12 Essential Travel Safety Tips for Your Next Trip Abroad

Traveling is great fun, but the joys of an adventure abroad can quickly turn sour if a passport goes missing or your health takes a turn for the worse.

99% of the time, you won’t have to worry about such occurrences—but it never hurts to be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together 12 top travel safety tips for you to bear in mind before your next trip abroad!

If you feel safe and secure, you’ll naturally find yourself loosening up and will be able to enjoy your travels free from any anxieties.

12 Key Safety Tips for International Travel

By sticking to these 12 simple safety tips, you’ll get the most out of your travel experience. Let’s jump right in!

1. Buy Travel Insurance

Don’t make the mistake of skimping on travel insurance. If you want full peace of mind on your travels, you’ll need to purchase an insurance program with full coverage. That includes the normal stuff like theft and healthcare to less common occurrences like natural disasters.

There’s a wealth of options available for travel insurance. We suggest using a comparison website like travelinsurance.com so that you can find a well-priced package that fits your travel needs.

2. Make Copies of Important Documents

Losing your passport is every traveler’s biggest fear. Without it, you’ll likely be left unable to book accommodation or travel to another country. But there are other important documents you’ll be counting on too, including visas, driver’s license, travel insurance, and various tickets.

We strongly urge you to make copies of each of these documents before traveling and store them in different locations. Consider saving essential documents to a small, portable USB stick, or even uploading them to the online storage on the cloud if you have internet access. 

Kids can help with research on family trips

3. Do Your Research

Research is the foundation of any successful trip. But it’s not just accommodation and attractions you should be pouring over; take time to investigate issues faced by other travelers in the past.

Use travel guides and discussion boards to research these potential risks so that you travel safely. They might include dangerous areas that are better left alone, local scams that are easy to fall into, or simply whether the tap water is safe to drink.

4. Keep Friends Updated

This is one of the most important travel safety tips for solo travelers: keep friends and family members in the loop and let them know immediately if you encounter any problems. Even if they’re on the other side of the world, they still might be able to get you help.

Before you embark on your trip, we suggest making arrangements with a close friend to exchange messages at regular intervals, just to check in on personal safety. If you’re traveling in a group and fancy a solo adventure, be sure to let your companions know before you go.

5. Secure Your Valuables

One of the threats that tourists are most exposed to is theft. Fortunately, if you take the right precautions, you’re pretty unlikely to fall victim to this crime. That’s because thefts tend to be opportunistic; most thieves will only target you if your possessions are there for the taking.

When you’re out and about, keep items on your person securely—that means avoiding your back pocket at all times. Store any valuable personal belongings in the hotel room safe and always hide emergency cash. 

6. Don’t Overshare with Strangers

We’d never discourage you from connecting with locals on your travels. Unfortunately, though, you may occasionally run into individuals that don’t share your best interests. Be mindful of the people you interact with, particularly those who begin to act suspiciously.

Generally, it’s best to avoid sharing information about your itinerary and accommodation with strangers. That includes taxi drivers or locals that strike up a conversation with you at a bar. If you’re seeking travel advice, there are guides and hotel staff for that.

7. Never Part with Your Bag

Always keep your bag in sight. 10 seconds spent idly chatting with a fellow traveler at the bus stop is all the time a thief needs to grab and run. Ideally, you should keep your bag on you; packing lightly will make this a lot more tolerable.

Another deterrent is to tether your bag to a separate object when it’s on the ground. For example, you could use a travel lock to attach your bag to the table stand while seated at a restaurant. It could even be a simple strap; just use something to ward off prospective poachers.

8. Register with the State Department STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a handy service worth signing up to if you’re a U.S. citizen visiting a foreign country. It informs the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting of your arrival. The embassy will then keep you up to date with the latest local safety information.

For example, if something like a natural disaster or a terrorist attack occurred, the country’s embassy would reach out and assist with your evacuation. Many other countries have their own equivalent of STEP, so be sure to look this up online if you’re of a different nationality. 

9. Hire a Local Guide

Hiring a local guide will make your experience more immersive and help you to travel safely. Backed by local knowledge, you’ll be made aware of the no-go areas and specific risks that often befall tourists.

For particular activities, such as hiking or watersports, it may be mandatory to consult the services of a local guide. Solicit recommendations from other travelers and hotel staff, as some guides will be better value for money than others.

10. Have Emergency Contact Information Available

On the small chance that an accident occurs, you need to have an action plan. Generally, the first step will be to contact someone for help, whether that’s your local embassy or the emergency services.

As such, jot down the contact details of the local police station and ambulance service, as well as the address to your local embassy. Store emergency info on your phone for safekeeping too.

11. Don’t Parade Expensive Items

If you’re bringing expensive items such as flashy jewelry or expensive camera gear on your travels, you’ll need to be extra vigilant as you’ll be an easy target for thieves.

Especially in deprived neighborhoods, avoid overtly displaying your wealth; doing so is an invitation to opportunistic criminals. The best practice here is, simply, to leave your valuables at home—consider swapping that Canon for a disposable camera.

12. Go Easy on Alcohol

This is another golden travel safety tip: drink responsibly. Drunk people are inattentive to their surroundings, and criminals know this. Shady characters will often frequent pubs and clubs in known tourist areas, looking for an opportunity to exploit a traveler that’s had too much to drink.

Enjoy the occasional drink, by all means, but never lose control. As long as you keep your wits about you and stay alert—or at least have a friend looking out for you—then chances are you’ll be fine. 

