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Old 08-24-2005, 08:15 AM   #1
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Well I have finally sat down and figured out that I just need to say "screw it," go balls to the wall, and go. Roughly 1 year from today I am going to hit the road for about six months. My first thought (and most desirable) would be:

2 months Europe, 2 months Asia, and 2 months S. America.

I am just worried about prohibitive flight costs. I know going to london is cheap and I plan to use skymiles to get to S. America. But I need a cheap way to get to Asia. I don't want to spend more than $700 (round trip) to get to asia from one of these places. Would Frankfurt to Bangkok be the best route or are there any cheaper ones out there? I got S. America covered and I can incorporate my time in Asia into my return flight from London (ie book my return about 4 months out).

I am looking at having $10k USD in the bank to fund everything (food, flights, hostels, travel, etc). I just hope this will be enough. I figure I will spend at least half of it for 2 months in Europe for everything. Aside from flights, S. America and Asia are much cheaper so I think I should be ok. I am willing to pull from my credit card @ 4% fixed rate a little if I have too. This also rides on the fact that I get approved for a 6 month deferment for my student loans.

Any help you guys can provide would be great! Lost Farm Boy, you are doing something somewhat similar and I would love to hear what your flights cost. Anyone else got any numbers for something like this? I would be leaving the begining of Sept. next year so it should be shoulder season prices.

WWM: I bet you could spout off some fare averages

Sorry for the long post...

Foo

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I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-24-2005, 08:46 AM   #2
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Just a thought: If money is a concern why not just split your time between Asia and S. America and not even do Europe this trip? Don't get me wrong, I love Europe, but like you said, your money will go a HELL of a lot further elsewhere.....and those continents are so diverse too; for instance Argentina is very European in many ways but completely different from say Peru or Ecuador.
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Old 08-24-2005, 09:15 AM   #3
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Or go the other direction: Asia, then S. America, then Europe? It might save you some money that way. I hate to say it but I really, really doubt you're going to find a return ticket from Europe to somewhere in Asia for $700. Shit, it's right about that much to go from Seattle or Vancouver to Asia, and besides San Francisco those are the cheapest cities to get there from. The prices of tickets are skyrocketing now because of fuel costs, and they're only going to get higher.
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Old 08-24-2005, 10:52 AM   #4
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I think I may be able to pull it off!

looking at prices for around the same time periods this year that I will be doing next year I can do the following for airfare:

Atlanta to London: $0 (SkyMiles) - round trip
Atlanta to Bangkok: $1100 - round trip
Miami to Quito: $500 - round trip (and a small road trip form atlanta or domestic flight cheap from delta/airtran)

Assuming these are "normal" fares then I would front $1600 for airfare and hit 2 months in all 3 places in this order:

1. Europe
2. S. America
3. Asia

I would start the beginning of Sept and be on the Road until beginning of March. This layout also keeps me in warm weather!

This leaves me around $8500 for all other travel and expenses. I feel pretty comfortable with that. Do you guys think its enough?

Foo

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I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-24-2005, 10:59 AM   #5
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Oooh, I get it-- you're going to be coming home and flying out to each place from the US. So it's more like three two-month trips then, right?
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Old 08-24-2005, 11:00 AM   #6
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And can you do a search on airfare prices for your dates instead of just comparing this years' prices to what *might* be the same next year? Or did you do that already?
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Old 08-24-2005, 11:26 AM   #7
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The airfare seaches don't go out that far. I will have to wait until at LEAST next spring to be able to get any remotely accurate numbers. I think I can afford up to $2000 in total airfare if I HAVE too. And who knows what kinda good deals may come between now and then! I am flying back to the states after each one cos its just cheaper that way...oddly enough. I am staying less than a week each time so it will give me a chance to get more supplies and rest a little. But I still see it as 6 months on the road.

