Some beginner questions

[Dinka]

I am completely new to this concept, traveling south america that is...
Doing a career break at age of 28, have unlimited time and solid budget, planning to head of at end of September or beginning of October, the reason I'm thinking of going to south america and not to the far east is - no particular reason, can't say I'm an extreme sports lover, I like mild hiking, good views and food

Currently worried\not about the following:
1. Suitcase or backpack? I of course prefer trolleys but if there is no pavement - this would not make a lot of sense....
2. Mosquito - I'm terrified by this more than by anything else, I'm one of those people that get bitten everywhere and by everything and completely allergic to them... what would you advise other than using repellent? Special areas\seasons to avoid?
3. Company - I'm traveling alone... will I be that lonely...? Is there anybody there that I can potentially exchange impressions with after...?
4. Route planning - I'm going to start in Peru, just because I found a friend who wants to join for the first couple of week and have no idea what to do after....
5. How to make sure that I stay in somehow reasonably comfortable places... meaning no dorms, clean sheets and hot water
6. I'm booking the flight with award miles, how can I still get air passes?

Thx a lot and my apologies for many basic questions

[candace09]

In any travel suitcase and a small backpack would do great, you can use the backpack as a hand carry.

[AcrylicAce]

Backpack is better I think although I have seen many people w/ trolleys. Depends on where you are spending most your time imo. If you are going to mostly cities then a suitcase would be fine but if you are planning on doing a lot of bus rides and spending time in smaller towns a backpack is much better.

Bug Spray... other than that I guess stay away from damp warm places as much as you can. Don't really know what else to say.

Company won't be a problem if you are staying in Hostels however if you avoid dorm rooms it might make it slightly more difficult to meet people. There are generally common areas in most hostels and you meet lots of different people.

If you have unlimited time and a solid budget I wouldn't worry too much about a plan for now... you can just travel all over and decide as you go.

I don't think you can avoid cold showers in countries like Bolivia and Ecuador... it is just a given you will stay at places w/ only cold water. Most hostels seems to be clean here though... I have been here for 3 months in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina and am yet to stay in a hostel that was incredibly filthy.

Good Luck!
-Kadin