The Importance of Safety While Traveling

Travel always entails some element of risk—it’s unavoidable. That said, risk can be minimized significantly by preparing well before you travel and staying alert during the duration of your trip. 

Our 12 top travel safety tips will keep you out of harm’s way during your vacation. With your safety secured, you can focus on what really matters: seeing the world and experiencing new cultures!

If you’re interested in arranging a fully-customizable, culturally-immersive travel experience, don’t hesitate to contact us at Learn from Travel.

15 Interesting Facts About Argentina That Every Traveler Should Know

In 2019, Argentina attracted the most international tourists of any country in South America—and there’s a good reason for that. With its unique cultural flair, dazzling landscapes, and, above all, such passionate people, few visitors are able to resist the many charms of Argentina.

The very name of the country conjures up images of sizzling steaks and twirling tangos, but what about Argentina beyond the postcard? Diving deeper into the Argentine culture reveals hidden treasures that will develop your appreciation of this amazing country.

That’s why we’ve put together 15 of the most surprising facts about Argentina. If you’re planning on traveling to the country, then you need to read below; if you’re not, maybe these facts will change your mind!

Did you know that Argentina has one of the most fascinating presidential histories of any country in the world, or that its prolific film industry has been in the business for more than 100 years?

Venture beyond the typical tourist’s knowledge with these 15 interesting facts about Argentina!

Yerba mate is the national drink of argentina

1. Yerba mate is the national drink

No, Argentina’s national drink isn’t red wine, but the widely-popular caffeine-packed hot beverage, mate. It’s made from yerba mate—green leaves which are chopped and dried before being added to tea water to create an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. 

Mate predates Spanish colonization and is considered a trusty source of energy and focus. Today, you’ll find mate drinkers wherever you go in Argentina; it’s an important part of the country’s culture—there’s even a national day in its honor on November 30th!

2. National hero Maradona has his own religion

You probably know that Argentines are some of the most obsessive soccer fans on the planet, but were you aware that they have a religion dedicated to the late great sporting legend, Diego Maradona?

‘La Iglesia Maradoniana’ (literally the ‘Maradonian Church’) was born in Rosario in 1998. The religion has its own church and satirical take on the 10 Commandments (our favorite: “The ball is never soiled”). Today, it boasts some 120,000 global followers!

3. Virtually all Argentines hail from Europe

Argentina (and especially Buenos Aires) is often described as a fusion of European and indigenous influences, but you may be surprised to hear that as many as 97% of Argentinians descend from Europe.

The most prominent ethnic group is Italian, followed closely by Spanish, though many others abound including Afro-Argentinians and small pockets of Native Americans. All of these groups make up Argentina’s vivid cultural tapestry.

4. Argentina boasts the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere 

Here’s one for the geographers: Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere. The deadly Andean peaks of Mount Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia) reach 6,692 meters, while the lowly Laguna del Carbon salt lake sits 105 meters below sea level.

This curious fact underlines Argentina’s remarkable variety of ecosystems. From icy Patagonian glaciers and jaw-dropping waterfalls to sprawling deserts and unearthly sandstone valleys, the vast country’s rich landscapes are a major pull for many tourists.

5. Gaucho culture is still alive and kicking

Gauchos, the nomadic horsemen deeply embedded in Argentina’s folklore tradition, thrived in the mid-18th and 19th centuries as they moved from place to place, capturing the eye wherever they went.

Few figures are more romanticized in the national culture, and there are real Argentine cowboys keeping the gaucho tradition alive today. They can be still be found roaming the rural regions, tending to their cattle and working the land in Pampas—Argentina’s agricultural heartland.

6. Argentines eat very late

What sounds to you like a reasonable time to eat dinner? 6pm? 7pm, perhaps? For most Argentines, the answer is no earlier than 10pm. In some cases, dinner continues until the early hours of the next day! 

This is important information for traveling tourists, as most restaurants won’t open for dinner until 9pm. To sustain their stomachs, locals have merienda between lunch and dinner, at around 5pm—this is a light meal involving a coffee or mate and a tasty pastry from the local panadería.

7. The world’s first animated feature film was made in Argentina

You’d be forgiven for assuming this accolade belonged to Walt Disney, but the person responsible for the world’s first full-length cartoon was actually an Argentine by the name of Quirino Cristiani. His silent black-and-white film El Apóstol was released more than 100 years ago, in 1917!

El Apóstol was sadly lost in apartment film in 1928, but Cristiani’s legacy continues to be felt today in Argentina’s thriving film industry. With the fourth-highest box office revenue in Latin America, Argentina’s eclectic cinema scene is a great reason for film buffs to visit.

8. Argentina’s national sport isn’t soccer...

For a country with an entire religion dedicated to a soccer player, you may be surprised to hear that Argentina’s official national sport is actually pato. Pato is a kind of mix between polo and basketball, where two teams on horseback attempt to throw a ball into the opponent’s net.

Literally meaning ‘duck’, pato has its roots in gaucho culture and dates back more than 400 years. In those days, a dead duck wrapped in a leather bag was used instead of a ball, hence the sport’s name. 

9. Argentina was the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage

When Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, it became the first country in South America, the second in the Americas (after Canada), and the tenth worldwide to do. At the time of writing, four other nations in Latin America have since followed suit.

Despite Argentina’s strong ties to Catholicism, locals are generally very tolerant of LGBTQ+ communities, especially in the bigger cities. Buenos Aires in particular has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with plenty of gay-friendly venues based in the Palermo district.

10. Argentina is big on therapy

Argentina is said to have the most psychologists per capita of any country globally. As of 2015, there were around 198 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants, the large majority of whom are based in Argentina’s capital city. 

