Solo female

Wear a wedding ring...apparantly people (especially people in Christian countries) respect that and should generally leave you alone.

What is it with the wedding ring comment? I would have never come up with that kind of advice.

All of these misleading thread titles lately.

Or is it just me?

Really? Many people/books have said that to me. It makes sense too I guess

hahahaha

i would rep you but you have to be hot

What is it with the wedding ring comment? I would have never come up with that kind of advice.

Well I am actually from South America (Chile) ... so if you have any specific questions PM me. I haven't been to Tierra del Fuego or Torres del Paine but I have been up north in the desert.

I don't think there are major problems with travelling on your own. Most of the times you will meet people along the way and perhaps meet the same ones in more than place.

I would recommend you learn a little bit of Spanish before you go there. It will be VERY useful as not very many people speak English. The teach yourself Spanish conversation CD might help. Get the Latin American Spanish version though. Also, have an idea of prices because it is often the case that foreigners get charged a lot more for some services or goods. So.. bargain your price!

Do some research on the cities you are visiting to know what places to avoid. Try and stick to hostels with good reviews. Most places in South America are not precisely dangerous, the general rule is that you have to be alert. Pick pockets or criminals target those who are distracted. So be alert and don't attract attention by wearing flashy things or by having your photo camera around your neck.

In regards of the 'machista' connotation of S.America... it will vary from country to country. You will have to accept that men will sometimes make remarks or stare at you. However, this does not mean that they will try to rape you or anything similar. Don't get intimidated by this behaviour, it doesn't really go beyond a compliment or staring. Also, be aware that people are quite friendly and generally personal space is a lot smaller than in Europe. Kissing to greet people is common between men and women and between women. In Argentina men kiss too. This is just cultural and does not have a sexual connotation. A friendly hug or a kiss on the cheek is just a friendly practice.


Well... hope this helps.

Hi, I'm also travelling to SA on my own. What would you say attitudes to foreign people are? I'm Malaysian but look Chinese. Are people likely to stare or shout at me?

OP: My itinerary is in the gap year section entitled "7 months in SA - too ambitious" just for your info. I think a rough plan like mine is a good idea. I'm also cacking it so don't worry, you're not alone.

If you like, it would be cool to email you whilst I'm away so we can chat about experiences whilst we're both out there, at least for the first month? PM me if you like.

my friend that I was travelling with is english but has vietnamese parents, she was aright, people used to say 'chino' quite alot when she walked past but that was about it.