It also looks like I will spend Xmas and New Years in South America so I will have to find some neat things to do for that. I'm sure I will find something. I am just happy to have some numbers to work with so I can get a remotely close estimate of travel/pocket money I will have with me. I still have tons to research on various items I just have to make sure this whole thing is financially feasable.

So far so good!

Foo



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"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
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"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-24-2005, 03:15 PM   #8
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Sounds like a great trip Foofiter!

from that $8500 you have take into account that you will have about $1,400 or so for every month to live on, I personally think you should be good with that.

Have a great trip, and keep us updated on your trip!
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Old 08-24-2005, 08:18 PM   #9
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Now that the numbers look good I need some good places to go in S. America and Asia. Lets say that I have $1000/month in each place (2 months on each continent). Where would you go and what would you do/see? I am looking for any and all a suggestions here. I will take a peek at some guidebooks but I need more than that. I am trying to map out places to visit at least at the country level if not the city/town level. I feel that city level planning is needed since I am not going to be able to do any long term travel after this. I want to make the most of my time and money.

Here are my interests:

Food
Architecture
Cultural differences
Off the beaten path places
Beer/Alcohol/Wine (I like different drinks from different countries)
CHEAP AND Interesting
Art
Cathedrals (with historical significance)
One of a kind things (ie pyramids, leaning tower, temples, etc)

And that's just a start! Please feel free to share stories/great places/cheap/etc. I am very open and would like to hear what everyone has to chime in!

Foo


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"To Alcohol! The cause of--and solution to--all life's problems." -- Homer J. Simpson
"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
"I was born to lose and destined to fail." -- Mike Ness, Social Distortion
"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-24-2005, 10:53 PM   #10
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I haven't been to South America or Asia yet so I don't have any tips to give you, sorry. But have you gone through all the posts here in search of that information? Because I'm sure a sizeable chunk of what you're looking for has already been posted in one way or another.
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Old 08-27-2005, 09:45 AM   #11
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I have been thinking about it some and have figured out some places in both areas that I definately want to hit. This is what I have so far:

S. America: Inca Trail, Macchu Picchu (sp?), La Paz, Rio (brazil), Lima, Amazon River, Quito, and some other things I will have to research.

Asia: Bangkok, Thai Beaches, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Taipei, Laos, Vietnam and/or Cambodia, and more research here as well.

I am also going to look into the trans-siberian railway as opposed to flying. I think it would be awesome to see some of Russia on my way to China. Again I will have to compare costs and such.

As long as I stick to my budget this will happen! I may have to become a homebody for a couple months since I have a lot of crap I have to do for work (CFP, IT Degree completion) and obviously to save money.

Foo

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"To Alcohol! The cause of--and solution to--all life's problems." -- Homer J. Simpson
"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
"I was born to lose and destined to fail." -- Mike Ness, Social Distortion
"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-27-2005, 11:05 AM   #12
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well, if you really want good architecture and cathedrals and history and all that, try Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. It's not exactly off the beaten path, last time I went I encountered a few English and a few students from the Brazilian south, but it really is interesting. They have tours of all the churches including the 2nd richest church in Brazil (richest in gold that is, there's also a lot of history with with the guy who carved the saints and statues and all in the church, Aleijadinho). The easiest way to get there is to go to the capital of Minas Gerais (which is Belo Horizonte) and take a 2 hour(ish) bus ride to Ouro Preto. i wouldnt suggest sleeping there, but if you do, check out some "republicas". It's kind of this house with a bunch of students who live together, and sometimes they rent out beds for really cheap.

Also Salvador, Bahia has a lot to offer with all the culture and architecture in Alta Cidade (the city is kind of divided by this cliff thingy...) For food in salvador, try acaraje. Best damn food there is.

If you're gonna spend New Years in S. America, consider Salvador near the water. They have a tradition where they build boats with their wishes for the new year inside of them. If Imanja (the sea-goddess) accepts the wishes, the boat will sink, if she does not, the boat comes back to the sender.