Unlike in many other countries, mental health is destigmatized in Argentina. Most porteños (Buenos Aires population) see therapy—in particular, psychoanalysis—as an important part of everyday life that supports their self-development. 

The pink house in argentina is the residence of the president in buenos aires

11. Argentina has had two female presidents

Argentina is one of a small number of countries to have had two women in the highest position of power. Isabel Martínez de Perón, Argentina’s first female president, technically wasn’t elected: she filled the position when her husband died in office in 1974, though she was later placed under house arrest and exiled to Spain.

Fernández de Kirchner had a more successful term. Elected in 2007, she served as Argentina’s president for eight years until 2015.

12. Argentina’s summer months are from December to February

Sitting deep below the equator, Argentina’s seasonal cycles are the reverse of those found in North America and Europe. Scorching summer heat arrives between December and February, while temperatures drop to an average of about 54°F in June and July.

Argentina’s sun-kissed summer months are undoubtedly the most popular time of year to visit for tourists, but they’re also the wettest; if you’re visiting at this time, remember to pack a light waterproof!

13. Earth’s largest-ever land animal once roamed Argentina

In 2012, a new species of titanosaur believed to be the largest land animal to ever exist was discovered in the Patagonian deserts. Recent research suggests the creature’s size could surpass the previous largest-known dinosaur, the Argentinosaurus, also found in Argentina. 

The gigantic beast wandered modern-day Patagonia 98 million years ago, and paleontologists believe it may have exceeded 120 feet in length—that’s comfortably bigger than a fully-grown blue whale!

Pink house is casa rosada in spanish - its at the center of buenos aires

14. Argentina once had 5 different presidents in a 10-day period

Argentina has come a long way over the last couple of decades. At the turn of the century, however, things weren’t so pretty. Financial crashes in Russia and Brazil had a crippling impact on the country as the value of the Argentine peso plummeted.

Argentina’s own economic crash culminated in a governmental collapse in 2001. Following violent protests, President Fernando de la Rua resigned, with four presidents taking up the post in the following ten days.

15. Argentina has the highest consumption of red meat in the world

Once you attend your first asado, this fact will begin to make perfect sense. From fire-grilled ribs to tender chorizo, Argentina is a meat lovers’ paradise—you can hardly blame locals for indulging in red meat a little more than they probably should!

If you’re a vegetarian, don’t let Argentina’s carnivorous streak put you off from visiting; a culinary revolution is happening, with more vegan dining options cropping up across the major cities. 

Planning a Trip to Argentina?

We hope these interesting facts about Argentina have deepened your insight into the country and introduced you to some of its most endearing quirks, such as its fútbol fanaticism or unique dining culture. 

But we’ve barely scratched the surface: there’s so much more to discover by visiting the country first-hand!

Are considering a trip to Argentina? Contact us at Learn From Travel to arrange a fully-customizable travel experience with our on-the-ground experts.

How to Include Study Abroad Experience on Your Resume in Five Simple Steps

Not only is study abroad a great opportunity for young people to see the world, but it’s also a fantastic way to bolster a resume—if you weren’t aware, employers look on experience abroad very favorably!

The problem is, it can be difficult for students to write about their time studying abroad on a resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile. Where should it be included? And how should it be put across?

We understand this dilemma all too well. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on how to include study abroad experience on your resume in five simple steps. 

The process is straightforward, repeatable, and will vastly improve your success rate in securing job interviews. But before we get to it, let’s first consider the career benefits of study abroad…

The Career Benefits of Studying Abroad

Study abroad opens the door to a wealth of career opportunities, and it may land you a juicier pay package too: according to a survey from Hostel World, 41% of U.S. employers consider offering a higher salary to students with international experience.

When you think about the range of soft skills that study abroad develops in students, it’s clear to see how it might offer an edge in the jobs market. Below, you’ll find three key ways study abroad improves your career prospects—you could even use these later while writing your resume.

Confidence

There are a number of studies that suggest studying abroad improves independence and confidence. In the International Education Association of Australia’s annual report for 2020, for example, a huge 97% of students reported improved self-confidence from their time abroad.

From an employer’s perspective, study abroad demonstrates that you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges—businesses are always looking for these kinds of confident self-starters to add to their ranks.

Project Management

There’s no shortage of distractions while spending a semester abroad. Completing your university work while juggling the disparate demands of cultural adjustment, new friends, and various foreign adventures shows that you can manage your time wisely.

The message this sends to potential employers is that you’re a flexible worker with a strong drive and effective problem-solving abilities. Now that’s a skill set that will be valued in any job role.

Intercultural Competence

During your time studying abroad, you learn how to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds in spite of cultural differences—this is called intercultural competence, and it’s a highly-sought skill in today’s global economy.

Positions at multinational companies, where you work with co-workers and clients from other countries, regularly call on cross-cultural communication skills. If you are also required to speak a foreign language, research shows employers favor candidates with study abroad experience.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Include Study Abroad on Resume 

You’ve learned how studying abroad can benefit your career, now it’s time to add your experiences to your resume! Follow our five-step process below to immediately expand your job prospects.

1. Reflect on Your Time Abroad

Studying abroad tends to draw on the same generic set of skills for different students—that is, self-confidence, communication, and leadership, among others—but you need to make your account of your experiences as personal and unique as possible.

The first step, therefore, is to think deeply about the lessons you learned from your time abroad, and how they transformed you into a more well-rounded professional. Perhaps you developed your ability to work under pressure? Or honed your critical thinking skills?

