I think it's easy for people who blog while traveling to have it enshrine them. How they got there and how they get by is usually not disclosed (probably because they have a personal assistant). All we see is the final product: immaculate photos of themselves posing against exotic horizons (probably because they have a personal professional photographer), perfectly captioned with the brands that make up their outfit (probably a combination of being sponsored to wear them, or having received those pieces for free in exchange for a shoutout).
On the other hand, my travel style is more pleb, and less glam. There I said it.
One of my aims over the next 6 months will be to show you just how attainable travelling is (if like me you're willing to do it on the cheap), and share the things I've learnt along the way that I wish someone had told me.
So before I get into the thick of my tour (which officially starts tonight), if you've ever wondered what it takes to prepare for travelling to South America - this is for you.
1. Applying for your Venezuela tourist visa
This was probably one of the most traumatic experiences of my planning. Don't do what I did and waste time seeking advice through Visas Direct. I was given the wrong information by two (albeit well meaning) consultants.
Go straight to the embassy website and contact them via email. I was then advised of the relevant process and provided the official forms to fill out.
In conclusion:
In Australia, the Venezuelan embassy is in Canberra, so unless you're willing to make a trip there and back - you'll need to send your passport, forms, money order and return envelope in the mail. Allow 10-15 working days from them receiving it, as to when you can expect to receive it back.
While your application is processing, you'll pretty much need to hold your breath. I personally found the Venezuela embassy to be amongst the least accommodating I've ever encountered. They have a small window frame for when you're allowed to call the office and enquire about the application process. The first time I called, the person responsible for answering such questions was apparently out of the office, and I was asked to call back in half an hour. The second time I called, my question was pretty much ignored and I was asked to put it into an email. Upon telling them I had already posed the question in an email sent several days prior and still yet to receive a response, I was simply told a reply will probably come in the next day or so. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.
2. Applying for your Brazil tourist visa
Smooth. Go to their website. Fill out the e-form. Print out the confirmation and send it off along with your documents, money order, and return envelope. Again, allow 10-15 working days from them receiving it, as to when you can expect to receive it back.
If you email them asking if it has been received, they will even email you back conforming so, as well as the exact date of when it will be posted back to your loving arms!!!!!!
If you're from Sydney and can be bothered, they have an office where you can drop off and pick up your passport. But you can't just show up - you'll need to book an appointment through their website. Depending on how busy the period is, this wait could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (in which case it would be faster for you to send it in anyway).
3. Recipocrity fees
This is pretty much an entry fee into a certain country, usually because your country charges their people for entry too.
For Australians, you'll need one for Argentina (apply online here before you leave), and Chile (paid on arrival).
4. Flying through the USA? Make sure you get your ESTA
This is known as a visa waiver. If you're travelling to the USA for less than 90 days, even if it's just a stop over, you'll need to apply for one of these.
Mine cost $14US and lasts for a year.
5. Vaccinations & medication
Go to your doctor and get up to speed with all your vaccinations.
Particularly for those travelling to South America, it's highly recommended to get vaccinated for Yellow Fever (mine cost around $150AU). Make sure you ask for a certificate (mine was an extra $5AU). It's not common practice, but I've heard it's still possible to get asked for this at border crossings.
If like me you suffer easily from motion sickness, your doctor can provide a script for prescription only medicine to take while overseas.
6. Travel insurance
I highly recommend and usually go with Travel Insurance Direct. I have claimed through them before with no hassles.
However, their price for 6 months cover was out of my budget, so I went with Southern Cross instead.
Apply early, as you'll need to provide a copy of your travel insurance with your visa application(s).
7. Travel card
I'm with Commbank, so took out a Travel Money Card through them. I used it previously while in Vietnam, and had no trouble. They give you two cards to access the one account, which is handy if one gets lost or stolen (just make sure you call and cancel the other one!)
This time round, instead of loading a particular currency on the card, the consultant advised me to leave it in AU dollars, as this would save me from one less conversion fee.
However, there is also the option to load multiple currencies if you prefer to roll that way.
8. Day bag
I was bag snatched in Vietnam (luckily I didn't have anything valuable inside). Two guys on a motorbike pulled up to the kerb where I was waiting to cross the road, and the one sitting on the back scooped it out of my folded arms.