I found this in a website about Imanja, incase you will be there in February

Quote:
On her feastday on February 2, crowds gather on the ocean beaches of Bahia to offer her soap, perfume, jewelry and fabric which, together with letters bearing requests to the goddess, are thrown out to sea.
Don't restrain yourself to just Rio... that is definetly the beaten path.. too many people go there, and it's only a glimpse into Brazil ><

Oh, and where ever you go in Brazil, try out a Rodizio. unless you are a vegetarian/vegan. Or you won't get your money's worth. Its kind of this buffet with rice and beans and greens and whatnot, and then waiters go around with a bunch of different meats on a spit and you choose which ones you want and all that jazz. If you don't want anymore, there's a wooden thingy that is one end green for "i want more meat" and one end red for "i cant stand it anymore". just don't do it everyday or too often. the bill might eat up your budget... Usually they also have feijoada. This black bean soup with pork pieces usually eaten with yuca flour (farofa/farinha) and orange slices.

Now for drinks: there's this drink that I heard was just introduced to Europe and the United States, but the price of the Sugar Cane Liquor is very high up there. But not in Brazil (cuz thats who exports it.. and the home of the Caipirinha) Its basically the sugar cane liquor (called cachaca) with fresh limes, sugar and ice cubes... verrrry good. Or, you can try it with vodka, but I don't really like it as much

A quote I found about the drink:

Quote:
If you can't find cachaça where you live, use a good vodka. The drink will then be called caipiroshka. No vodka? Use white rum and you will have a caipiríssima.* Caipirinhas made with sake are all the rage in Rio now! Try one...
<---caipirinha
<--- ouro preto
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~sergiok/brasi...reto.html#start <--- a site about Ouro Preto and Aleijadinho ("Little Cripple")
http://www.hranajanto.com/goddessgallery/yemaya.html <-- about Imanja
<-- the kinds of food you get at a rodizio-- this is picanha--- my parents are always telling me that its a cut that we don't have here in the US... and it's really good too
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/re...36_9186,00.html <-- if you want to know what a feijoada is exactly


Sorry I can't really offer much help on anything else, but I've been to too many good places in brazil to simply let you go to just Rio, and say you saw the Brazilian culture.

Have fun and good luck!!

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Old 08-27-2005, 11:16 AM   #13
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I found this while searching for acaraje recipes (none of them actually fit acaraje..) It;s kind of creepy that it's this exact lady who served me acaraje in Salvador last year when I went...

so from this you can kind of see that it's usually African-Brazilian women that sell acaraje (i have never seen a white woman or a man sell them actually..) and they usually sell them on the streets. I wouldn't trust too many shops that sell acaraje...

here's another quote:

Quote:
Marusia's Comments on Acarajé
Pimentos "pimentos" are the red ones sometimes stuffed into green olives These are very hot though. Its name is Pimenta Malagueta. We have also the sweet one, bigger than it, without the hot, red ot white or yellow. It's very common in Spanish dishes, in powder form. When I say tomato salad I mean chopped tomatoes with olive oil and vinegar, like barbecue sauce.

Acarajé is a ritual food of Candomblé (the secretive African religion that was disguised behind a facade of Catholicism by the slaves in Brazil). To Candomblé, all people have a principal "orixa", like a saint, which protects them' it's associated with the "head" of that person. There may also be two more orixas that offer protection: orixas from the left and right side. It's something like having principal and ascendant "signs" in astrology.

Acaraje' It is the food for Oxum (the Niger River Goddess) and sometimes for* Ibejis in the "Caruru de São Cosme" festival celebrated on 27 September. The Caruru de São Cosme festival regards Cosme and Damião, who are the symbol of childhood in Candomblé. They are Erês, and protect children. I think acaraje' survives because of it's relationship to the religion. Most vendors in Bahia sell acarajés in response at the bequest of their orixás. And when they begin to make acarajé in the day, first they fry 3 little acarajés: for the Erês.

