I love my country, I really do.

But this tipping culture is getting out of hand.

Over the weekend, I was at a street festival. Feeling tired, I bought a Diet Coke. 

When I paid with my card, a prompt appeared asking me to tip.

22%, 25%, 30%

That was the last straw.

How was this Diet Coke any different from the ones I get in vending machines? Maybe the guy was keeping the soda cool in a custom-made Igloo.

Don't get me wrong—I'm all for tipping wait staff at restaurants. I'm the first to call out a friend who skimps on tipping.

But tipping at places outside of bars, restaurants, or cafes? (I probably forget something 😜) That's where I draw the line.

The rest of the world doesn't tip like this.

Come on, America, get it together!

Guatemala isn't the first place that comes to mind for most travelers, but that's what makes it special. It's a completely underrated destination, and I can see it becoming more popular in the future.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

But here's the thing: the areas in Guatemala are very different from each other, so visit the places that resonate with you.

Luckily, I've put together a guide to help you get the best out of Guatemala based on your traveler type.

I promise, no matter what kind of traveler you are, you'll love Guatemala.

Without further ado, let's dive in.

Tips

• Plan for a longer trip. Be prepared to spend at least a week there, as you'll want to visit many cities that are far apart from each other.
• Book ahead of time. Reserve your accommodation and transportation options in advance. Otherwise, you might find yourself waiting around with nothing to do.
• Bring plenty of Dramamine. Some roads can be bumpy, so pack anti-motion sickness tablets. The altitude can affect you too, so take it easy and don't push yourself too hard.
• Transportation: Consider hiring a guide or using a reputable tour company for transportation between locations.
• Shoes: Bring comfortable walking shoes because you'll be walking on cobblestone, dirt roads, and volcanic rocks.
• Bring layers: The temperature can change quickly, so pack plenty of light layers.
• Don't forget bug spray - The insects here are relentless, so be prepared.
• There's a language barrier, so brush up on your Spanish before you go.

Lake Atitlán - Lake Atitlán is the largest and deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. It's perfect for sunrise hikes or kayaking. Visit here if you want a slower pace and enjoy activities like yoga retreats. Be mindful of where you choose to stay, as some towns are only accessible by boat. And by boat, I mean a small water taxi. So be aware of this if you're a heavy packer. The main way to get to the lake is through a small town called Panajachel. Pack light here. Make sure to explore the surrounding villages.

Good for: Free Spirits - Those that want to relax with a view.

Antigua - It used to be Guatemala's capital, but due to frequent earthquakes, the capital was moved to Guatemala City. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with a colonial feel, known for its cobblestone streets. Great food, historic quaint shops, and local artisans abound. I enjoyed it so much that I wish I'd stayed longer. You've probably seen pictures of this place on Instagram.

Good for: Cultural Enthusiasts, History Buffs

Hike a volcano- Guatemala is unique as one of the few places in the world with active volcanoes. And by active, I mean the rocks are still hot and ready to blow! Did you know that lava rocks make great ovens? I roasted marshmallows, while other tours made pizza—I'm so jealous! I hiked Pacaya volcano, which has been active since 1975, but there's also Volcán Tajumulco, the highest volcano in Central America. Visiting a volcano is typically done via a guided hike. Research the right hike for your comfort level. I opted for an easy to moderate hike, but it was still challenging.

Good for: Nature Enthusiasts, Fitness Buffs

Guatemala City - Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala. It's more modern and bustling than other areas of the country and has fewer tourists. It's a great place for restaurants and for those who want to experience the urban side of Guatemala. This city gets a bad rap for safety, but I felt secure during my visit.

Good for: Urbanites

Tikal- If you love Mayan ruins, this place is for you. It has been featured in many movies, including "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi." For animal lovers, there are monkeys and other wildlife all around. If you're lucky, you might spot a live jaguar—though I'm glad I wasn't that lucky! To reach Tikal, you'll need to fly.I recommend booking a tour. It's just a quick one-hour flight from Guatemala City.

Good for: History Buffs, Nature Enthusiasts

I think Guatemala will become more popular with tourists in the future. If you want to see it before it gets too crowded, you might want to go soon.

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Have you visited Guatemala? What was the highlight of your trip?