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There is never a bad time to travel to Latin America.
Travelers have come to Latin American countries like Mexico during the pandemic due to some cases simplest entry requirements in the world.
If you’ve never been to Latin America, you’ll be delighted. Great food, beautiful landscapes and friendly locals await you. But here are some tips to help you get the most of your trip.
Learn a little Spanish (or Portuguese)
I’m not saying you need to be fluent in Spanish a few months before your vacation.
But it’s not difficult to learn the basics, especially with all the resources that exist today Smartphone apps to Audio race.
Just 30 minutes a day during your downtime or commute is enough to learn a little Spanish. And even that will continue.
Not only does it help you navigate and communicate, find hidden gems, and make friends, but there are some more subtle benefits that you may not even notice.
Be wary of fraud
If you are traveling in developing countries, at some point someone will try to defraud you. That’s just a fact to deal with.
And it would take a very different contribution to shape it all the things to watch out for and to avoid.
Fortunately, most scams tend to be petty, for example when you ask for a few extra dollars for an item or service. And you will get a feel for them as you travel more.
But just maintaining a general awareness will get you on the right track. Yes, the locals are friendly, but some of these seemingly “friendly” people are actually trying to get you across. So be careful if someone approaches you with an offer or “deal”. This even applies to police officers.
Taxis are another common source of fraud in Latin America. Make sure they are using the meter. If it is “broken”, find another taxi. Pay attention to the route they take and try to pay small bills.
Don’t carry too much cash with you
Crime is another unfortunate reality when traveling in Latin America.
But just like with fraud, you can significantly reduce your risk by using exercise general awareness and caution.
To get started, don’t go around with large wads of money in your pocket – and don’t flash all of your money at once. Same goes for your $ 800 smartphone, jewelry, or any other expensive item that may attract pickpockets or muggers.
Don’t walk at night or through random, sketchy neighborhoods, especially not alone. And try to get a feel for the areas to avoid, be it from a tour guide or the locals.
If you follow the tips above, you are unlikely to become a victim of a crime. But when you’re mugged, just give them what they want. It’s a scary experience, but usually all you lose is some money or a few of your belongings.
Leave your comfort zone
Don’t let fraud and crime scare you. Chances are you’re fine.
And hey, one of the main reasons for traveling abroad is to experience new things. So don’t fall into the traveller’s trap of spending your entire trip in a gated resort, eating hamburgers or pizza, and only visiting the pre-approved tourist attractions.
Get out of your comfort zone a little. Try new dishesGo off the beaten track, play your rudimentary Spanish in the local market, and maybe dance a little salsa even if you don’t have a rhythm.
Make friends with the locals
And don’t just stay with your group!
Not only is interacting with locals fun and educational, but you may get better deals, find new websites or restaurants, or even get invited to dinner.
People are part of what makes a city or country what it is. So, explore a village haggle in the marketTake a cooking class or just chat with the waitress in this hole in the wall.
Respect the local culture
Like I said, you should tear yourself away a little while on vacation.
But that doesn’t have to and shouldn’t happen Cost of the culture of a place. No, you don’t have to be entirely local or wear a sombrero.
Remember that you are a guest here. Have fun, have fun, but try not to get too warily drunk in public, dress inappropriately, pollute or damage historical sites, or other silly things like these.
Buy travel insurance
It’s always worth it Buying travel insurance before an international trip, especially if you are interested in more adventurous activities like hiking, surfing or paragliding. But even eating in an exotic country or swimming on the beach can result in a small chance of illness or injury.
And insurance is even more important with Covid. Indeed, many countries now require tourists and other travelers to have insurance before they arrive.
Research
By the time you’re reading this article, you’re already following this last tip. A big praise.
But hopefully your research doesn’t stop there. Because there are so many things to discover, from where you are staying and what you are doing there, to the visa requirements at your destination. Just like with insurance, this is especially important now due to the current coronavirus restrictions.
Other things you might want to explore are Exchange rates, Weather and local customs.
But don’t get too carried away. You will never be able to perfectly plan everything in advance. Adjusting and improvising while you tip is part of the fun of traveling!
Continue reading:
Top 10 Mexico Travel Destinations for 2021
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions are subject to change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and / or local authorities to confirm entry of your nationality and / or changes in travel requirements prior to travel. Travel Off Path does not endorse travel against government recommendations