In Bahia we buy from acarajé from street vendors, who first fry onion in the oil before frying the acaraje', and we eat in the streets, on the beaches or take home to eat with beer before lunch. We have today a supermarket acaraje in powder or frozen form but they're poor imitations. When vendors make acaraje they first fry an onion in the dendê oil and then put the acarajé into the hot oil. You cut the acarajé like bread and put only a little of the sauce - be careful!

Really sorry that I posted two really long posts... But I'm really trying to help since usually people ask about Europe and other places that I've never even gone near

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Old 08-27-2005, 11:38 AM   #14
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WOW! Thanks for all that awesome info on Brazil. I am definately gonna check those places out! I saw the picture of that drink and it looks like a Mojito sold here in the states. Except a Mojito is Cuban and is made with Rum, Sprite, Mint Leaves, Ice, and Limes. We use the same masher as well (I used to bartend).

I really appreciate all the awesome info! I am going to have to really do some more research and find places just a great in all the other countries I want to visit. It just seems like a daunting task to cover all that info but I realize I have to take it one country at a time.

Man this is exciting! One year from now...I think I can make it!

Foo

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"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 08-30-2005, 11:13 PM   #15
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This is uber late, but back to the whole trans mongolian train - I must recommend it, strictly on the fact that I didn't get to do it!! I've read/heard it's cheap (I've gotten prices anywhere from 80 dollars to 400 OW) which, including 5 nights and amazing sightseeing is so cheap!

I guess the price fluctuates regularly. Anyhow, if you do this, please keep us updated!! Sounds amazing.
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Old 09-01-2005, 06:44 AM   #16
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Hi all. Very very cool site.

I can’t say much about Europe and south America and I know you mentioned Laos on your list of places to go but I just had to emphasise it. I’ve been working in Vietnam for 8 months, went to Laos on the way home and absolutely loved it – the people are incredibly sweet and laid back, the backpackers are all cool, the scenery gorgeous, and the temples fascinating. Everybody goes to Luang Prabang, which really is much prettier than Vientianne, but I hear (and would have loved to investigate) that there are some small towns and villages on the other side of the Mekong (to Luang Prabang) where you can stay for as little as $US1. I think it would be an amazing privilege to get to know these people. (And beer laos is THE BEST BEER IN THE WORLD).

It has become a lot more developed than when I fist went there in 99 but my fav island in Thailand is Ko lipe. I think you can get there by boat from phuket. It has really nice beach bungalows and a little bit of a party scene (that wasn’t there 7 years ago) but also a sea gypsy village.

In Vietnam, and especially if you’re interested in architecture, I would really recommend Hanoi rather than Ho Chi Minh city – if you want a big Asian city, go to Bangkok. The only thing that I thought was worthwhile in Saigon was the war museum. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved (and ashamed of my nationality) in my life…

But I thought the most interesting place in Vietnam was Sapa. It’s not really off the beaten track, and you’ll be hassled by vendors (be kind, they belong to a minority that’s ostracised in Vietnam) but there are heaps of trekking trips that take you way off the beaten track. You can even sleep in villiage huts. You have to take the train to Sapa and I hear that you can book tour, accommodation etc in a package and I think that’s pretty cheap but make sure you get a local guide – they are all (really tiny) 15 or 16 year old local girls and are a real crack-up. You’ll want to hang around for an extra night after the trek so you can be swindled at pool or cards by them in one of the bars in town.

Good luck mate. Sounds pretty brave on that budget

Sorry for the length and if this is repeating stuff already posted… What can I say? I’m a newbie
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Old 09-24-2005, 08:19 PM   #17
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Well I have been researching and doing a lot of digging around the internet.

I am leaning heavily toward going to S. America for 3 months or so in January. Then I would come back and apply for the Georgia WebMBA which is a 100% online MBA from a real university here in GA. Then I would use my student loans and credit cards to travel as I studied therefore making my own "study abroad."

I would pick up whatever casual work I could while I was at it and just enjoy myself. I get to have a great time while getting an MBA. The program lasts about 20 months so I could definately get some serious traveling in.

