Advice for travelling solo?

Elba101

So I'm thinking of heading to South America for a few months by myself (all my friends are either tied down with kids or in a relationship).

Before I go I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for travelling solo...how to meet people, what to bring, things they wish they knew before they went etc.

If anyone has done S.A and has any advice on places not to miss or places to avoid and how much money should I have for a 5 month trip, that would be great!

Thanks!

line6

keep your passport and money, cards etc under your pillow when you sleep

dory

You should read the thread, 'Useful Travel Threads'. Lots has been said about this topic.

I went to SA as a solo female traveller.

What I wish I'd known: That it is bloody big. Decided one day to get a bus from Buenos Aires to the tip of Argentina. Took me 34 hours. And 36 the way back.

But it's a great place. The biggest mistake people make is trying to see too much at once, and not learning Spanish. Really, learn as much as you can.

Meeting other people is not a problem, just go to any hostel and start talking. As for what to see; Bolivia! Amazing place, nice people and very cheap.

As for budget, c. €1000 a month, less in some places more in others.

CorkMan

I was thinking of travelling as well, and one frequent I mistake I made at the beginning when planning is forgetting you need injections before you leave.

South America will be a whole new environment for your system, in the cities but especially more if you travel through a jungle. Malaria being the biggest alert.

Bruz82

Hey,
I have traveled SA for 5 months and SE Asia for 3 months (solo for the most part) and never had much problems.
I had a money bag round my waist with me all of the time with all my valuables in it e.g.
1 - passport 2 - bank cards 3 - Camera 4 - Mp3 player.

For me these were the most important. (anything else could be easily replaced). I know its obvious but when you travel on buses(all travel is nearly buses in SA) always have these with you in the bus and not in the luggage department underneath. You never know if people are going through ur bags.

Dont wear any flashy stuff, e.g. jewelery, camera out all the time, no near to attract any attention, what ever way the locals are dressed go with that, e.g. flip flops, shorts, t-shirt etc
Bring f**k all, you can buy cheap stuff over there.

Dont miss a few days trekking to Macchu Picchu ( you can get cheaper prices for the trek in Cusco (more people with you the better bargaining power - I think i was with 8 and we got 5 day trek for 170dollars ish)

Dont miss a football match in BA or Rio. Brilliant

Dont miss Puerta Iguazu on the Argentina/Brazil border(google it)

A good camera(good zoom) with a big memory stick, some incredible photos here.

A lot of sleeping tablets - alot of the buses are 12-24 hours long although the buses are excellent (movies,food,toliets etc) you will need them for Peru iswell cos the bus drivers are crazy:eek::eek:

I wouldnt be worried about getting robbed or any of that craic, Im be more worried about when its time to come home........ cos its the best experience ever!!

andrewire

I've been in most countries in South America and I loved two above all:
Colombia & Peru. Both have fantastic scenery, people are extremely nice and friendly and it's very cheap, even if you eat in nice restaurants. Peru had incredible places all around the country: Arequipa, Cuzco, Lima, Nazca, Ica, Puno, the jungle, Chan Chan... and you don't need much to get a good hotel and eat like a king. I remember a dinner at a 5-star restaurant in Arequipa was like 5 Euro. I was only in Bogota, Colombia and it was fantastic. It seems to be dangerous only if you go to the jungle.

Argentina is lovely too if you know how to move around. Not a fan of people there, but they are nonetheless quite friendly. Where are you planning to go?

Elba101

Cheers for the advice. I'm just thinking if I can save for the next 6 months I'll have enough to see me through for about 4 months. Been thinking about doing it for about a year now!

I've done Asia with some friends so I kinda know what to expect

One other thing - would Usit be the best book with?

dory

Book what? Tour? Flights? I would usually use Skyscanner, Kayak or Iberia's website. You can try USIT but I doubt they'd have cheaper flights.