Think of as many lessons as you can; the more the better. Where possible, connect lessons with a specific scenario—like the first time you plucked up the courage to ask for directions, for example. Jot all of these ideas down into a list.

2. Tailor Experience to the Application

Not all of your study abroad experiences will be relevant to the position you ultimately apply for. To maximize your chance of success, you need to tailor your application. This may seem time-consuming, but it will help elevate your application above other candidates. 

From your list of study abroad lessons, pick out the ideas that are highly relevant to your chosen career path. As we mentioned above, intercultural competence is a great skill to highlight for roles involving regular communication with people from different backgrounds.

Other examples include adaptability for jobs with multiple responsibilities or problem-solving for positions requiring an analytical mind. You don’t have much space on a resume, so make sure to select only the most transferable skills from your study abroad experience. 

3. Decide Where to Include Study Abroad Experience

There are up to four sections where you could reasonably include study abroad experience on your resume. The one you choose will depend on how highly the employer is likely to value the study abroad experience as well as the type of study abroad program you completed.

The best practice for each section is as follows:

1. Summary: We recommend including study abroad experience in the summary of your resume only when the hiring company explicitly states a preference for study abroad among candidates.

2. Education: This is the most popular section for study abroad experience. Below your home college or university, add the details of your study abroad program, including the name of the foreign institution, length of study, and any relevant coursework or honors.

3. Experience: If you undertook work experience, an internship, or volunteering during your time abroad, they can be included in this section. As with any other job, state the duration of the role and list the key responsibilities in bullet points. 

4. Skills: You can refer to your study abroad experience indirectly in this section. This is a good place to add foreign language skills. Hiring managers will likely ask you about this section later on, giving you the chance to elaborate on your study abroad experience. 

4. Write About Experiences

Once you’ve settled on the appropriate section for study abroad on your resume, you can begin to write up your experience. If you’ve decided on the education section, there isn’t much room for creativity; just insert the details of the program using the same formatting as other entries. 

For the skills section, simply add the study abroad skills that are most relevant to the application. If you’re including your study abroad experience in the summary or experience sections, however, you’ll need to put some effort into actually describing your time abroad.

Here are some tips to bear in the mind for these sections:

• Focus on skills mentioned in the job description

• Demonstrate your skills with evidence

• Mention achievements from your time studying abroad

• Use action verbs, such as ‘managed’ or ‘led’

• Be concise

5. Check Formatting

Having written about your study abroad experiences and added them to your resume, all that remains is to check that the formatting on the document is consistent.

Ensure that font types, sizes, and styles are the same. Your study abroad experience should fit in succinctly with the rest of the section, and the resume as a whole. Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to submit your application to your employer. Good luck!

Broaden Your Career Horizons with Study Abroad

Study abroad experience will open up new career opportunities for young graduates, but only if it is included on a professional resume correctly. Students should select the right section for their international experiences and, where applicable, explain how they benefited from them.

By drawing out the study abroad skills that are particularly relevant to their career and writing about them in a compelling way, students can tap into the advantage that international experience gives them over other candidates in the jobs market.

Learn from Travel works with colleges and universities to deliver culturally-immersive faculty-led and virtual study abroad programs. If you’re interested in any of our travel packages, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why Travel is Important, Especially When It’s Sustainable

Travel has been sorely missed during the pandemic. With plans put on hold for the foreseeable future, millions of intrepid souls around the world have missed out on exciting adventures, new memories, and unlikely friendships—all those good things that come with traveling. 

It’s no surprise, then, that appetite for international travel is high right now. According to Amadeus, more than three quarters of people intend to travel in 2022. With any luck, we’ll all be able to travel safely again soon, and reap the many rewards that travel has to offer.

When that time rolls around, it’s more important than ever that tourism is managed sustainably. This means protecting host communities, which are now endangered by the dual threat of commercialization and climate change. 

Through sustainable travel, it’s possible to enjoy all the benefits associated with traveling while supporting local people and the environment. Continue below to find out what you stand to gain from travel, especially when it’s sustainable.

The Importance of Sustainable Travel

We usually think of travel in purely self-serving terms. There’s nothing wrong with this—most of us travel for personal pleasure—but it’s important to also consider the impact that your trip will have on other groups.

Sadly, many great international travel experiences come at the expense of the host country. However, it doesn’t have to be this way; sustainable travel actively benefits local communities and the environment, securing a positive outcome for all parties—not just tourists.

What is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable tourism, as defined by the UN’s World Tourism Organization, takes full account of “current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Sustainable travel programs are engineered to conserve rather than erode the cultural heritage of local groups, while also providing them a valuable source of income. Environmental protection is likewise critical.

While delivering various benefits to host communities, sustainable tourism also offers visitors a more culturally immersive and enriching travel experience than resort-based tourism. 

By connecting with local people and learning about their culture on a deeper level, sustainable travelers are more likely to create memories and develop as a person—it really can be a formative experience, especially for students.

Learn from Travel works with local groups across Latin America to deliver rewarding study abroad experiences that benefit visitors and host communities. Explore some of our sample programs below:

• Sustainable Development and Conservation in Ecuador

• The Business of Flowers in Colombia

• Sustainable Design and Construction in Panama

5 Powerful Reasons to Travel

We’ve made our case about sustainable tourism, but what can you gain from travel? Continue reading below for five compelling reasons why travel is important.

1. Travel is good for your health

Have you ever felt burnt out with the daily grind, in desperate need of a holiday and a change of scenery? Travel is a great way to escape routine, giving you the time and space needed to unload any chronic stress and renew your zest for life. 

