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Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 29 Jan 2017
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
much better alone
keep away from sex , drugs and rock n roll, late nights, big cities and you'll be Jim Dandy
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  #2  
Old 29 Jan 2017
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
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Download the language app called Mircosoft Translator https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/translator/

You can download the Spanish pack and use it off line in typing format - Spanish -> English and English -> Spanish. On line wifi or cell tower, you can use verbal. Android, Windows, and Apple

I had no problems traveling solo last year in Peru, and will be heading north from Peru to Ecuador in 3 weeks. I had no unusual concerns for safety, although I can speak a little Spanish, so I understood what was going on with daily encounters. Latino cultural norms are welcoming to travelers, especially rural areas.

Buen viaje! (good trip)
Last edited by LD Hack; 11 Feb 2017 at 03:11.
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  #3  
Old 29 Jan 2017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thecanoeguy View Post
keep away from sex
I hate it when priests give advice
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My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon
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  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2017
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Thanks for asking this question. I too am about to embark across SA and had the same concerns - no spanish (though I intend to try and stop somewhere to learn), and general safety.
Starting out in BA this time next month!
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  #5  
Old 10 Feb 2017
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Hey ANM! Let me tell you that I have been traveling solo since December 14, 2016. I do know spanish which obviously helps, but you can get fine by learning your basics. Lot of folks know English, specially in the hostels or aribnb homes.

I believe there is nothing better than going solo because you are the owner of your own time. Stop when ever you want, keep going if you would or not. More people means having to go on others time table, which sucks. The experience of being alone is incredibly rich.

It is not dangerous at all. Always be safe and try to travel during the day. Make sure to inform yourself on what roads you are taking and ask for advise from locals on what they think the roads are like. Be in the look out for the weather and what your driving conditions might look like. Basic drills and all your bike stuff that it looks good on a daily basis.

If I was you I would go solo and once in a while meet with someone down the road. I'm in Colombia right now and heading into Ecuador next week. IM me if you want to get in touch to meet up some where down the road.

Bolivia is a huge country, internet is not so good and gasoline for tourists is more expensive than it is for locals. Expect to get jacked on gasoline. Do some digging and safe travels!
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  #6  
Old 11 Feb 2017
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Fuel in Bolivia is more expensive for international plated bikes but bear in mind that the local price is very much cheaper than other local countries so even if you do pay the full price it is on par.

I have been riding around Bolivia now for 7 months with a few more weeks left before heading off and only once paid the full "gringo" price.

I just park the bike outside and walk in with my 5lt plastic holder and ask for 20Bs which is just under full, seems to work quite well with a few nice words and smiles and then repeat.

If not many shops along the way display "HAY GASOLINA" the fixed price is 5Bs so they make a little and you save without hassle and you can fill as much as you want.

Its the same stuff from the petrol stations as you will see many pick ups loading many containers full, they just then resell it.

Bolivia is great, go see, especially off the tar roads.
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  #7  
Old 20 Mar 2017
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Three months and 5000km into my trip, just wanted to say that I could not have made a better choice then to ride solo. Felt safe and comfortable the whole way.

Thanks for giving me the confidence to get out and do it!
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