I have concluded that I need to see as much as I can while I still can since I will have about 50k+ in debt when it is all over. Student loans are the best kind of debt to have and I wouldn't need to use my credit card too much to do it.

I am also hoping that this will help me figure out what I really want to do with my life. Options afterward that I am considering are Foreign Service, Peace Corps, and just plain working.

I am still very much in the planning stage but this seems to be one viable option. The other is to teach English which I am still thinking about but I have never taught before and not sure if I would like it. I would give it a shot but I don't want to get into something (contract) and end up unhappy.

*sigh* I think too much sometimes I guess.

Comments?

Foo

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"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
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"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 09-24-2005, 08:42 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally posted by foofiter@Sep 24 2005, 08:19 PM
Well I have been researching and doing a lot of digging around the internet.

I am leaning heavily toward going to S. America for 3 months or so in January. Then I would come back and apply for the Georgia WebMBA which is a 100% online MBA from a real university here in GA. Then I would use my student loans and credit cards to travel as I studied therefore making my own "study abroad."

I would pick up whatever casual work I could while I was at it and just enjoy myself. I get to have a great time while getting an MBA. The program lasts about 20 months so I could definately get some serious traveling in.

I have concluded that I need to see as much as I can while I still can since I will have about 50k+ in debt when it is all over. Student loans are the best kind of debt to have and I wouldn't need to use my credit card too much to do it.

I am also hoping that this will help me figure out what I really want to do with my life. Options afterward that I am considering are Foreign Service, Peace Corps, and just plain working.

I am still very much in the planning stage but this seems to be one viable option. The other is to teach English which I am still thinking about but I have never taught before and not sure if I would like it. I would give it a shot but I don't want to get into something (contract) and end up unhappy.

*sigh* I think too much sometimes I guess.

Comments?

Foo


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dude, you are having a serious existential crisis....i demand you to watch i heart huckabees right now, then read some sartre and kant, and then get drunk...go!
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Old 09-24-2005, 09:24 PM   #19
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I watched the trailer for I heart huckabees. I was not impressed. I may have an existential crisis...but that doesn't stop me from wanting to travel. I don't see how watching a rather boring looking movie, reading some random crap, and getting plowed is gonna help...

I am eventually going to hit a point where I just say "screw it" and go.



Foo
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"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
"I was born to lose and destined to fail." -- Mike Ness, Social Distortion
"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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Old 10-04-2005, 07:51 PM   #20
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OK I think I am finally going to pull the trigger on my South America trip. This will be solo for 3 months (Jan 11 to Apr 5) in 2006. I found some airfare into Quito, Ecuador which seems to be the cheapest place to fly into. It was acutally cheaper for me to a seperate Airtran flight to Miami then fly from there to Ecuador. Otherwise it would have been an overnight layover in Miami AND cost more.

I am kinda nervous about tackling a subcontinet solo but I am going thru with it. I am going to sell just about everything I own and go.

So now I need tips on South America. I am guessing that bus is the best way to get around within and between countries as flying seems prohibitively expensive. Here are the countries on my list:

Ecuador
Peru
Bolivia
Chile
Argentina
Paraguay
Brazil

I have a budget of $2500 after airfare. From the numbers I read this should be enough. That is about $30 a day for everying for 85 days. Brazil aside I saw most places average $20 per day or less. Will this be enough?

I would love to hear about your experiences on South American buses. Do the tickets agents generally speak enough English to purchase or do I need to work on my Spanish for this? Any good places online to get bus tickets?

Also, hostel recommendations for each country would be appreciated. Should I reserve a bed now for all major places or should I just reserve the first one in Quito and wing it from there?

I know this is a lot but I have a ton to do and time is running short!

Thanks!

Foo

__________________
"To Alcohol! The cause of--and solution to--all life's problems." -- Homer J. Simpson
"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
"I was born to lose and destined to fail." -- Mike Ness, Social Distortion
"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
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