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10 Tips for Visiting South America

By U.S. News & World Report

South America, with its diverse collection of natural and urban wonders, stretching from staggering snow-capped peaks to sprawling metropolises decorated with towering skyscrapers, beckons to travelers of all kinds. Across the region, you’ll find lush islands, storied ruins, world-cuisine, larger-than-life parties, endangered wildlife and so much more. But as enchanting as the continent’s illustrious past and mixture of cultures and climates can be, visiting can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you’re itching to tap into the best of South America, follow these tips to explore the region’s fascinating countries with ease.

[See: Best Trips for Adventure Junkies.]

Learn Local Phrases

Picking up a few key phrases before you traverse South America’s dynamic cites will go a long way. If you’re planning to visit Spanish-speaking countries, make sure to master a few simple phrases to get you around with ease, like ” Me lo escribe por favor?” (Can you write that down, please?) . Of course phrases such as ” gracias” (thank you) and “Discuple” (Excuse me) help too. Also remember that if you’re planning to travel to Brazil, the primary language is Portuguese, so be sure to learn a few essential phrases before your trip.

Understand Visa Guidelines

Each country in South America determines its own visa regulations for U.S. citizens. Some countries offer a nearly open border, while others require detailed visa documents. For example, Brazil requires U.S. passport-holders to obtain a visa for $160 before departure. Make sure to consult going current entry and exit requirements on the U.S. State Department’s website.

Time Your Trip

South America is one of the world’s largest and most diverse continents, so the best times of year to visit vary drastically. Argentina and Chile, which boast breathtaking landscapes are best seen in the summer. But for a more peaceful, crowd-free exploration of Torres del Paine or the El Chalten glacier, visit during the shoulder season (spring and fall). For those looking to visit the Amazon rainforest, October to November is the best time to visit, as there are less crowds and less rain, making it easier to spot local wildlife. If you don’t mind the crowds, December to March ushers in festivals like Carnival in Brazil, along with pleasant conditions for exploring Ecuador and the famed Galápagos Islands.

[See: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to the Galápagos.]

Follow the Festivals

If you want to party while visiting South America, follow the continent’s iconic festivals, many of which are known the world over. Brazil’s Carnival, the largest in the world, is well worth planning a trip around thanks to weeklong parties, elaborate parades and ornate costumes. But Brazil isn’t the only place with a lively festival and nightlife scene, however. The famous Mendoza wine region in Argentina hosts a National Grape Harvest Festival in March, which features the lights and parades of Carnival along with samplings from the area’s top wineries.

Know the Local Currencies

Unlike the U.S., South America doesn’t rely on one currency. Instead, there are a variety of types of currency used throughout the continent with different exchange rates, from the Argentinean peso to the Brazilian real to the Columbian peso. Also, keep in mind, the exchange rates fluctuate often, so use a reputable online currency converter to familiarize yourself with the current exchange rate before your trip.

Bring Snacks

Food is certainly not lacking in most of South America, but if you have a sensitive stomach, loading up on safe snacks before you depart from home is always a smart idea. If street food makes you weary and you’re on a budget, bring ample things to keep you fueled between larger meals, especially if you’re doing strenuous hiking, biking or climbing, such as peanut butter, granola bars, protein bars, trail mix and mixed nuts.

Build a Bucket List

The best tip to see the best of the continent without feeling overwhelmed? Arrive with well-thought-out list. Luckily, most of South American’s top attractions provide multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you want to hike, head to Patagonia and trek through Torres del Paine National Park and Route of the Seven Lakes. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, trek the Inca trail, head to the ruins and then climb up to Huayna Picchu for unrivaled views. Even better, cap off your trip by exploring around the Sacred Valley. If you want to see multiple countries, pick destinations that require less travel time, such as Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay or Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Embrace All Modes of Transportation

If you’re used to traveling in the lap of luxury, you might be in for a bit of a rude awakening after crossing the border. Though there are many lavish ways to reach South America, one of the most popular (and cost-effective) ways to travel from town to town (or even country to country) is by public bus. While some public buses are pleasant, with air conditioning and comfortable seating, others lack plush seats and offer few stops while commuting from point A to B. Do your research ahead of time to ensure you find the best mode of transit for your itinerary. Flying is also easy and budget-friendly for many connections between major cities, thanks to low-budget airlines such as LATAM Airlines and Andes Líneas Aéreas.

Try the Local Cuisine

South American cuisine is some of the most eclectic in the world, and each country has its own regional specialties worth sampling. If you’ve got the stomach and curiosity, make your way to vibrant food markets, which sell everything from fresh produce and exotic fruits to hearty dishes. When in Peru, you can’t skip sampling ceviche or a pisco sour. In Venezuela, make sure to try arepas (flatbread sandwiches filled with cheese or meat). And while visiting Argentina, don’t miss digging into a hearty steak paired with a classic Malbec. And in Colombia, you can’t skip ordering a Dulce de Leche; street carts around Bogotá, Medellin and Cartagena sell waffles or cones slathered with the sweet treat.

[See: 9 Ways to Travel Better.]

Allow for Spontaneity

Whatever you do, if you’re visiting South America for the first time, don’t plan an overly involved itinerary. While you’ll want to secure hotel reservations, plane tickets, bus transfers and tours, there are some details you’ll want to wait to book until you arrive to embrace unique, off-the-beaten-path attractions and experiences. Plus, plans can change — so allow for some impromptu trip-planning decisions — whether that means a few extra days to cultivate a relationship with locals in Peru or skipping a well-traversed landmark to discover a local gem.

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10 Tips for Visiting South America originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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