When you return home, you invariably feel refreshed to take on new challenges—that’s because travel allows you to hit the reset button. We all need the occasional break to keep our mental well-being in check, and there’s no better way to do that than to travel abroad.

With such an emphasis on the mental health benefits of travel, it’s easy to overlook the role it can play in keeping you fit. Swapping the sedentary lifestyle that most of us are accustomed to for sightseeing, hiking, and other activities will do wonders for your physical health.

2. Travel introduces you to different people

Travel forces you to leave behind your tribe (albeit temporarily) and engage with people from different walks of life. On this journey, you’ll encounter new ideas, opinions, and personalities that’ll open your mind and improve your cross-cultural communication.

It’s not uncommon to forge friendships or even romances while traveling. Tied by the shared experience of being far from home, total strangers will often form deep connections together. If you can speak the local language, opportunities to build relationships are even more plentiful.

Enterprising travelers can also take the chance to network with local business owners, academics, and recruiters. Making the right connection might just open the door to an international job in the future. 

3. Travel helps you discover new interests

At home, you live through the same values and customs every day; the large chunk of human culture exists beyond your native borders. The internet, of course, has broken these boundaries in the last couple of decades, but only travels allows you to truly see other cultures in action.

When you explore these cultures first-hand, you open yourself up to a kaleidoscope of new experiences and potential interests: different music, local food, cultural events, traditional pastimes—some of which you may find yourself warming to.

It’s not just cultural interests: travel facilitates other activities, like hiking or watersports, that may not be possible in your home country. Once your trip is over, you can extend the joys of travel by taking your new interests back with you and incorporating them into your lifestyle.

4. Travel aids your self-development

Travel is daunting. Swapping a familiar existence back home, with its comforts of friends, family, and routine, for a foreign culture in a new country takes guts. That said, stepping out of your comfort zone in this way is one of the best things you can do for your personal development. 

Each journey reveals something new about other people, other places, and, crucially, yourself. You learn to become more open-minded with every interaction, and each stressful scenario solved (trust us: there will be a few of these) turns you into a more confident person.

Travel also builds on a wide range of soft skills including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and creativity—all of these will help you better navigate the professional and social spheres back in your everyday life

5. Travel creates life-long memories

Through thick and thin, you’ll always have your memories to reflect on fondly—and by traveling, you won’t ever find yourself in short supply. From the most spectacular sights to the mundane interactions with locals, travel leaves you with moments to cherish for life. 

This especially rings true when traveling with friends, with whom you can recount your shared experiences abroad for decades to come. But even solo adventurers will find themselves inundated with new entries to the memory bank.

For the especially sentimental travelers among us, photo albums and souvenirs can help cement these memories. For adventurers without any memorabilia, the mere mention of the country’s name will conjure up those timeless moments in the mind, as if they were yesterday.

Traveling the World Responsibly

Travel breeds good health and happiness, introducing you to new experiences while making you more appreciative of the things you already have in your life. However, this means little if host communities are hurt in the process. 

The most rewarding travel experiences—for visitors and hosts—are those that are sustainable, protecting both the local environment and local cultures. Without such an approach, communities that have been eroded by unsustainable tourism for decades will finally collapse.

It’s the responsibility of all travelers to build a more sustainable future to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

Learn from Travel works with local groups across Latin America to deliver sustainable, community-focused travel experiences for students. If you’re interested in our sustainable travel programs, you can contact us here.

15 Essential Brazil Travel Tips: Culture, Safety, Budgeting, and More

For decades, Brazil has captured the imagination of partygoers, holidaymakers, and honeymooners alike. With bustling cityscapes, unparalleled natural beauty, and a one-of-a-kind culture, it’s no surprise the country draws in more than 6 million tourists every year.

Given Brazil’s sheer scale, any successful trip must begin with a thorough planning process. To that end, we’ve put together 15 essential Brazil travel tips, covering health and safety, money management, cultural adjustment, and more to help you get the most out of your experience. 

15 Brazil Travel Tips

Gathered from a pool of travel enthusiasts with years of experience on the ground in Brazil, here are 15 travel tips you should know before visiting the country:

1. Do your research

This might sound obvious, but we can’t emphasize it enough. Brazil is a huge country with distinct cultures in different regions. For instance, you’ll find greater European influence in the south, Afro-Brazilian presence in the north, and Caboclo culture in Amazonia.

Before traveling, spend some time learning about the different histories and cultures of each area you plan to visit. With a little research, you’ll have a far better understanding of your surroundings and be able to connect with locals on a deeper level.

2. Hire a guide

Unfortunately, no amount of research will afford you a native’s understanding of the country. If you have some money spare in your budget, consider hiring a local tour guide to take you through unexplored streets and to unseen attractions.

While you may be able to go without a guide in the cities, their expertise becomes invaluable in remote regions like the Amazon basin. Without one, you’re likely to miss out on many of the best bits.

3. Buy mosquito repellent 

Brazil is home to a number of prickly, venomous, and otherwise dangerous species. None, however, are as oppressive as its mosquitoes, which threaten with everything from malaria and yellow fever to dengue and Zika virus.

Provided you take the appropriate safety measures, you needn’t worry about these pesky insects. Safety measures, in this case, means getting vaccinated before travel, wearing long sleeves where possible, using mosquito nets at night, and regularly applying mosquito repellent.

4. Use licensed taxis

Steer clear of unlicensed, unmarked taxis. Rather than hailing a taxi in the street, it’s best to phone for a cab or pick one up from a taxi stop. Uber is another good option in Brazil’s big cities.