A lot of the situation was also self-inflicted since I was using a clutch (STUPID I KNOW!) The outer lining of the bag I intended to use was peeling off, leaving flakes of plastic all over my arm, and I was stupidly game enough to walk around with a clutch in the meantime while shopping for a replacement.
So you know all those fashion bloggers who outrightly match their travel outfits with the "perfect clutch"? - DON'T DO IT!
They probably have security guards; or only used it for the purpose of that photograph; or stick to private resorts closed off from poverty-stricken locals (where's the fun in that?); or or are extremely lucky - or did get mugged and just didn't tell you.
It was so disheartening because I realised I had built a feeling of invincibility after travelling around Europe for an entire year without anything like that happening.
Whenever something bad happens, as a coping mechanism I automatically search for silver linings. At least my passport or phone weren't inside. At least there was hardly any money lost. At least the bag snatch was quick and clean. No injury. No bloodshed. If I had a handbag would they have tried to slash the strap? Would they have dragged me on the road until I let go?
DON'T FEEL INVINCIBLE. EVER.
I've learnt my lesson and since bought a Travelon Luggage Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag. It has reinforced cut-proof straps, RFID blocking (so they can't scan past you and steal information from your cards) and locking compartments.
You can read the reviews or purchase your own through Amazon.
9. Additional costs I kinda but not really saw coming
Travel backpack
Damn these are pricey. I'm usually a suitcase kinda gal, and didn't realise how expensive these were until it came time to shopping for one. I borrowed one off my boyfriend (thanks bf!) to save money. Be prepared to spend upwards of $300-$400AU.
Hiking shoes
I usually get around in Havaianas, sandals or my normal running shoes (if need be). But since I'll be climbing Machu Picchu, a friend strongly recommended I invest in proper hiking shoes.
I bought the Women's Arrowsmith NGX Mid from Kathmandu.
Warning: if you have small feet like me (I'm a size 36), be sure to try them on with thick socks and walk around the store before committing to buying them. Try and find a design with a small make, as the lowest size in women's is usually a 37. Experiment with the biggest size in the kids range. It could save you money, but I personally found these to be less sturdy than hiking shoes in the adult range.
Be prepared to spend $130-$400AU.
Sleeping bag
I've never gone bush camping, so have never owned one. Don't make the mistake I did by buying one online - unless you've been to the store and looked at it, touched it and carried it.
Depending on where you're going, look out for the temperature ranges offered by each sleeping bag - as they're often designed to suit one or a few different climates.
I initially bought the Escape Outdoors North Pole 2 Hooded LH Sleeping Bag online from Ray's Outdoors because it was relatively cheap given it's temperature range. But beware, if the website doesn't specify the weight, it probably weighs a shit ton! When it arrived in the mail, I also came to realise how massive it was, and how it would take up a substantial amount of space in my bag.
I shopped around properly. If you live in Sydney, there's a street in the CBD called Kent St (behind Town Hall) which is lined with shops that specialise in backpacking gear. Go there, shop around and compare!
I ended up going with the Travelite 300 from Mountain Designs. They were having a sale at the time I bought mine, so it was down to $189AU from $250AU.
Check it out! Sleeping bag purchase 1 vs purchase 2.
For a travel appropriate sleeping bag, be prepared to spend anywhere from $200-$700AU.
10. Cancel/hold any existing contracts
Health Insurance
I'm with nib. You can put your membership on hold instead of cancelling completely, to save you from serving waiting periods when you come back.
Gym
I'm with Fitness First. Given your contract period is over, they need about one month notice before they cancel your account and stop charging you - so don't leave it last minute!
Mobile
I have a fear of commitment and have never had a mobile phone contract. I'm with Telstra pre-paid on an outright phone. Your phone number will remain active for 6 months from the last recharge. That way people can get you on the same number when you get back.
Even if you don't plan on travelling for another few months or years, I hope the above info has helped put into perspective the kind of preparation you'll be in for. You'll need to harness major time management skills if you're to juggle it with full-time work.
Particularly if you have multiple visas to apply for, you should hop to it asap, as each embassy requires and holds your passport for processing of up to 3 weeks at a time.
Happy travel planning!
