After being forced to stay home during the COVID-19 crisis, you’re probably yearning to travel somewhere truly special on your first post-pandemic vacation. Where will you go?  South America boasts a wide variety of spectacular natural and cultural attractions that should be on your bucket list. From the frozen wonders of the Patagonian Icefields to the sublime heights of the Andes and the associated stunning Incan ruins, there are countless amazing places to visit in South America.  However, there is a question of how to travel safely and effectively in South America after this pandemic is over. Here are 7 things to consider when you travel in South America post-COVID-19.  
Discover your new planet once the pandemic is over / Photo: Canva Pro
 

1- Published guidebooks will be inaccurate

Sadly, many long-established businesses in South America will have been forced into bankruptcy during the COVID-19 crisis. Attractions, restaurants, and hotels mentioned in printed guidebooks may be closed or no longer exist. On the other hand, others may have opened in their place. If you want to enjoy your vacation in South America, you will need to gain up-to-date information from reliable online sources, such as the Daytours4u website. This will prevent you from wasting time traveling to closed attractions or looking for somewhere good to eat. Local guides will become much more important for up-to-date and reliable information for travelers.   

2- Ignore old reviews

During the crisis, many businesses in South America have laid off staff or lost contractors and suppliers. Because the staff now employed by businesses in the tourism industry may be different, and suppliers may also have changed, the conditions found at attractions, hotels, and restaurants may now be completely different from how they were before. However, most reviews on TripAdvisor and Google or other comparison websites date to before the outbreak. Be aware of this and ensure you only take note of reviews written recently. Seek the most up-to-date information you can before choosing where to eat and what to see. If you choose to rely on out-of-date information, you should prepare yourself for a disappointing time. But if you can glean information from local experts, you’ll have the vacation of your life in South America.   

3- Take essential items with you

The disruptions in global supply chains may make it difficult to obtain some products usually easily available in South America. If there is something essential to you, such as a sunscreen brand you must use because you’re allergic to others, then bring it with you. Don’t expect everything to be the same as before.  Before you pack, pause for a brainstorming session. Make a list of everything you can’t survive without for the duration of your vacation. If it’s possible to take it all with you, then gather those essential items and pack them in your luggage.  Also, be more prepared than you would normally be for more isolated adventures. For example, for your wilderness hiking adventures high in the Andes, pack equipment like a solar charger for your electric devices and a GPS unit.  

4- Be prepared for the crowds

Because you’re not the only person who has been confined to your own home during the crisis, there may be a huge explosion in travel post-COVID-19. Many who enjoy regular travel may have excess cash they didn’t spend while isolated, and they will want to spend it. Popular tourist sites such as Machu Picchu could see a surge in visitors. A great way to avoid crowds on public transport and sitting close to others is to travel around the historic and cultural areas of cities like Rio de Janeiro on a bicycle. Touring by bike is less risky than walking and public transport, and it’s also great for your health. When walking, try to keep some space between yourself and other people, just in case.      

5- Book in advance

Maybe you want to cycle on the “Most Dangerous Road in the World”, experience a thrilling helicopter tour of Buenos Aires, or explore the famous Amazon Rainforest. Well, so do a lot of other adventurous travelers. Don’t leave your booking too late or you will be disappointed.     The combination of increased demand for vacations and a reduction in the number of hotel rooms, attractions, and tours will result in many disappointed holidaymakers. Ensure you book in advance through a reputable company that has its finger on the pulse, such as Daytours4u.  

6- Budget well

With so many economies and businesses in turmoil, the prices of everything will change. Some things will be cheaper and others more expensive than before the pandemic. Without local knowledge, it will be easy for you to choose accommodations, restaurants, and trips that are more expensive than other similar options in the same area. Ask us for advice to make sure you choose the most profitable offers and don't get fooled or end up spending much more than you need. At Daytours4u we give you the right advice on tours and activities in South America after COVID-19. Local expertise will help you a lot.   

7- Take extra care of your security and health

Although there’s little chance you’ll catch COVID-19 after the pandemic is over, don’t take unnecessary risks. Consider wearing a mask in high population areas and observe social distancing in travel hubs and at major tourist attractions.  Also, be more aware of pickpockets. Forced to go out of business for an extended period of time, they may resurface with the new arrival of tourists. In tourist locations, there may be more pickpockets and scams.    
  By: Jess, Outreach Assistant, OutsidePursuits