Hotel staff will be able to help you with finding a certified taxi service. Some hotel directories will also have contact information for English-speaking cab drivers, should you need them.

5. Drink lots of water

You’re likely to hear mixed things about the cleanliness of Brazil’s tap water. While it is safe in some parts of the country, you may get sick from drinking tap water if you’re not a well-accustomed local. At the very least, you’ll probably find the taste to be off-putting.

Given Brazil’s heat and humidity, clean water isn’t something you’ll want to go without. Your options are to continually buy plastic bottles, or, if you want to protect the environment and your bank account, invest in a water bottle with a built-in filter.

6. Get vaccinated

If you’re only traveling to big cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and are up to date with your routine vaccinations, you generally won’t need to worry about additional immunizations.

However, if you’re venturing into remote areas like the Amazon, you may require vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and malaria. Make sure to research your vaccination requirements before traveling, and contact your doctor if you’re unsure.

7. Consider flying

Did we say Brazil is a big country? Given the long distances between many of the major cities, you may want to consider flying as your primary mode of transport in Brazil.

If you’re traveling during the low season (generally considered to be June to December), you should be able to snag a good deal on flight tickets and save a lengthy bus trip that could span several days.

8. Learn some Portuguese

Unlike most other Latin American countries, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. English isn’t widely spoken either, with only around 5% of the population having a basic understanding of the language.

A little Portuguese, therefore, will go a long way to helping you interact with locals. Basic phrases like “olá” (hello), “bom dia” (good morning), and “tudo bem?” (how are you?) are a good place to start.

Iguazu falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world

9. Be patient

Brazilian culture is known to be relatively relaxed and easy-going, with locals adhering to a much slower pace of life than what many westerners may be used to.

Try to embrace the country’s leisurely nature. This may mean being a little more patient than usual in hospitality settings while waiting for food and drinks to be served.

10. Watch your belongings

A good safety tip to follow wherever you go, make sure to keep a watchful eye on your bags when out and about, especially in crowded areas and transport hubs.

In addition, dress modestly, leaving expensive possessions at home if you plan to visit some of Brazil’s less developed areas. Theft is unlikely, but opportunistic criminals could still target you if you give them the opportunity.

11. Withdraw money before 10pm

If you’re out for the evening, be sure to withdraw some cash before 10pm. ATMs shut down at this time and generally won’t reopen until 7am or 8am the next morning.

Cash isn’t essential, however; the vast majority of shops, restaurants, and bars will accept credit and debit cards. A great solution for tourists is to use a pre-paid debit service like Revolut, which only charges a nominal fee for currency exchanges.

caipirinha is a drink made with CACHACA rum, limes, and lots of sugar

12. Make friends — but be wary

Brazilians are very friendly people, and you won’t find it difficult to strike up connections during your travels — especially if you learn some basic Portuguese.

However, like anywhere else in the world, there will be a few unsavory characters. Be cautious around strangers that are especially friendly, particularly in tourist areas and nightclubs.

13. Eat street food

For the culinarily inclined travelers, you’ll be pleased to hear that Brazil’s street food is delicious! Sampling the likes of pão de queijo, picanha, and kibe on street corners is one of the best ways to live like a local while saving some money

Be warned, however, that not all food stalls are made equal. Exercise your judgment; if there’s a long queue of locals by the stand, chances are the food is of a good standard.

14. Be careful in favelas

Any time you’ve heard about favelas — the more deprived and densely populated neighborhoods in Brazil’s big cities — it’s probably been bad news. But that isn’t always accurate; many favelas are completely safe.

At the same time, some are indeed controlled by local gangs and best avoided. If you have any doubts, hotel staff and tour operators will be able to advise on which areas are safe.

15. Consider seasonality

Prices for flights, accommodation, and other travel-related costs fluctuate heavily between the peak and off-peak tourist seasons. If your heart is set on attending Rio’s Carnival in February, for instance, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg.

On the other side of the coin, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars if you’re happy to visit Brazil during the winter months (June to December).

Brazil Awaits

With these tips, you’ll get to experience the best of Brazil while keeping safe and sticking to your budget — all that remains is to plan your trip!

Interested in visiting this enchanting country and learning from its culture? Learn from Travel is a leading study abroad provider with deep networks in Brazil. Contact us today to arrange your fully customizable, culturally-immersive travel program and make your travel plans a reality. 

A Brief Guide to Chile: Culture, People, History, Language, Food, and Arts

A long, narrow land straddling half the coast of an entire continent, Chile’s culture is as unique and varied as its geography. Indigenous roots and European influences come together to form a vibrant culture that’s reflected in the country’s people and felt across its communities. 

Whether you’re keen on visiting Chile or just a curious mind, learning about the Chilean culture will deepen your appreciation of this one-of-a-kind country. From remote Andean vineyards to vibrant cityscapes, it’s time to tour the many cultural charms of Chile!

The Chilean People

Chile’s colorful culture is a product of its people. Through the years, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences have coalesced to form a distinct cultural identity unlike anything else in the world.

Ethnicity

Chileans hail from a mix of ethnic backgrounds. Many have direct European heritage, most notably from Spain, though you’ll also find Italian, French, British, and German representation in pockets.

Beyond Chile’s European and mestizo (mixed race) inhabitants, who make up about 85% of the population, the indigenous Mapuche people comprise around 9% of the country’s inhabitants — you can learn more about the Mapuche culture from our previous post here.

