Off to see the world and starting in South America

[CrocEyes]

Hey, my name is Mitchell, I am about to turn 21 and I have decided that I want to do a little globetrotting. My buddy did a foreign exchange in Nicaragua and is going back down there for a couple months in December so I decided I would go with him and then just stay down there and make my way south.

My biggest concern is going to be money. I will have a couple grand to get me on my way and I will have money set aside for a return ticket (no idea where I will be when I want to come back to the states). I would like to be backpacking for at least 9 months or longer if I can.

So my question is will I be able to find short term work along my way to keep me going or should I plan on having just the money I show up with?

[Mark]

Hi Mitchell,

Great to hear you're going to South America. I see you're headed to Nicaragua first, which is Central America, and I'll have to start with some words of advice. It is very dangerous to travel overland from Panama to Colombia. You have to cross the Darien Gap. There is another thread about crossing the Panama - Colombia border here. You'll have to book a flight in Panama to save you the time and trouble awaiting you crossing the Darien Gap.

Getting short term work will not be possible so make sure you have money on the side. A workaround could be to volunteer for awhile in some of the many care centers in South America. Check out this post for more information about volunteering in South America.

Best wishes,
Mark