Plan it or wing it

We are taking the 2009 year to travel the world we were thinking of doing organised trips through, South america and through Africa. but the more we think about it the less desirable we find the idea.
There are some good overland trips out there, but we would prefer to not be constrained to the itinery.

Is it easy to navigate though Soth Am and Afirica, border crossings, transport etc...

So whatsay you good travellers, wing it or plan it?

Edited by: Kas_N_Squeak

I say just wing it! If you're already feeling confined, chances are you'll feel that way on the road too. For the most part it's very easy to navigate your way around CA & SA. If you have a couple weeks in the beginning, maybe take some spanish classes and that will help you out a lot! Guatemala has several options for this and is a very popular place for travelers to begin their RTW, so you can meet a lot of other people as well. Have fun! :)

Can't help you with Africa, but South America is no problem to travel independently. The language barrier can be tough at times if you don't speak any Spanish, but that's all part of the fun too. But with a little attempt at learning spanish, and a willingness to try it out, and it's not too bad. If you are worried about it, you can start with some very touristy places, like Peru, particularly Lima and Machu Picchu, which is very well set up for foreign visitors. Once there you can also sign up for good value day tours or short multi-day tours in whatever place you're in. That will give you the freedom you want, but it will also easy you in to traveling by taking you around the sights.

we are currently travelling around the world, without any organized tours, South America is easy so it Pacific, Africa we only know from other holidays, detailed info> www.oneyearoff.net, there you find everything.

We love it!!
all the best
heidi

Definitely wing it if you are already feeling constrained! We are leaving in 1 month (Exactly!) to go to Africa where we will be travelling independently. From all the blogs I've read it seems that some people love tours and enjoy the constant companionship and lack of need for think, whereas other people find it constraining and restrictive and I've read a few blogs (about Africa) where people have dropped out of the tour to travel independently. Give me a few more months and then I'll be able to answer more knowledgeably about the crossing borders, transport etc.

30 days till departure!!! 80weeks.blogspot.com

I did a tour in South America as it was my first time travelling and my Spanish isn't great. There were definite advantages, particularly with language, but I'm sure you could have done it alone too.

The tour I did was with Tucan travel and was on local transport (i.e., not a coach trip) which I think was a good compromise as you had the same 'local' experiences as you would travelling independently (ie bus delays, broken down buses) but with someone there to help out!

After the tour I travelled independently in Brazil, Argentina and Chile and it was no problem at all, but I think the tour gave me the confidence to be able to do the 2nd part alone!

To travel really easily in CA or SA, you need to speak at least a little Spanish. It really, really helps. But even if you don't speak any, you can get around...just makes things a little harder. I have spent about 6 months traveling Mexico, CA and SA independently with no problems at all. On my first trip, I hooked up with a guy who spoke pretty good Spanish...and I learned a lot along the way. Plenty of travelers cruising up and down the coasts. Have fun!
Craig