Returning from South America: Why I No Longer Trust Little Red Book Travel Tips
The child can also be considered to have visited South America, and the experience was far more incredible than we ever imagined! Since it was our first time venturing so far to South America, initially, planning the trip felt like a daunting task. In the end, we decided to go with a tour group, prioritizing safety above all else! Overall, this experience was truly unforgettable, especially for someone like me who just wants to soak in the scenery without worrying about the logistics.
I’ve compiled some valuable tips that I found incredibly useful, hoping they can help my fellow travelers!
👉 Tap on the blackboard
1⃣ The BOCA area in Buenos Aires is uniquely charming but can be a bit chaotic, so keep a close eye on your bags and phones!
2⃣ Spanish is the primary language in many parts of South America; sometimes English won’t cut it, so downloading a translation app is absolutely essential.
3⃣ It’s best to exchange US dollars for Argentine pesos, as the exchange rate is much more favorable. Bringing a Visa card is also convenient for making payments.
4⃣ Uber is a lifesaver in South America! It’s the go-to option for getting around cities, offering convenience, speed, and safety. Don’t forget to link your credit card!
5⃣ Google Maps is an absolute must-have! Not only does it provide navigation, but it’s also incredibly useful for finding restaurant and attraction information. Rely on it for exploring South America!
6⃣ VoiceTra, a voice translation app, is tried and tested and works wonders! It’s a game-changer for communicating with locals, especially in smaller towns where English isn’t widely spoken.
7⃣ The temperature difference between day and night in South America can be quite significant. It’s scorching during the day and chilly at night, so make sure to pack enough warm clothes to stay comfortable and avoid catching a cold!
8⃣ Peru and Bolivia are at high altitudes, so altitude sickness medication should be prepared in advance!
Even the most energetic friends struggled with the altitude…
9⃣ Check-in times at hotels in South America are generally later, and check-out times are earlier. Make sure to read the hotel rules carefully to avoid any disruptions to your itinerary.
🔟 Buy a SIM card in advance in your home country, as airport prices can be steep.
As for the signal… well, don’t expect much in some areas, but just enjoy the breathtaking scenery, haha!
1⃣1⃣ When shopping, pay attention to alpaca wool products. They offer great value for money in Peru and Bolivia, and remember to haggle boldly for the best deals!
Personal Feelings
The entire trip was an absolute delight, with a fantastic group atmosphere that made every moment enjoyable. Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic, and their photography skills were top-notch (even though my poses were still a bit stiff 😂). The hotels, while not opulent, were clean and well-maintained, which is quite impressive for South America.
Our guide was multilingual, highly humorous, and provided detailed and engaging explanations. Laughter filled the air throughout our journey. If I get the chance, I’d love to explore Antarctica next time!
🎫 About the Costs
Tour Fee: 60,000+ (This included airfare, accommodations, most meals, and attraction tickets—definitely a great value for money!)
📖 Visa: With a US visa, you can travel freely in South America! Countries like Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay offer visa-free entry, making it incredibly convenient!
🏨 Hotels: The accommodations were roughly equivalent to a 4-star standard in China, offering clean and comfortable rooms with excellent locations. They exceeded my expectations!
🍜 Meals: Breakfasts were mostly buffet-style, and lunch and dinner were group meals. We indulged in Brazilian barbecues, Peruvian alpaca meat, and seafood feasts.
The food was delicious and a highlight of the trip!
