Volunteering

• Arrange your volunteer stints directly with the organizations you’ll be working for, not through agencies.  If you must use an agency, choose one that is in the country you will be traveling to.  Many agencies, especially the infamous i-to-i, only give one fifth of what you pay to the actual volunteer organization!  Save money and support those who need your help the most by making arrangements directly.
• If an organization is vague about how much they will charge you for room and board while you volunteer for them, insist that they give you an exact price.  Plenty of organizations will assure you that you’ll only have to pay them for a cabin and for breakfast, but will charge you high prices when you arrive.
• If you plan to get a volunteer visa, make sure that both you and the organization know exactly what the requirements are.  In many countries the organization will have to take economic responsibility for you, be sure that they are willing to do this.
• Clothes dryers will probably be unavailable to you if you volunteer in a rural area or a developing country.  Bring a bungee cord with you to tie in the bathroom and hang your clothes on, so that other people won’t see your more personal clothing items.

Working

• If you want to work as an English teacher, it’s a great idea to get a TEFL certificate.  However, false TEFL certificates are very common (most of all in Southeast Asia) so make sure to get yours from a reputable agency that will confirm its authenticity.
• High-end bars and hotels often hire foreigners.  But even though they may charge more than other establishments in the area, they often pay their foreign employees the local wage.  In some countries this will not cover your living expenses!  Although working in a foreign country is a great way to meet the locals, it is extremely tiring and low-paying in many places.
• On the other hand, there are many volunteer organizations that will take care of your housing and food while you donate your time. This means that “volunteering” may be more cost-effective than “working.” As an added bonus, you will be contributing to important local projects instead of simply answering phones or serving drinks.
• One last thing to keep in mind: Working without a work visa is frowned upon everywhere, while volunteering without a volunteer visa is either tolerated, accepted or encouraged.

Transport

• Buses and the metro are always safer than taxis.  Foreign bus systems are often confusing, though.  If you do not speak the local language, call your hotel in advance and have someone explain to you in English which bus you have to catch to arrive.
• Ask a local how much a bus or taxi ride should cost before you get in.  Never get in a taxi without first setting the price unless the taxi is metered!  (And, watch out for altered meters.)
• Taxi drivers may tell you that the hotel of your choice is bad, or has been closed down.  (Especially in Peru!)  He’ll want to take you to a different, probably horrible, hotel that gives them a kickback.  Tell him that you already have a reservation there, and if he refuses to take you to your destination, refuse to pay him.
• Knowing the name and exact location of your destination is not enough in most taxis or for locals to help you on a bus.  Don’t just ask for the street address of your hotel, ask where it is in relation to the nearest local landmark (i.e., two blocks north of the courthouse).

Latin America

• Learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” in the indigenous language — Quichua, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní or whatever it is in the area — will make you lots of friends!
• Spanish is very easy to learn.  If you don’t have time to take lessons before you go, get some CD’s from the local library.  This will save you a few weeks when you first arrive.
• Learning the words is something you must do to survive; learning the accent is something you can do to show you care about the language.  Don’t just learn the local vocabulary, but try to pronounce the words as well as you can.

Ecuador

• Floods have destroyed large sections of many tourist destinations (such as Mompiche and Tena) since the latest guidebooks were printed! Call ahead or ask online before planning trips to lowland regions.
• No matter what you do in Ecuador, you will probably find yourself taking a bus into or out of Quito. There used to be one bus terminal downtown, but now there are two (one in the north and one in the south). The bus terminal in the north goes to the northern highlands — Otavalo, Ibarra and Tulcan. The bus terminal in the south has buses to everywhere else — the northern Amazon, northern coast, and all regions of Ecuador south of Quito. Be forewarned: The northern terminal has no roof — if it’s sunny, you must take precautions against sunburn. If it’s raining, you’ll need an umbrella. The southern terminal is located in the coldest part of Quito. In the morning or evening, bring a sweater! You can catch a bus to either terminal from La Marin, located on Avenida Pichincha just below the Plaza Grande of the Historic Center.
• Many bus companies that do long-distance trips (Trans Esmeraldas, Flota Imbabura, etc.) have their own terminals, which are safer and more conveniently located than the main bus terminals. However, they are usually on side streets a few blocks from the bus routes, so consult a map before you head toward them.
• A trip that combines the three mainland regions (coast, highlands, and jungle) will give you the best overview of the country in a short amount of time. If you will visit the southern part of the country (if you’re coming up from Peru or flying into Guayaquil) a good itinerary would be Isla de la Plata (Puerto Lopez)/Cuenca/Zamora. If you will visit the northern part of the country (coming down from Colombia or flying into Quito) try Canoa/Quito/Tena.
• The central area of Ecuador has relaxing, little-visited gems that are worthwhile on any trip to the country of two weeks or more. In the highlands, Guaranda is breathtakingly beautiful and will allow you to meet indigenous Ecuadorians in an authentic environment. (Try coming into the city from Riobamba for unbelievable volcanic views and leaving through the Ambato route to save time, or vice-versa.) Puyo is conveniently located (just two hours from Baños) and is a typical friendly slice of the Amazon with wonderful people and memorable sites to see.
• When traveling to or along the coast, AVOID THE REINA DEL CAMINO BUS LINE AT ALL COSTS!  Not only are they jerks (and they always are), but they also crash the most.  And make a point of wasting gas. And always manage to make the bus either uncomfortably warm or uncomfortably cold. Five English tourists died in a Reina del Camino bus crash about a year ago.
• In nearly every city except for Quito and Guayaquil, an urban taxi ride never costs more than a dollar.
• Avoid the police, and especially the “Tourist Police,” as much as you can.  Don’t assume that they will speak English or be willing to help you — no matter what you need to know, you’re much better off asking a local.
• If you’re up for it, mountain climbing (andinismo) with Ecuadorians is one of the best things you could do during your trip. Meet up with the Club de Andinismo of the Universidad Catolica in Quito and see if you can tag along on any of their expeditions. They do relatively easy, local trips (such as Ilalo) and more far-flung, technically challenging climbs (like Las Ilinizas).
• Going to Otavalo can be a very interesting experience, but it’s not worth going just for souvenir shopping because everything sold in Otavalo can be found in Quito.  Wednesdays are better than Saturdays because there are less pick-pockets around.
• When staying in Quito, a safer, cheap option is the Napo/Villa Flora (from the airport take a bus to El Ejido or La Marin, and from there any bus that says V. Flora).  This area has less crime than the Mariscal/Carolina/Historic areas and is far more authentic. Another good option is the Valle de los Chillos (buses to the Valle leave from El Playon, just south of La Marin).  The Valle is slightly more expensive but is also quieter and more peaceful.  It makes a perfectly good base for exploring the historic district, and you’ll be exposed to more traditional Ecuadorian culture as well.
• Some good vegetarian food options wherever you find yourself are choclo (corn on the cob), chochos (small white beans), and empanadas de queso (as long as you’re not vegan!). On the coast, plantains are widely available as patacones (smushed, fried plantains) or as bolones (balls of mashed plantains — sometimes they’re made with pork; ask for a “bolon de mani” or a “bolon de queso” and if you don’t want it fried say “cocido”).
• Heading to Colombia? There is a bus that goes from the border to Ipiales but it stops somewhat north of the main checkpoint; just walk a few minutes north on the main road. If you prefer to take a taxi, you will have an easy time finding someone to share with. The ride is short and not too expensive. Of course, the bus is still cheaper.
• Heading to Peru? Catch a bus in Machala that goes all the way to Mancora or Piura. No matter what you do, avoid switching buses as the border (Huaquillas) or in Tumbes. Even if you do not want to stay in Mancora, it is an infinitely safer option for switching buses.

