Before you do, review the following checklist to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Once you've have everything in hand, you can choose your destination, make your travel plans, pack your bags, and go!
1. Evaluate Yourself
- Are you an adventurous traveler, enjoying off-the-beaten-path journeys and don't mind roughing it when necessary?
- Or do you relish your comforts?
- How fit are you? Are you up to climbing, trekking, or other physical exertions?
- Can you stand varied climates? Hot, humid jungles or high peaks where the air is thin and cold?
- Do you prefer to travel with others? Or enjoy solo adventures?
- Is a set tour agreeable or will you want a customized itinerary?
- How much time do you have?
- How much are you prepared to spend?
- Will you need medications during your trip?
- Are you willing to take things as they come?
- Do you speak any Spanish or Brazilian?
2. Choose a Destination
- Is this your first trip to South America? Do you want to cram in as much as possible?
- Do you want to see only the top attractions?
- Do you have a dream to fulfill?
- Are you open to suggestions?
- Research the tour agencies and itineraries for ideas.
3. Get Ready to Travel
- Is your passport up-to-date? If it's within six months of expiration, renew it before you travel.
- Will you need visas? Check before you go.
- Keep an eye on political actions and dangerous hot-spots.
- Arrange travel insurance to cover delayed or cancelled flights, and the like.
- Get extra medication, or a prescription to take with you. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, have an extra set.
- Will you need vaccinations or booster shots? Even if immunizations aren't required, it's healthier to be innoculated against yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, diphtheria and tetanus. Be prepared for insect bites and stings and malaria if you'll be visiting Amazonia.
- Familiarize yourself with diet and food cautions.
4. Evaluate Tour Options
- Does the itinerary meet your requirements?
- How much are the rates? Are there discounts?
- Check for what is included, what's not. Be aware of extra costs for transfers, meals, entrance fees to museums, parks and attractions, departure taxes, and the like.
- Check for additional travel costs if the tour doesn't originate near you.
- Check references with other travelers. Were they satisfied? Do they recommend this agency?
- Is the tour agency willing and able to answer your questions before you book a tour?
- What are the cancellation policies?
- Who will lead the tour? If local guides, are they multi-lingual?
- If you want it, is time on your own built into the tour?
- Are there "add-ons" to add more destinations to your tour?
- What are the booking and payment options?
- Does the tour agency provide a list of things to do before departure? Packing suggestions? Information about the areas you'll be seeing, including local restaurants, regional cuisine and related info?
5. Read, Listen and Learn
- Read as much as you can about the places you'll go to. Read guidebooks, histories, maps, travelogues, reviews and comments from other travelers.
- Listen to music. Become familiar with the musical artists, folk songs, instruments and musicians popular at your destination.
- Learn the language(s). Attend an immersion language program, where you'll also learn the culture, see some of the country, and appreciate the literature and musical heritage of the country.
6. Get your Gear Together
- If you don't already have one, buy a good camera.
- Make sure your luggage is in good condition, or buy new, lightweight heavy-duty performers.
- Gather your adventure or camping necessities.
That's it! Pack your bags and go!
If you have any questions about traveling in South America, post your question or join one of the discussions on the forum. There are some very knowledgeable readers there who are willing to share their expertise and knowledge.
And don't forget to post your own travel experiences!
Wherever and whenever you choose to travel in South America, enjoy yourself.
Buen viaje. Boa viagem.