Religion

Chile separated church and state in 1925, but Catholicism is still a major part of life in the country — close to two thirds of Chileans identify as Roman Catholic. Religious beliefs find expression in a culture that emphasizes strong family values with respect for elders.

Other key tenets of Chilean culture include hard work, hospitality, and pride. The people are characterized as being friendly and welcoming, with a warm embrace awaiting those visiting the country as a tourist.

Language

Chile’s official language and lingua franca is Spanish, which is spoken by locals with a few of their own inflections. Around 10% of Chileans also speak English to an extent, while indigenous languages like Aymara and Mapudungun are now spoken by just 1% of the population.

The Chilean History

To understand Chile today, you must explore its past. Many different groups have called the country home through the ages, with each leaving their mark and contributing in their own way to the makings of modern Chile.

Ancient Chile

Evidence of human existence in Peru dates back some 12,500 years. Peru’s first inhabitants were nomadic, cave-dwelling hunter-gatherers, and early ancestors of the Norte Chicho people who eventually settled and formed the first agricultural communities in the north of the country.

The Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru

The Inca

Many distinct cultures, including the Moche, Wari, and Tiwanaku, coexisted before the arrival of the Incas in the 1470s. Their rule was brief, buckling to Spanish colonial forces in the 1540s, though their legacy remains intact through various heritage sites and the Quechua language. 

Spanish rule

After more than two centuries under the thumb of Spain, Chile gained its independence in 1818 when José de San Martín defeated the final Spanish military forces in the Battle of Maipú. 

During this period, the native population was absorbed into the Spanish settler population to form the large mestizo population that still exists in Chile today.

Modern Chile

Various border disputes with neighboring countries broke out in the century following independence, though the perks of modernity also brought new innovations in the form of ports, railroads, and telegraph lines.

Power swung back and forth between liberal and conservative hands in the 19th and 20th centuries, with a slight shift to the left culminating in the election of Marxist president Salvador Allende in 1970.

Allende’s socialism was overthrown by a bloody military dictatorship in 1973, headed by Augusto Pinochet following a coup implicitly backed by the U.S. Following Pinochet’s exit in 1990, Chile has become more left-leaning and enjoyed strong economic growth. 

The Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine brings together traditional Spanish favorites and indigenous ingredients, as well as flavors from German, Italian and French cuisine. The result of this melting pot is food that’s simple and delicious.

Seafood

Given that Chile’s coastline spans 4,000 miles, you won’t be surprised to learn that seafood features heavily in the country’s cuisine. Mussels, clams, shellfish, eel, sea bass, and salmon can be bought fresh at the many fish markets that populate coastal communities.

Seafood is also widely enjoyed in restaurants, often in the form of ceviche, curanto (steamed shellfish and meat), or paila marina (fish stew), which usually come with a healthy serving of vegetables. Empanadas de marisco (seafood empanadas) are a street-food favorite.

Meat

Like its Argentine neighbors, Chile is a meat-loving nation. Beef and pork abound, with popular meals including cazuela (beef stew), pastel de choclo (corn and beef pie), and the famed Chilean loaded hot dog.

As with Chile’s seafood, meat-based meals are typically served with an assortment of potatoes and other vegetables. If you only have time to sample one delicacy in Chile, make sure it’s empanadas de pino (beef empanada)!

Wine

Chile has a long tradition of wine-making that dates back to the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century. Immensely popular internationally, Chile ranked as the world’s fifth largest exporter of wines in 2020.

Chile’s best vineyards are found in the Central Valley, a fertile strip of land that sits between the coast and the Andes in the heart of the country. If you’d like to learn more about the cultivation of Chilean wine, check out our previous post here.

The Chilean Arts

Drawing inspiration from the country’s impressive landscapes and — in many cases — their own experiences of political strife, Chile’s artistic minds have produced a number of works that have found fame both at home and abroad.

Pablo Neruda and gabriela mistral are two of chile’s most renowned poets

Literature

Chile is renowned for its poets, with Gabriella Mistral and Pablo Neruda both claiming the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945 and 1971 respectively. Other acclaimed literary figures include magic realist writer Isabel Allende and prolific poet-novelist Roberto Bolano.

art is everywhere in chile, but especially in valparaiso, chile’s cultural capital

Art

From sculptures to street murals, art arrives in many forms in Chile. Arguably the nation’s most important painter, Roberto Matta played a central role in the international surrealist movement. The art scene today is thriving with dynamic expressions in painting, cinema, and photography. 

Music

Music is central to community life in Chile, as evidenced by the lively national dance called the cueca. Folk music still finds expression today in the form of the tonada, which now competes with a decidedly more international sound that draws on pop, rock, jazz, and hip hop.

The vacuña are similar to deer and inhabit much of the Chilean patagonia

Interested in Visiting Chile?

Not only is Chile’s culture utterly fascinating, but the country also boasts some of the world’s most dazzling landscapes in Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. It’s no surprise that, prior to the pandemic, Chile ranked as the third most popular South American country for tourists.

If you’re interested in visiting Chile, take a look at our sample itinerary here to get some more inspiration for your trip. When you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’ll be waiting to help your plan your dream visit to Chile!

Learn from Travel is a leading provider of culturally-immersive travel programs. With a deep network in Chile, we’re well equipped to help you arrange your trip. Contact us today to begin planning your fully customizable Chilean travel experience.

Belize Travel Guide: Best Places, Activities, and Tips for Your Trip

With paradisal landscapes and a colorful culture, Belize is one of Central America’s most celebrated tourist destinations, drawing rave reviews from backpackers, honeymooners, and international students alike, and attracting more than one million visitors every year.