Colombia

• There are not many vegetarian restaurants in Colombia, but people will be happy to make a meatless plate for you. For fast vegetarian food, many Govindas locations sell veggie burgers and potatoes on the street.
• In Colombia, it is perfectly legal for the police to ask to see your passport on the street.  But it is not legal at all for them to take you into the police station.  Know your rights.
• Intimidated by the “Emerald World Trade Center” in downtown Bogotá? Don’t be. Anyone can walk in, and you don’t have to buy anything. Take a look around!
• Since very few tourists come to Colombia, hostels that cater specifically to foreign tourists are usually much more expensive than other hostels of the same quality.  In Medellín, avoid staying in “El Poblado” even though that’s where most backpackers stay.  It’s one of the most expensive, unauthentic places in the whole city.
• Don’t worry about museums breaking your budget. Some museums are free certain days of the week (like the Museo del Oro; the guard at the front door will often let you know before you even ask) or to many foreigners (like the Museo de Antioquia off the Parque Botero, which is also free for lower-income Colombians).
• In Colombia you always have to pay as soon as you get on a city bus, and the driver himself takes the money so it’s best for everyone if you have exact change.  Be prepared with the 1,100 or 1,200 pesos, get your money ready while you’re still waiting at the bus stop.
• If you see some elementary school kids setting up to give a public concert, don’t just keep walking assuming that they won’t be any good. Colombia has amazing musicians and amazing music education programs for low-income children, and their free concerts in the park may turn out to be wonderful surprises.
• If you’re in a bus headed to Medellín’s northern terminal, ask someone to let you know when you’re there.  It’s impossible to see from the street, you will need a local’s help!

Hotels and Hostels

• Bring your own lock with you to keep everything safe in dorm rooms.  Very few hostels will have one to lend you.
• Some cheaper hotels also rent rooms by the hour.  Be clear that you will want a room until noon the next day.

Language

• If you’re traveling long-term, enrolling in a local language school may be the best thing you can do.  Look for a language school that doesn’t only teach the local language to foreigners, but also teaches English to locals.  This is one of the best ways to meet people.
• Remember, it’s not the locals’ responsibility to understand English, it’s your responsibility to communicate with them in the language of their country.  Even if you have not learned the language well enough to speak full sentences, learn a few key words.

General

• In countries where the water is not drinkable, it’s best to bring a water filter.  (You can find them at outdoorsy/camping stores.)  Bottled water not only causes a ton of contamination, it is expensive and sometimes hard to find.
• Nothing says “I’m not from here!” like hiking clothing worn in a city or shorts and flip-flops worn where the locals don’t wear them.  Reduce your chances of getting robbed and avoid strange looks by dressing in normal clothing in a city (leave the safari hat and vest for the national parks!) and wearing long pants.
• Try to buy handicrafts from the artisans themselves.  Boutique gift shops will often sell the same items that you can buy in a market or on the street, for twice the price.
• Don’t assume that a tattoo shop actually sterilizes their needles just because they have the machine to do it.  Only get tattoos and piercings in trusted shops.
• Very few people enter into libraries while they travel, but they’re great places to meet thoughtful, intelligent people.  Even fairly small libraries may also have English-language newspapers or free Internet access.  It’s a good idea to also ask for books on local art or wildlife.