My Genius Hour Proposal

I've decided that my Genius Hour Project is going to be to develop a resource for others to reference, in order to travel South America on a budget. I have previously traveled extensively in South America for 8 months with my boyfriend last year, and for 4 months in Central America by myself before that. What I heard time and time again before I left, was that South America was dangerous, and to travel for such an extensive time would not be feasible with such a small budget. However, I luckily proved everyone wrong. First off, South America is NOT DANGEROUS if you have common sense, and follow your gut. Second, as long as you watch your money, and choose the more affordable options, it is not very expensive.

Senise, Maria. 2014, May 30. Why you should listen to your gut [Online Image]. Retreived from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/maria-senise/why-you-should-listen-to-your-gut_b_5412474.html

While on the road, I also noticed that because of the uninformed knowledge of others, they have been made to believe that the only safe way to travel South America is with an expensive tour company. I feel like the only way for people to realize this isn't the case, is if more knowledge is posted online, where most people do their research. Throughout the next four weeks I will be sharing my experience with you about Colombia, Peru, Galapagos, Argentina, and the Amazon, and how to travel these countries on a budget. I hope you follow along, and learn something useful during the next 4-5 weeks!

PS. as a reference for whether these guidelines, especially when it comes to my daily budget, are for you, I think its good to get a sense of how I travel, and the types of places I like.

I do not want to camp every night in hostel backyards to save a buck or two, but I also refuse to spend money on the top hostels as they are usually over priced. I traveled with my boyfriend for 8 months, so yes we splurged on private rooms when they were quite close in cost to a dorm bed, but this was usually only every 4-5 hostels. I actually really like dorm rooms as I find you meet very friendly, interesting people to share experiences with, and unless you get the dreaded snorer in your room, they are just as comfortable as a private room. I also love local food, especially from street vendors. I find you get the best food for the cheapest price, and you try many more new things than you probably would in a restaurant, plus their conversations are usually the most enlightening. I also love beer. I do not stop drinking when I travel, just because it saves me money (except in the Galapagos as you'll hear about later, as there it is just completely un-affordable). I also feel that if I am traveling a country extensively, I mine as well do all the activities it has to offer, while I am there. To me, that's the whole point of a trip, and I want to get the most out of everyday, even if it costs me a little more. 

If you think this sounds like fun then I hope you follow along and find my future blogs useful !