Planning an adventure ignites a thrill within me, mirroring the exhilaration of the adventure itself. Delving into the specifics of this journey, I find myself uncovering hidden treasures that only fuel my desire to depart sooner. The process of research, visualizing the breathtaking landscapes I will encounter, the rich cultures I'll immerse myself in, the unique accommodations that we will find ourselves in, and crafting the most enriching itinerary, is an adventure in its own right. This preliminary exploration allows me to sync with the rhythm of South America—the pulse of its towns and villages, the serene flow of its remote areas, and the untold stories of its diverse ecosystems.
In my exploration, I delve into the shared insights of experienced travelers, their blogs and narratives helping me to envision the array of experiences that await me. I cherish solitude and am looking forward to what Patagonia and the Antarctic will provide. My usual inclination for budget-friendly lodging takes a turn this time. On this trip I'm drawn to extraordinary stays – from the eco-conscious retreats nestled in the Patagonian wilderness, to the spherical shelters in Chile's deserts, the cliff-hanging pods in Peru, the oceanic bungalows in Colombia, and Bolivia's hotels crafted from salt.
My approach to planning this journey is a blend of the old and the new, turning my space into a strategic hub for adventure planning. The initial step is a thorough decluttering, setting the stage for creative thought. The maps from my previous adventure have been taken down, the books on Alaska, the Yukon and the western US states have been stored away for possible re-use. One thing I have learned from my past travels, is that a plan is good, but it should not be rigid. Allowing for impromptu excursions provides a mechanism to really enjoy the surrounding area and its people. I then immerse myself in a sea of travel guides, maps, and literature on South America, establishing the foundation of my expedition. The heart of my planning process lies in spreading out detailed maps of South American gems like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Accompanied by a prominently placed calendar, these maps are not just tools but inspirations, allowing me to chart my course and schedule with clarity and excitement.
This setup is not just for inspiration; it's a practical tool in my planning arsenal. I complement these tangible resources with digital tools, using apps like Google Maps for routing, travel blogs for uncovering unique destinations, and specialized apps for outdoor adventures specific to South America. This blend of physical and digital planning tools creates a dynamic and comprehensive planning experience, laying the groundwork for my journey.
To assist in the language cultural differences, we are using a number of different tools: 1) the software app called Babble to help learn the language, and we will taking advantage of the google translate app as well while traveling; Publications like Frommer’s and Lonely Planet travel guides offer perspectives on the culture and customs.
The challenge in planning this South American odyssey lies in pinpointing the details—with so much to be seen, how do you prioritize the activities, the vista’s, the means of travel, and spending enough time to appreciate the culture. To help with acclimating with the culture, I have hired guides to assist in the exploration (especially as to communicating and understanding) of this complex and vast land. Logistics will play an interesting challenge. Not having the benefit of my travel rig, and totally relying upon local transportation means, missed buses or shuttles could prove to be disastrous. Another reason for a local guide is to help make certain that we are meeting the transportation schedule, and if missed the guide has the backing of local tour operators to find alternative transportation.
To help with managing our luggage and minimizing the opportunity for lost luggage, we will be carrying our necessities on our back, thus making getting around that much easier. Again, from past travels, I have come to appreciate the “leave no trace” mantra, even in front country. This means making certain that what we are bringing the minimum needed, packing a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, using eco-friendly and biodegradable toiletries, bringing our books and other planning tools in digital form, and avoiding single-use plastics. We also plan to eat in local restaurants, buy from local artisans, and promote eco-friendly tour operators.
As I stand on the precipice of what may be my grandest adventure yet, a theme emerges from the horizon: a journey of physical challenge, cultural immersion, culinary indulgence, and the exploration of the lesser-trodden paths. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a mosaic of experiences, a testament to the transformative power of travel.
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