just enough room for me to sleep in and hang out. Prior to the trip, the host for this place has also been really great with communication and that is always a green flag for me.
The total cost for four nights at this AirBnB is $209.00.
If you are interested in seeing it yourself, click here. I will let you know how much I liked it when I get back.
The second stay for this trip is just a one-nighter in Managua.
I chose the Best Western Las Mercedes Airport – which looks to be directly in front of the airport there.
The reason I chose this hotel was because my flight home is REALLY early in the morning on the last day of the trip and I don’t want to deal with Ubers, taxis or shuttles.
Total cost for one night is $91.00 and I will let you know if it was worth it or not when I get back.
I didn’t book any excursions for this trip, well, I DID have one booked but I cancelled it. Let me explain.
This trip was actually supposed to be three countries in five days – El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. On the Saturday I had booked myself a day trip from San Salvador to Antigua, Guatemala. However, the tour operator was not responding to any of the four emails I sent them. This wasn’t a cheap day tour either, it was almost $400.00!! But no response? Red flag. I’ve learned the hard way that if tours or hosts aren’t responsive before the trip, they will definitely suck once you’re there.
I know for El Salvador a lot of people do the volcano tours, the big slide and that bicycle on a tightrope excursion. But, I am going during rainy season and didn’t want to walk near volcanoes in rain, I can’t do the slide because of my back and I don’t know how to ride a bike. Therefore, zero excursions.
For spending money I budgeted $350.00USD which is about $500.00CAD. I figure for the amount of food and Ubers I will be taking, this should be a good amount.
The total budget for this trip is $1281.00 Canadian.
I think this is a decent budget, but I could be wrong. Who knows? Going to see what shenanigans I can get into on my solo dolo.
See you when I get back……
- Mirna