10 TIPS FOR PLANNING A LONG-TERM BACKPACKING TRIP IN SOUTH AMERICA

Are you itching to embark on an unforgettable backpacking journey, but have no idea how to plan a backpacking trip? I've got your back. As a seasoned solo backpacker with years of globetrotting experience, here are my top tips to help you prepare your next long-term adventure, from saving money to packing the right gear.

Long-term trip planning tip #1: Estimate your travel backpacking trip budget before leaving

The most challenging thing for me was estimating how much money I needed to save before leaving, as I couldn’t rely on any salary or income during my backpacking travels. So I used a budget planner to estimate my travel budget - you can download it for free here. It'll help you see how much you need to save, how to calculate travel expenses, and how to change your current spending habits. For budget-planning tips, read my guide: How to plan a budget-friendly backpacking trip.

Long-term trip planning tip #2: Don't plan every step in advance

While having a basic itinerary plan when backpacking is essential, I recommend not planning every step of the trip in advance. One of the joys of backpacking is the unexpected experiences and surprises that come your way. When you leave some room for spontaneity, you'll be open to new adventures, meet different people, and discover unexpected places you may never have planned to visit. By embracing the unknown, you'll have a more authentic and memorable travel experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

I recommended building a wish list of places you’d love to visit before leaving to get a general idea of which countries you want to see. South America is huge, with plenty of places to explore, so it's easy to get overwhelmed. Making a wish list will help you focus on the countries and regions that interest you the most and stay within budget. You can find a free travel wish list template in my all-in-one backpacking trip planner.

If you need inspiration and are into surfing and hiking, explore my 6-month backpacking trip itinerary in South America.

Long-term travel planning tip #3: Visit countries in the shoulder or off-season

South America is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit varies depending on the country and region you plan to explore. Research the weather patterns of the places you plan to visit, as this can affect your budget and packing list. It's always best to avoid high season - unless you want to be surrounded by people with selfie sticks and pay higher prices for mediocre places.

My backpacking trip planner includes recommended times to visit Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil.

Long-term trip planning tip #4: Book flights at least 4 months before you leave

Booking your flights in advance is one of the best ways to save money on your South American backpacking trip. Flights can be expensive, but you can take advantage of early-bird deals by booking early (at least 4 months in advance if you’re based in Europe).

Using a travel retroplanning or trip task list can help you set reminders for when to do the important admin’ stuff, like taking vaccine shots, booking international flights and applying for visas. Think of it as your master trip to-do list, listing all the things you need to do pre-departure.

Long-term trip planning tip #5: Don't book hostels on bookings.com or similar platforms

Hostels are a great way to save money on your South American backpacking trip. But prices will always be much higher on platforms like bookings.com. Bookings.com and Hostelworld are great for getting an idea of the places available. But once you find a hostel where you'd like to stay, I recommend finding their website or Instagram and shooting them a nice message saying you'd like to stay a few nights. Or, show up directly at their door. You'll get lower rates and, often, a warmer welcome as you'll save the hostel owners costly fees.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling during high season, then booking accomodation online becomes necessary, as most places will be fully booked.

Long-term trip planning tip #6: Learn Spanish!

This is non-negotiable. Knowing some basic Spanish can make your trip much more enjoyable and manageable - especially if you plan to visit off-the-beaten-path places. Learning a few key phrases will help you navigate the country, communicate with locals and respect their local culture. Consider taking language classes before your trip, meeting with Spanish people, watching Spanish Netflix movies with English subtitles, and using apps like Duolingo.

Long-term trip planning tip #7) Volunteer with local businesses

I spent 3 months volunteering at hostels in South America:

• one month working as a receptionist at a surf house in Costa Rica, for a free bed and free meals (breakfast and dinner)
• one month working as a receptionist at a surf house in Ecuador, for free accomodation
• one month helping build a local eco-friendly Airbnb in Brazil, in exchange for free food and accommodation

It was a fantastic experience - in fact, the best times I’ve had in my trip were while volunteering. It’s a unique way to experience the local culture, and a fantastic opportunity for introverts to make lifelong friends. And since you won't have to pay for accommodation or meals, you'll be able to save a significant amount of money while extending your trip.

To find volunteering opportunities in South America, you can use sites like Worldpackers and Workaway, or get in touch via Instagram.

Long-term trip planning tip #8 Backpacking essentials for South America: pack smart and stay under 12kg

The climate in South America can vary widely, so it can be tricky to pack for a 6-month backpacking trip. What you bring will also heavily depend on the activities you'll do, like surfing and trekking. Pack quick-drying clothes and layers that can be easily added or removed. I've included a detailed backpacking packing list in the trip planner, including essential documents to bring and recommended equipment for surfing and trekking. Use this packing list for inspiration, or edit and adapt it to your needs.

Long-term trip planning tip #9: Bring a water filter

Safe drinking water can be scarce in some parts of South America, so it's wise to bring a water filter or purification tablets, especially if going trekking. This will allow you to save money on bottled water and reduce your plastic waste.

Long-term travel planning tip #10: Budget for unexpected expenses

Even with careful planning, unexpected expenses will happen during backpacking trips. I, for instance, got all my valuables stolen in Ecuador, and got my foot heavily infected after surfing, which required hospitalisation. So have some extra money set aside for emergencies, and always travel with an insurance.