A few tips we have learnt in our very short time travelling.
The do's...

- Do get advice from other travellers. They will be the ones who know best. Ask questions and get recommendations from people you meet in hostels, they are far more reliable then websites and reviews.

- Do learn some Spanish. Seriously. Dos cervercas por favor can only get you so far.

- Do try to cook as much food as possible in the hostels you stay in. This will definitely help keep prices down. If you do go out sharing dishes is always a good way to keep prices down. I was surprised to find that portions are often quite large. Particularly in Ecuador we find that they carb up a lot. Rice comes in abundance. You can share meals and still eat enough to feel content.

- Do go on group tours. We had just finished a tour to the Galapagos and spent a week with a great group of people. It is an amazing opportunity to meet new people from many different countries. It also gave us the flexibility as a pair to split up and yet still have the safety of others.

- Do carry a pad lock. Often hostels have lockers so it is always useful to carry a padlock so you can lock your valuables away.

- Go to Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. I was slightly put off the extra travel to get there as it cost us $70 each from Montezuma. However it is one of my favourite places so far. The wildlife is amazing and the area is so friendly and safe. We really didn't want to leave.

- Do expect to spend more then you want in Costa Rica. We found that Costa Rica particularly targets American tourists and therefore things are quite expensive. You will most likely spend more there than in other countries (we hope).

And the do not's....

- Don't EVER put your bags down / take eyes of in public places. Not to go in to detail but we had a horrible encounter in Quito. Despite knowing this I put my bag down thinking I could keep control. You can't and you won't. Keep them on you.

- A similar moral of the story. Bum bags, fanny packs. Whatever you call them. You will be praising their name by the end of the trip. Trust me. Thank The Lord for bumbags. When your back pack/ other bags are easily stolen or taken. Bumbags allow your valuables to stay right infront of you.

- Don't be as scared of the food as some people suggest. Although it is good to be vigilant and we have still avoided any street food, it has been a lot of fun to try countries national dishes.

- Don't be scared of public buses. It took us a while to get into the swing of using them as we originally began with a lot of tours and shuttles. Public buses will dramatically cut prices and are of very good quality. However, they get exceptionally cold. Don't forget layers.

- Don't forget bug spray. I really struggled with bugs in Costa Rica. Polka dot legs are never attractive and nor very comfortable.

- Don't expect taxis always to know names and locations of hostels. It is always helpful to carry the street name or a bit more information if possible.