Love, Noeline
xox
On the other hand, my travel style is more pleb, and less glam. There I said it.
One of my aims over the next 6 months will be to show you just how attainable travelling is (if like me you're willing to do it on the cheap), and share the things I've learnt along the way that I wish someone had told me.
So before I get into the thick of my tour (which officially starts tonight), if you've ever wondered what it takes to prepare for travelling to South America - this is for you.
1. Applying for your Venezuela tourist visa
This was probably one of the most traumatic experiences of my planning. Don't do what I did and waste time seeking advice through Visas Direct. I was given the wrong information by two (albeit well meaning) consultants.
Go straight to the embassy website and contact them via email. I was then advised of the relevant process and provided the official forms to fill out.
In conclusion:
- If you're entering Venezuela via AIR, staying less than 3 months, and only entering the country once in a calendar year... you DO NOT need a visa. You will be given a tourist card from the airline.
- If you're entering Venezuela via LAND or SEA, staying less than 3 months, and possibly entering multiple times within a calendar year... MOTHER FUCKING YES you need a visa.
In Australia, the Venezuelan embassy is in Canberra, so unless you're willing to make a trip there and back - you'll need to send your passport, forms, money order and return envelope in the mail. Allow 10-15 working days from them receiving it, as to when you can expect to receive it back.
While your application is processing, you'll pretty much need to hold your breath. I personally found the Venezuela embassy to be amongst the least accommodating I've ever encountered. They have a small window frame for when you're allowed to call the office and enquire about the application process. The first time I called, the person responsible for answering such questions was apparently out of the office, and I was asked to call back in half an hour. The second time I called, my question was pretty much ignored and I was asked to put it into an email. Upon telling them I had already posed the question in an email sent several days prior and still yet to receive a response, I was simply told a reply will probably come in the next day or so. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.
2. Applying for your Brazil tourist visa
Smooth. Go to their website. Fill out the e-form. Print out the confirmation and send it off along with your documents, money order, and return envelope. Again, allow 10-15 working days from them receiving it, as to when you can expect to receive it back.
If you email them asking if it has been received, they will even email you back conforming so, as well as the exact date of when it will be posted back to your loving arms!!!!!!
If you're from Sydney and can be bothered, they have an office where you can drop off and pick up your passport. But you can't just show up - you'll need to book an appointment through their website. Depending on how busy the period is, this wait could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (in which case it would be faster for you to send it in anyway).
3. Recipocrity fees
This is pretty much an entry fee into a certain country, usually because your country charges their people for entry too.
For Australians, you'll need one for Argentina (apply online here before you leave), and Chile (paid on arrival).
4. Flying through the USA? Make sure you get your ESTA
This is known as a visa waiver. If you're travelling to the USA for less than 90 days, even if it's just a stop over, you'll need to apply for one of these.
Mine cost $14US and lasts for a year.
5. Vaccinations & medication
Go to your doctor and get up to speed with all your vaccinations.
Particularly for those travelling to South America, it's highly recommended to get vaccinated for Yellow Fever (mine cost around $150AU). Make sure you ask for a certificate (mine was an extra $5AU). It's not common practice, but I've heard it's still possible to get asked for this at border crossings.
If like me you suffer easily from motion sickness, your doctor can provide a script for prescription only medicine to take while overseas.
6. Travel insurance
I highly recommend and usually go with Travel Insurance Direct. I have claimed through them before with no hassles.
However, their price for 6 months cover was out of my budget, so I went with Southern Cross instead.
Apply early, as you'll need to provide a copy of your travel insurance with your visa application(s).
7. Travel card
I'm with Commbank, so took out a Travel Money Card through them. I used it previously while in Vietnam, and had no trouble. They give you two cards to access the one account, which is handy if one gets lost or stolen (just make sure you call and cancel the other one!)
This time round, instead of loading a particular currency on the card, the consultant advised me to leave it in AU dollars, as this would save me from one less conversion fee.
However, there is also the option to load multiple currencies if you prefer to roll that way.
8. Day bag
I was bag snatched in Vietnam (luckily I didn't have anything valuable inside). Two guys on a motorbike pulled up to the kerb where I was waiting to cross the road, and the one sitting on the back scooped it out of my folded arms.
