Could anyone with backpacking experience advise me on how to start planning a journey to south america on a b?

Question

I've always wanted to travel to south america and I've decided that there's no time like the present to start planning an expedition but I have no idea where to start because information - especially on the internet - is so diverse and unfathomable. If you've had travel experience and can give me a point at which to start I'd be very grateful; i.e best websites, flight providers, accomodation etc etc. I'd prefer to plan the whole expedition myself rather than go with any package holiday firms and being female obviously I'd like to go for the safest options available!! I thankyou in advance for any help you can offer.

Answer 1

I backpacked through Chile, parts of Argentina and lots of Bolivia  and Peru in 2000. How much can things have changed apart from for the better? There are lots of cheap places to stay and I always felt safe but  I did have a male companion.However, I met many singlewomen doing the same thing and would go it alone now without too much concern. I reckon you can't beat the internet for the international flights just decide where you want to start  and search  the main providers.  I started in Santiago de Chile. Remember S. America is vast....decide how long your trip will be ( mine lasted 6months and I worked for some of that time in Bolivia ) Expect travel to sometimes be slow and sometimes uncomfortable  but always an amazing experience. The bus service is very efficient up and down the Pan American Highway but elsewhere expect to rough it. My advice is NOT to try do too much too quickly. S. America gets under your skin. Get to know the parts you visit and leave the rest till another time. I used the Loney Planet and Rough Guides to each country I visited and depending on how good your Spanish is the L.Planet  Latin American Spanish phrase book is wonderful and small to carry. Even if you dont end up staying in one of the hostels listed the small maps of every town centre with bus stations,eating places, tourist offices etc are a great start and save you time. They do get them printed upside down occassionaly just to add to the fun and remember some info will be out of date. The L.P guide gives warnings of any hazards and scams to look out for too and has a section on women travellers.  Plan a fexible route of your favourite places and then see how you get from one to the other either by bus, train , ferry or air in that section of the chapter. When we stopped at a chosen destination we frequently booked trips ...often run  by or booked by your hostel or one of the many local tour companies. They can be just to sites for the day in a mini bus or several days travel ending up at the next destination over the Andes in 4 wheel drives through stunning scenery but with very primitive accommodation en route. None of these are expensive  and it's the way to meet other travellers who you can often team up with for onward legs. As you travel your very best advice comes from fellow travellers you meet at hostels and small hotels or internet cafes. Chat to the ones who have just arrived from your next destination ...They may even have tales that will change your plans entirely. So.. last bit of advice. Take the same amount of care you would any where and never leave you valuables around. Have a wallet that hangs on a string around your neck and goes well into your underwear for your documents. Use safes when available. Have a small purse with very little money or just some paper stuffed into it in your pocket to fool the dippers. Don't carry too much.Its cheap to buy clothes en route and have a small rucksack for short trips out from base.If you make it I know you will love it .Good luck.

Answer 2

Start by going to Amazon.com or a bookstore near you and get the book: Lonely Planet South America on a Shoestring.

Then you can hi-light things that interest you and dog-ear the pages of places you want to stop.

Answer 3

I backpacked all over South America by myself when I was 21 and it was great.

You can travel everywhere by coach and they are mostly clean and air conditioned. Just turn up to the coach stations and book your ticket.

Otherwise, it's worth checking flight prices as these can be similar to coach tickets sometimes. I'd avoid the trains.

I stayed in small hotels for around $10-15 per night (private rooms). Again, all booked there but you can reserve beds online for only a few cents at http://www.reservations.bookhostels.com/... which is very useful.

For general backpacking advice and tips try The Travellers Lounge http://www.thetravellerslounge.co.uk