I always try to read and research a lot about places before I go there. I think it’s important to read more than just the travel guides and actually delve into the history and literature of places I’ll be traveling. It gives me a lot more insight and helps me not feel like an idiot when talking to locals. Here are the books I’ve already read or plan to read in preparation for this trip:
And of course the two essentials:
That’s what I’ve got so far! Please leave any recommendations in the comments!
Heyo! Yes, I agree… and I have the luxury of traveling with such people mentioned above (who research a lot about places before they go…)! Not that I am slacking off…but I enjoy so much to be in the company of people who not only care about something, but have passion for it! For the first time I am going face first into something (South America) with people who are learning and eagerly anticipating the experience full-fledged! (Typically – in many of my experiences, I am the only one who cares (or the one who cares the most) about planning, learning, preparing, etc, etc…. So to put it lightly…to find people who are doing this….makes me even more excited than ever! At the moment, I may be a little behind in my “South America” studies (with the exception of having South America on a shoestring sitting next to me…), but I am learning everyday about people and about myself and am ready now more than ever to dive head first into this journey!
Love you Carrie. Keep reading! Teach me! 😉 I promise I will catch up in my reading!! (and learning Spanish!) 😉 – <3 – mel
You don’t need to worry so much about catching up! You have a job where you actually work instead of just surfing the internet all day like me! And I am just as thrilled to have YOU, one of the most passionate and energetic people I know, accompanying me on this trip! And yes, Hablar espanol es muy importante!