A lot of the situation was also self-inflicted since I was using a clutch (STUPID I KNOW!) The outer lining of the bag I intended to use was peeling off, leaving flakes of plastic all over my arm, and I was stupidly game enough to walk around with a clutch in the meantime while shopping for a replacement.
So you know all those fashion bloggers who outrightly match their travel outfits with the "perfect clutch"? - DON'T DO IT!
They probably have security guards; or only used it for the purpose of that photograph; or stick to private resorts closed off from poverty-stricken locals (where's the fun in that?); or or are extremely lucky - or did get mugged and just didn't tell you.
It was so disheartening because I realised I had built a feeling of invincibility after travelling around Europe for an entire year without anything like that happening.
Whenever something bad happens, as a coping mechanism I automatically search for silver linings. At least my passport or phone weren't inside. At least there was hardly any money lost. At least the bag snatch was quick and clean. No injury. No bloodshed. If I had a handbag would they have tried to slash the strap? Would they have dragged me on the road until I let go?
DON'T FEEL INVINCIBLE. EVER.
I've learnt my lesson and since bought a Travelon Luggage Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag. It has reinforced cut-proof straps, RFID blocking (so they can't scan past you and steal information from your cards) and locking compartments.
You can read the reviews or purchase your own through Amazon.
9. Additional costs I kinda but not really saw coming
Travel backpack
Damn these are pricey. I'm usually a suitcase kinda gal, and didn't realise how expensive these were until it came time to shopping for one. I borrowed one off my boyfriend (thanks bf!) to save money. Be prepared to spend upwards of $300-$400AU.
Hiking shoes
I usually get around in Havaianas, sandals or my normal running shoes (if need be). But since I'll be climbing Machu Picchu, a friend strongly recommended I invest in proper hiking shoes.
I bought the Women's Arrowsmith NGX Mid from Kathmandu.
Warning: if you have small feet like me (I'm a size 36), be sure to try them on with thick socks and walk around the store before committing to buying them. Try and find a design with a small make, as the lowest size in women's is usually a 37. Experiment with the biggest size in the kids range. It could save you money, but I personally found these to be less sturdy than hiking shoes in the adult range.
Be prepared to spend $130-$400AU.
Sleeping bag
I've never gone bush camping, so have never owned one. Don't make the mistake I did by buying one online - unless you've been to the store and looked at it, touched it and carried it.
Depending on where you're going, look out for the temperature ranges offered by each sleeping bag - as they're often designed to suit one or a few different climates.
I initially bought the Escape Outdoors North Pole 2 Hooded LH Sleeping Bag online from Ray's Outdoors because it was relatively cheap given it's temperature range. But beware, if the website doesn't specify the weight, it probably weighs a shit ton! When it arrived in the mail, I also came to realise how massive it was, and how it would take up a substantial amount of space in my bag.
I shopped around properly. If you live in Sydney, there's a street in the CBD called Kent St (behind Town Hall) which is lined with shops that specialise in backpacking gear. Go there, shop around and compare!
I ended up going with the Travelite 300 from Mountain Designs. They were having a sale at the time I bought mine, so it was down to $189AU from $250AU.
Check it out! Sleeping bag purchase 1 vs purchase 2.
For a travel appropriate sleeping bag, be prepared to spend anywhere from $200-$700AU.
10. Cancel/hold any existing contracts
Health Insurance
I'm with nib. You can put your membership on hold instead of cancelling completely, to save you from serving waiting periods when you come back.
Gym
I'm with Fitness First. Given your contract period is over, they need about one month notice before they cancel your account and stop charging you - so don't leave it last minute!
Mobile
I have a fear of commitment and have never had a mobile phone contract. I'm with Telstra pre-paid on an outright phone. Your phone number will remain active for 6 months from the last recharge. That way people can get you on the same number when you get back.
Even if you don't plan on travelling for another few months or years, I hope the above info has helped put into perspective the kind of preparation you'll be in for. You'll need to harness major time management skills if you're to juggle it with full-time work.
Particularly if you have multiple visas to apply for, you should hop to it asap, as each embassy requires and holds your passport for processing of up to 3 weeks at a time.
Happy travel planning!
Love, Noeline
xox
