Jamer Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 So I'm going to make the most of my year off and after talking to a ton of people, I think South America is the place for me. Specifically Argentina with maybe a little Brazil thrown in. I'm not necessarily going to volunteer, but I'd be happy to. I just want to be able to experience the culture and the countries without being getting bored. If volunteering is that path, so be it. I'd appreciate some advice on organizations to travel with. I'll be going without any friends and I don't want to just show up in a country without some sort of plan of attack. That said, I'm pretty open minded, but I don't know which organizations are reputable and enjoyable and which are scams Past experiences, good organizations to be with (similar to Contiki but people who go to South America), recommendations, warning messages, I'd appreciate them all. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Although we didn't go to the countries you're considering, my friend and I traveled to South America with GAP tours and really enjoyed it. They're a Canadian tour company and they go pretty much everywhere, I think. I don't know how much it's like Contiki as I'm not super familiar with those tours, it might be a bit more organized... but the quality was good. They may be a bit on the expensive side, though. We only went on a 1wk tour, so it mattered less. What we liked is that when things went wrong (ie my friend got her passport stolen) they handled the situation perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cnussey Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 I had a friend who went on a mission to Brazil and loved it--the pictures are beautiful and he found it very rewarding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medisforme Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 why do you need to travel with a company? Just go by yourself with a lonely planet guidebook. I have done that several times in south america and had the time of my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamer Posted August 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 why do you need to travel with a company? Just go by yourself with a lonely planet guidebook. I have done that several times in south america and had the time of my life. That actually sounds super cool and like something I'd do in the future. But I've only ever left North America once in my life and I was 13 and it was for hockey, so I think I'd like to start with some baby steps. Thanks for the comments from the other people. From talking to others, I've pretty much limited it down to these 2--any additional comments would be greatly appreciated 1) Teaching english in Peru--link is here http://www.volunteer.org.nz/peru/. Seems reputable and like something I'd enjoy but comments from someone who's done this or something similar would be great 2) Learning Spanish and living with a family in Buenos Aires - One of my good friends did this for 10 weeks last year and absolutely loved it so I'm comfortable with doing this for sure. I'm more wondering if #1 is an outstanding opportunity or if I should stick with this Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star1234 Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 I'm originally from Buenos Aires so PM me if you need any advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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