| en the awe inspiring sights of Peru, the brilliance of | | | | don’t leave it unattended. |
| ‘Carnaval’ in Brazil and the sense of | | | | -Be aware of people trying to distract you – |
| adventure in Argentina, South America has a huge | | | | pickpockets often work in groups, so while one is |
| amount to offer travelers of all ages and experience, | | | | chatting to you, you may have another going through |
| but many are put off by the dangerous reputation the | | | | your things |
| area has. The truth is that the majority of travelers | | | | - Depending on which area of South America |
| have their trip and come back with no bad | | | | you’re heading to, have some Portuguese |
| experiences and a selection of unforgettable | | | | (Brazil) or Spanish (most other places) phrases in |
| memories. If you’re still worried though, and | | | | memory in case you need help, this is also an |
| South America travel insurance on its own isn’t | | | | invaluable South America travel tip for getting |
| enough to make you feel safe, follow these South | | | | directions and communicating with locals |
| American travel tips to minimize the chances of | | | | - Pay special attention to suspicious motorcycles |
| anything going wrong… | | | | – motorcycle robbers work by travelling behind |
| Setting off and Arriving | | | | you, snatching valuables and vanishing into traffic. |
| - Get your South America travel insurance sorted out | | | | - If you are mugged or robbed, don’t resist |
| well ahead of time – this will also cover you | | | | – your possessions are replaceable, and many |
| against cancellation. | | | | criminals will injure or kill if you put up a fight |
| - Make sure you arrive in the day time | | | | South America Travel Tips for Single Women |
| - Don’t take an unmarked taxi! | | | | - Walk with purpose – confident people who |
| Checking in to your Lodgings | | | | know where they are heading are less likely to be |
| - Even if you’re on a tight budget, don’t | | | | targeted |
| take any chances on your safety in South America | | | | - If you are getting unwelcome attention, pretend to |
| – if it looks insecure, spend that bit more | | | | know less Spanish/Portuguese than you do. Some |
| - Bring a doorstop with you, to block your door from | | | | women find wearing a fake wedding ring can help. |
| the inside | | | | - Don’t give out your hotel’s name or |
| - If possible, try and get a room near the stairs or lift. | | | | show your room key to anyone. |
| Valuables | | | | Stay in Touch |
| - Keep valuables hidden, and leave your jewellery at | | | | - Arrange your itinerary before you go and leave a |
| home – or at the very least, the hotel safe | | | | copy with friends or family in the UK |
| - Keep your camera out of sight unless you’re | | | | - If you’re planning on staying in South America |
| using it – don’t just hang it around your | | | | for more than two weeks, register with the local UK |
| neck. | | | | embassy – if a search is needed to find you, this |
| - Keep your money and passport in a hidden bag | | | | will be who the authorities contact. |
| under your clothes | | | | - Keep in regular contact with friends and family |
| Your Safety in South America | | | | – make use of email, text messages and phone |
| - Be constantly aware of your surroundings – | | | | calls… |
| people not paying attention are far more likely to be a | | | | If anything, you may find these South America travel |
| victim of crime | | | | tips puts you off travel, but really you shouldn’t |
| - Dressing like a tourist will encourage crime. Dress like | | | | let them! Travelling in Brazil, Chile or Argentina is a life |
| the locals where possible, and don’t appear the | | | | changing experience, and most people travel there and |
| wealthy tourist. | | | | back without problem. Get decent South America |
| - Do not accept drinks from strangers, and be | | | | travel insurance, be vigilant and practice a little common |
| constantly on the lookout for people trying to spike | | | | sense and you’ll have the time of your life! |
| your drink. Keep your hand over your glass and | | | | |