With so much to see and do in the country, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together a travel guide to assist with your preparations. Below, you’ll find advice on safety, sightseeing, budgeting, and more to help you plan the perfect trip to Belize!

Best Places to Visit in Belize

Belize is home to a range of fascinating cultural sites and natural wonders, offering unrivaled opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. We’ve narrowed down the country’s best offerings to three must-visit attractions for your trip.

Belize Barrier Reef

Straddling the Caribbean coast lies the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef system in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Belize’s palm-fringed beaches and diverse marine ecosystems are sure to live long in the memory.

Visit the tranquil Caye Caulker or the vibrant San Pedro to access world-class snorkeling and diving at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, or descend the mysterious Great Blue Hole 100km off the coast of the country. For those who prefer land, nothing beats a cocktail on the sunlounger!

Mayan ruins

Did you know Belize is believed to have once been the epicenter of the Maya Empire? The great civilization left behind dozens of breathtaking temples, with the best ruins at Caracol, Lamanai, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha. The latter three are all accessible from Belize City.

Another popular attraction is the chilling Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Hidden away in Belize’s tropical heartland, the “ATM” is a Mayan archaeological site that displays the skeletal remains of sacrifice victims from more than a millennium ago.

Tropical jungles

Preferring to stick to the coast, most tourists miss out on the abundant Maya Forest that covers the vast majority of the mainland. Belize’s jungles are extremely well preserved and secluded, making the country one of the best in the world for wildlife watching.

Head south to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for unrivaled rainforest hikes and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Just outside Belize City, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary’s wetland lagoons show another side to the country’s diverse landscapes.

Belize sample itinerary

Check out our sample itinerary for a one-week trip to Belize below:

1. Arrive in Belize City and immediately catch a water taxi to San Pedro to soak up the best of Belize’s beaches and Barrier Reef at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

2. After a couple of days, return to the mainland and head southwest to San Ignacio, a tourist hub with connections to Actun Tunichil Muknal and the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich.

3. Once satisfied with San Ignacio, return to the coastline for transport links south towards Placencia, finding time to stop off at Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary along the way.

4. After ample adventures in the jungle, finish up in Placencia for one more day of coastal paradise before returning home.

Best Belize Travel Tips

Now that you know where to visit, here are some useful tips that will help you get the most out of your time in Belize.

Listen out for different languages

Belize’s official language is English, however many locals are multilingual and will often switch between English, Spanish, and Kriol, an English dialect closely linked to Caribbean patois. You’ll generally be fine with English, though Spanish is more common close to the country’s borders. 

Live like a local

As with any trip, we urge you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the host culture. This means leaving behind the tourist resort, and instead taking public transport, eating street food, and socializing with locals! You’ll learn more and save a lot of money this way.

Stick to tourist neighborhoods in Belize City

As a caveat to the previous point, remember to follow standard travel safety tips like keeping an eye on your bad when out in public. Belize is one of the safest countries to visit in Central America, though there are a few areas, such as Belize City’s Southside, that are best avoided.

Allow plenty of time for activities 

Compared to some other countries, Belize runs at a relatively relaxed pace. Make sure to leave plenty of time for transportation when it comes to tours, activities, and other bookings, as your connections may not always arrive on schedule.

Budgeting in Belize

Belize caters to both affluent travelers and budget backpackers. While luxury resorts abound, it’s also possible to travel the country on a tight budget of about $50 a day. If you’re planning a trip during peak tourist season (October–April), expect higher prices.

Below, you’ll find budgeting guidance for four key expenses: accommodation, activities, food, and transportation. Please note that the figures below are rough estimates, and should only be used to get a general idea of your budget.

Accommodation

Belize’s busiest tourist destinations are well served by hotels and hostels. The cheapest accommodation costs about $20 per night, while luxury resorts will set you back $130 or higher.

In the more remote, inland locations, accommodation will be pricier — keep this in mind if you’re planning any overnight stays in the jungle, and be sure to book early to access the best rates.

Activities

Depending on your budget, you may have to pick and choose from Belize’s big-ticket activities. Top attractions like snorkeling in the Barrier Reef or touring the ATM caves are likely to set you back around $100 each.

If you’re looking to limit spending, simply go without a guide and enjoy the charms of Placencia and Caye Caulker on foot. Many of the temples in the San Ignacio region, including Xunantunich, have a very nominal entrance fee of $5 that’s well worth the price.

Food

Belize has a wide range of food options for different budgets. Eating at cheap restaurants and street stalls will allow you to limit daily food costs to around $15, while regular sit-down meals at the pricier establishment will incur daily costs of about $50. 

If you have access to your own cooking facilities, check out this cooking demo from our friend Chef Silvia, who works with the nonprofit Hope Haven to provide food to families in need in San Pedro.

Transportation

Public transportation is inexpensive, and provides an economical (though not always comfortable) way to travel across the country. A bus ticket from Belize City to San Ignacio, for example, costs around $5, while a return ferry to Caye Caulker is priced at about $25.

Bus and shuttle operators will often provide transport to nearby tourist sites, offering a cheaper alternative to taxis. If you go with the economical options, you should be able to keep daily travel costs to no more than $10.

Plan Your Trip to Belize

Despite its small size, Belize is packed with delights befitting a country much bigger in stature. From sweeping sands and coral reefs to ancient ruins in the rainforest, adventure is never far away in this enchanted country. Get started with your planning today!

If you’re interested in arranging a trip to Belize, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn from Travel is connected to a vast network of local providers and will work with you to design your very own culturally-immersive travel program.