How to Craft the Perfect Travel Plan, Utilize Handy Websites, and Stay Prepared ⚠️
1. Begin by selecting your dream destination. Research whether the local climate suits your preferences, check visa requirements, and identify locations offering the best flight deals.
2. Popular websites for finding affordable flights include Cheapoair, Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia. These platforms make it easy to compare prices and schedules.
3. Choosing your landing city is crucial. For instance, I picked Rio de Janeiro because I was eager to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the city boasts excellent transportation links. However, this decision came with drawbacks. Since Rio is centrally located, traveling both north and south would have required retracing my steps.
As a result, I skipped northern Brazil, including the Amazon region. If exploring the Amazon is on your list, consider starting there, then heading south toward Iguazu Falls, and finally venturing further into Argentina. This route ensures a smooth journey without unnecessary backtracking.
4. Booking accommodations like hostels or hotels requires careful consideration. Factors such as price, location, safety, and online reviews play a significant role in making the right choice. Personally, I prefer hostels—they often feature shared kitchens, English-speaking staff, and an opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Hotels, on the other hand, tend to attract business travelers and locals, with fewer backpackers and limited English speakers. That said, if a hotel offers a great location at a reasonable price, I wouldn’t hesitate to book it. In some areas, hostels might not be available or may impose specific restrictions.
Reliable booking sites include booking.com and hostelworld.com.
5. When planning activities, resources like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), guidebooks, and even AI tools like ChatGPT can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
6. For staying connected abroad, e-SIM cards are a convenient option. I use Sailｙ, which provides data-only services (no calling capabilities). Installation and setup are straightforward, and the costs are reasonable. Before purchasing, ensure your device supports e-SIM technology and review the available packages and coverage details.
7. Long-distance bus ticket purchases can be managed through platforms like Bookaway, Busbud, Flixbus, and ClickBus. Some sites require ID numbers and do not accept passport information. Buying tickets directly at the station is often the cheapest option and accepts cash or credit cards alongside your passport.
8. Cash withdrawal scenarios vary by country. In Brazil and Chile, ATMs widely support international bank cards, making cash withdrawals hassle-free. Argentina poses more challenges due to strict ATM withdrawal limits and hefty fees. Bringing cash (preferably U.S. dollars) to exchange at Western Union or official currency exchange offices is advisable.
Credit cards work well in Brazil and Chile but face numerous restrictions in Argentina, where they may incur additional 20% fees. Online money transfers via the Western Union app tend to be slow, so plan accordingly.
9. For urban travel, acquiring bus or subway cards is essential. These are typically available at airports and major transit hubs, streamlining your city navigation experience.
You can recharge your account at numerous convenience stores.
10. Taxis/Uber: It’s highly recommended to use Uber, as it offers a safer and more affordable option.
