Many people dream of traveling the world but too many view money as a barrier. If you want it bad enough and you put your mind to it, you can save the money you need to stand on top of the world. This post details our money saving tips for travel and what actions we took to save enough to take our dream trip. We’re hoping a little inspiration will get you there too!
Need more motivation to get to Peru than just Machu Picchu? Colca Canyon is where it’s at. It’s the perfect warm-up adventure before the long haul on the Inca Trail.
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world reaching a depth of over 13,000 feet, more than twice that of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Situated in southern Peru, Colca Canyon is often overshadowed by the more famous nearby tourist attractions of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca; however, it should not be forgotten on the Peru to-do list especially for active, outdoor lovers. …Keep Reading!
Poop. Bird poop. Everywhere. Imagine entire islands covered in knee-deep bird poop with millions of birds making it deeper by the second. Imagine thousands of birds circling overhead making you wish you bought the $4 hat from the guy selling them on the dock. Although grabbing a small bandana from your daypack works in a pinch to protect you from bird-bombs – plus they look super stylish.
This is Islas Ballestas, a few outcroppings of red and white rock off the south coast of Peru. Once we got over our initial fear of being pooped on, the islands were teeming with amazing Peruvian wildlife (even animals outside the bird family). Islas Ballestas is known as the “poor man’s Galapagos” and if anyone cannot drop $3,000+ on Darwin’s famous islands then Islas Ballestas may be …Keep Reading!
“Just one more pair of socks…. PLEASE”, and that’s how Tamara snuck in a fifth pair of socks.
All of the things we need for a year of travel (we hope)
In this gear post we’ve outlined our carry-on pack list for a year in South America. As expected, we will revise this list as we actually travel and realize we need something else or don’t use that one thing at all.
We are traveling with only carry-on backpacks for a few key reasons – we don’t have to check a bag at the airport/wait at the luggage carousel, we look a little less touristy walking around, and most importantly, we are more mobile and flexible. …Keep Reading!
We are starting in Peru!
We booked our one-way tickets from Los Angeles, California to Lima, Peru for $381 each (thanks Skyscanner!). This moment was exciting as we had been tracking flight prices for awhile and booking the flight really made things feel real. We leave April 1st (no April Fools joke) and have yet to book a return flight. Secondly, we reserved a four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu about six months in advance as the spots fill up quickly. This trek to ancient ruins is one of our most anticipated adventures and part of the reason we want to kick-off in Peru. …Keep Reading!
