South America or South Eash Asia?

Four of a kind

Would like some views, opinions and general comments regarding the above.

Myself and my girlfriend are planning to go on a three month trip next June and we're finding it difficult(in a good sense) to decide what part of the world to travel to.

We've never been to South Ameria or Asia so we're just going to try and do some intense research ourselves on the subject.

So there's no better place to start than here on boards as alot of you guys/girls have loads of travel experience and plenty of countries under yer belts.

So which in your view would be a more exhilarating experience in a three month period?

June-Sept in S.E.Asia is summer time like here, but S.America is Winter, so what barings would that have in regards temperature difference. Would S.America be cold during that time?

Also, what would the cost of living be in general in both destinations?

Any help or info will go along way to helping us decide where we end up planning to go.

Cheers!

pickarooney

South America is pretty big and the temperature varies hugely from south to North. I've been to both SE Asia and S America and enjoyed them both immensely, but if I had to choose it would depend on what kind of holiday I was after. What kind of holiday are you both lookign for and what is important in terms of weather, food, sightseeing, beaches, mountains, people etc.?

dory

Don't worry about the season, I was in South America from June til the end of the year and never knew which season it was. It changes everywhere you go. It depends on altitude really more that season. I'm sure that'd be different for some parts but for example I was in southern Argentina during the height of their summer and had to wear every bit of clothing I had and still was too cold to step outside.

In Cuzco, peru it was sunny everyday in July. All my photos from Ecuador in August have me in t-shirts.

I'd say you'd need a slightly bigger budget for South America. I would personally pick it hands down, even though I also enjoyed both places. Why not read, or research somehow both places and see what you would prefer to see. For me personally I read one blog about the salt flats in Bolivia and was hooked, I had to go there.

The only thing is there is a big space between places in South America so prepare for long buses trips!

Check out the independent travel forum, lots of both places there.

Solasgeal

As has been said, it depends what you're into. Asia has a lot more of temples, statues etc, as well as fabulous beaches, whereas South America has more natural attractions - Patagonia in Argentina, Iguazu Falls, Salt Flats in Bolivia.Could also get to Machu Pichu which is also a man-made structure but in a stunning setting. Budget would need to be higher for SA (esp Rio), but I also would choose SA over SE Asia hands down