Central America

Central America is popular amongst career breakers wanting to do volunteer work - and those who just want to travel. The Lonely Planet has an excellent book called 'Central America on a Shoestring'- buy one from www.lonelyplanet.com.

What?
Why?
How and when?
Facts for the career breaker
Top Central America tip

What?

Central America covers the following countries (working from north to south):

• Belize
• Guatamala
• Hondura
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Panama

The region borders Mexico in the north (which is counted as part of North America) and Colombia to the south. Over to the east are the Caribbean islands.

Why?

Central America has lots of opportunities for career breakers. There's a wide range of volunteering projects there - from teaching and community work, to conservation (both marine conservation and rainforest). A  number of language schools also operate there, teaching Spanish. If you just want to travel, with a group or independently, Central America has a lot to see. From ancient Mayan ruins to lively cities, beaches to rainforests to volcanoes, this diverse region offers a lot to the career breaker who's looking for something different.

How and when?

Lots of people fly into Mexico City and work their way south into Central America. You can also fly into one of the Central American capital cities (like Belize or Guatamala City) either directly or changing in the US. If your round-the-world ticket includes a stop in Los Angeles (which many do), you can travel overland through Mexico to Central America.

The 'when' depends on which bit of Central America you're going to, as the climate is quite varied. You can go there any time of year, but if you're planning to go somewhere remote, be aware that some roads might be impassable during heavy rainfall, so you may wish to visit outside the rainy season (which varies from country to country). Visiting outside the peak season means you'll be faced with fewer crowds, plus you'll be supporting local businesses at a slow time of year.

Facts for the career breaker

• Central American people have a well-deserved reputation for being friendly and welcoming, which can make a real difference to your trip.
• Foreigners can be targets for crime in Nicaragua and Guatemala City. Take precautions, and sign up for updates at www.fco.gov.uk). Not only will these keep you posted about the political situation in Nicaragua, but also about hurricanes and earthquakes (the region is prone to these).
• You'll be able to see some amazing sites in Central America - from beautiful beaches and huge lakes, to man-made wonders like the famous Panama canal. Some of these can be quite remote, so leave plenty of time to travel.
• Coffee and chocolate are grown in Central America which gives you another reason to visit!

Top Central America tip

Central America is a relatively poor region. If you're not going there on a volunteer project, at least make sure you travel responsibly. Buy from local businesses, pay attention to instructions from your host, guide or guidebook, and be thoughtful about the impact you're making on the country and the people you're visiting.

Now where?