How To Prepare For A Trip to Latin America
14 travel tips
Did you register for a Spanish course in Latin America? Let’s start preparing your trip! In order to prepare for travelling to Latin America, it's important to gather information about the destination of choice: what about the weather, the tours, vaccinations you need….. Make a packing list, reserve your flights or accommodation and learn how to stay safe, and more. In this article, we'll help you how to prepare for a trip to Latin America with the following travel tips.
1: How to Book Cheap Flights to Latin America
Planning a trip to Latin America can be a great adventure, and one of the best ways to reduce costs is to find cheap flights. To book the cheapest flights to Latin America, travelers should compare prices from different airlines and consider flight times, amenities, and the number of layovers.
Airlines such as Avianca and LATAM offer discounts for last-minute and round-trip flights, while budget airlines like Volaris and Viva Aerobus have low fares for advance purchases. Additionally, travelers can use airline reward programs to earn points or miles that can be used to pay for tickets. By doing a little research and being mindful of travel dates and times, travelers can find cheap flights that will help them make the most of their Latin American adventure.
2: Know about the Weather in Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina
With a variety of climates and terrains in South America, travelers who will study Spanish in Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru or Argentina better read a bit for the weather before planning their trip. Colombia has a tropical climate in its flat coastal regions, while the mountainous regions have cooler temperatures. Mexico is known for its hot and humid weather; Costa Rica has both dry and wet seasons; Ecuador is mostly tropical but can vary depending on the altitude; Peru is generally dry and warm; and Argentina has four distinct seasons. Knowing the weather conditions of the country you're visiting will help find out when is the best moment for you to travel to Latin America and plan your language trip and tours during and after your Spanish classes accordingly.
3: Pack the Right Gear for your trip
Whether you go for a Spanish language immersion course in the city or you will be backpacking after your Spanish course, it’s essential to pack the right gear for you trip to Latin America. The type of gear you need depends on the type of tours (classic, adventure) the climate you’ll be traveling in (tropical, mountain, jungle) and the amount of weight you can take with you.
If you are going to do a hike or adventure trip after your Spanish lessons, the most important items to bring include a quality backpack, a comfortable sleeping bag (although you can rent those too), waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear. Most likely you are also going to need a good hat or cap, sunblock, and maybe insect repellent with high deet.
4: Choose the Right Vaccinations for Latin America
When planning a trip to Latin America, it is important to make sure you have the right vaccinations for your destination. Different countries have different requirements, so it is essential to research what vaccinations are necessary and recommended for your destination. Although some countries may only require certain vaccinations, it is always a good idea to be up to date on all of your recommended immunizations. It is also important to consider the length of your stay in a particular country, as longer trips may require additional vaccinations. Taking the time to research the right vaccinations and making sure you are up to date before your trip can help ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Remember that you have to start up to 6 weeks ahead with some vaccinations. A yellow fever shot is required for some countries (check this carefully especially for Colombia) – in other countries it’s only needed when you will visit the jungle (Peru).
5: Stay Safe and Healthy abroad
Traveling abroad and learning Spanish will be an exciting experience, and it is important to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Make sure to research the country of your choice and be aware of any potential health or safety risks. It is also a good idea to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for health advice prior to your departure. Additionally, make sure to get the necessary vaccinations for your destination (see above), carry a (small) first-aid kit, and wear protective clothing when necessary (e.g. in the jungle). Finally, make sure to bring travel insurance in case of an emergency.
6: Immerse in the local Latin American culture
One of the best ways to make the most of your Spanish immersion trip abroad is to immerse in the local Latin American culture. Experiencing the local culture is a great way to learn more about its history and customs, as well as make lasting memories. While taking the Spanish lessons you will participate in different activities, take tours with local guides, visit museums learn to dance, or maybe to a workshop local cuisine. Embracing the local culture will make your trip even more special and provide opportunities to practice your Spanish.
7: Research Your Destination before our trip
Most Spanish schools in Latin America have a guide for students with practical information and upon arrival the local team will help you to explore the city of your choice. Knowing a bit about the culture, climate, and more will help you and make sure that your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
8. Practice your Spanish
Maybe you would like to practice some Spanish before you leave and start your Spanish course! You can book some online Spanish classes, as they can provide the Spanish language skills to get you going. Additionally, listening to Spanish language podcasts, watching television programs in Spanish, or engaging with native speakers can help you develop a deeper understanding of the language and culture.
But if you have no time, don’t worry! The Spanish schools offer Spanish courses for beginners and if you already speak (some) Spanish, you will do a placement test before you start to ensure you will be placed in the right level.
9: How to Book your accommodation or hotels in Latin America
When traveling in Latin America after (or during) your Spanish classes, the accommodation is an important part of the process. Research different accommodations and hotels in the area you plan to visit to make sure it suits your needs and budget. Make sure to check reviews from other travelers, as well as make sure the hotel has the amenities you need for your stay. Booking early is also recommended so you can secure the best deals and discounts available. With careful planning and research, you can easily book your accommodation or hotel in Latin America for a stress-free and enjoyable trip. There are hostals, appartments and hotel in different categories.
10: Stay Healthy and Fit While Traveling
Traveling is a great way to explore Latin America and experience new places, cultures, and cuisines. However, it can be difficult to stay healthy and fit while on the go. Planning ahead is the key to preventing illness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling. Pack healthy snacks like fruits and nuts, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest. Additionally, take advantage of hotel gyms or local outdoor activities such as running or hiking to stay active. Remember to stay safe while traveling and make sure to have a plan in place in case of unforeseen events. Be careful with Latin American streetfood (without losing the opportunity to try some new great snacks), and take your time when arrive at a higher city in the Andean mountains (like Cusco, Bogotá, or Quito) to avoid attitude sickness or soroche.
11: Try the local Latin American food
When planning a trip, part of the fun is trying out new and unique experiences. A great way to do just that is to sample the local Latin American cuisine. From Mexican tacos to Peruvian ceviche, these dishes can give you a taste of the culture and a true flavor of the destination. The key is to find reliable local restaurants that offer authentic dishes in order to get the most out of your trip.
12: Connect with Friends and Family While Away
Staying connected with loved ones is an important part of any trip. With the right tools, it's easier than ever to stay in touch while away. Whether planning to travel for a few days or a few weeks, travelers should consider setting up a messaging app on their smartphone or laptop, or investing in a reliable international calling card. With these tools in place, it's easy to stay in touch with family and friends back home, as well as share memorable experiences with them.
13: Travel insurance, visa, passport, emergency numbers
Before going on any trip, it is important to make sure you are prepared for any potential issues that may arise. This includes having travel insurance, a valid passport and visa for the destination country (if needed), and a list of emergency numbers for the area you are visiting. Make sure that all documents are up to date and that you have made photocopies of your passport and travel insurance to keep with you at all times. Taking the time to make these preparations prior to your trip will ensure a stress-free experience.
14: How to Book your tours in Latin America
When planning a trip to Latin America, booking your tours ahead of time can be a great way to make sure you get the most out of your experience. On the other hand, some tours can be arranged easily at the school or in a local travel agency in town.
Tip: one of the tours that need to be booked even several months ahead are tours to Machu Picchu and the Inca trail, the popular hike to the Inca Citadel.
There are several factors to consider when booking a tour, such as the destination, the length of the tour, and the type of activities included. Additionally, it is important to research local tour operators to ensure they are reputable and have good reviews.