by MollyAs the value of the dollar continues to drop, recently graduated students are forced to rethink a Euro trip or a jaunt over to London. As the previously frequented hotspot for college grads and study abroad adventures, Europe is becoming a less viable option for many people.
Just because that is the case doesn't mean that students shouldn't get their last hurrah before entering corporate life. In my opinion, every student should have the opportunity to study abroad. But, how can they do this when just paying the bills is a stretch?
What about South America people! Travel through South America has increased as the prices in Europe have skyrocketed, but it remains the road less traveled. Not only is South America rich in culture and history, it is also an extremely cheap and easy trip to take. One fellow traveler spent 2 weeks in Bolivia on $200, and that includes gifts from the market! The hostel system throughout the whole area is amazing. The people are true gems, and the sights are unbelievable.
The amazing places to see in Peru could not even be covered within a month. With Macchu Puchu, Colca Valley, the Nazca Lines and swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon, you could get a lifetime of memories on a limited budget. We hiked for four days to Macchu Pichu for $150, which included food, lodging, a guide and admission to the park. You really cannot go wrong here, and the sights were unbelievable!
If hiking isn't really your thing, Brazil should be on your list of top 10 places to go. There are small towns all over the country that are close to Rio de Janeiro, and cost a fraction of the price. We went to a place called the Rio Surf n' Stay in Recreo, where we were able to stay with the nicest couple you'll ever meet, take surfing lessons, and hang out with locals. It was a truly amazing experience, and one that I would never have had, had we stayed in Rio the whole time. Brazil has some of the best food for cheap too! Their meat pastries were to die for, and cost merely $2 for an entire meal. I'm sure everyone has heard about the latest acai berry fad? Well, Brazilians have been eating acai for decades. They make this breakfast out of acai, granola, bananas and honey, which is sure to be one of your favorite meals of the trip.
So, don't use the excuse that you are too cash-strapped to travel, because that's just not true. Every country in South America offers an extremely different atmosphere, where anyone can find a perfect fit. All for a fraction of European prices!
Did you travel after finishing high school or college? Ever consider going to South America? Why or why not?
Comments (17)
I'd love to explore more of South America!
LOVE South America. I am a junior in college and have been to Ecuador a few times, in the city some but also into the mountains - SO beautiful. Consider taking a trip there sometime. The food is cheap and delicious. The mountains are amazing. So much is so close and attainable. Visit the equator, it's fantastic!
I went to Montreal after I graduated from High School. Not too far, not too close. It was like thirteen or fourteen hours drive. It was pretty damn good and I would definitely go back.
South America is not high on my list of places to go, but if someone asked me / presented me with a ticket / gave me an opportunity to go, I'd more than likely take it. :)
Why're we just thinking places outside of the country? There are tons of places in our own countries that are interesting. I see nothing wrong with South America, though. I'd go there just as soon as I'd go to Europe.
heading to argentina and uruguay next summer. but i'll admit, im still a sucker for europe and the mediterranean. i'll always love it.
Brazil and south america are fucking dangerous. You guys are all nuts.
Thank you for your shared experience! I plan my "after convocation" trip to be in S.America. I just hope the hordes of tourists don't make prices skyrocket. I've been aware of the cheaper budget travel for just as memorable moments compared to Europe that S.America has to offer and I hope for it to stay that way forever. So was there anything well not "safe" or "dangerous" about your trip at all? Let me know. I'm very interested in going but like most people, I prefer to be prepared, rather than not.
Happy holidays.
@peacelove__CALLIE@xanga - ....you're not completely safe anywhere you go. even if you are just sitting in at home, who knows, you could be attacked! anywhere you are you need to be smart enough and take precautions to protect yourself based on the situation at hand. of course this doesn't involve being stupid and putting yourself into particularly hazardous situations, but seriously, walking around the city in ecuador is no different than walking around chicago. you just really have to be smart about what you do, wherever you go.
@julixer@xanga - it depends on where you're going. and of course it helps to be familiar with the language :) but if you are going to a city, for example, it is no more dangerous than walking around a big city in the US. take regular precautions, and don't act stupid (like leaving a purse lying around, flashing money, etc). ask about the area you are in; again, like any big city, there are areas that are more notorious for being safe or for being a little more sketch - be smart, be safe, and good luck!
I'm hoping to go to Peru with my school's Spanish Club in Summer 2010!
Yay! :D
Most of my family lives in South America...it is a very dangerous place for tourists. Cheap yes, but dangerous.
Also, I don't like you TripCrazed. I don't. You confuse and bewilder me.
For some reason I read this as South Africa the entire post. Aha. Such a relevant comment. I hate these sub-xanga-sites so I don't feel bad about spamming it. Kbye.
Why do you have to be in college to travel? I would love to go anywhere because I haven't traveled anywhere of a radius over 4 hrs from my town.
I live in south america.
I've been to Guatemala and I loved it and cannot wait to return to Central America and hopefully venture to South America some day.
Some of these places aren't safe enough for young, naÏve travelers.
i went to uruguay when i was only 17! all the locals told me how dangerous it was all the time, but the worst i ever saw was some old men trying to pick me up! :P with that said, dont completely let your guard down anywhere you go. also, it depends on which country you visit. uruguay is beautiful and full of culture, and i definitely suggest it.