Do you speak spanish enough to order bread or ask directions when you get lost? Join the south american explorers... google them... great organization.

How long will you be traveling?

Note: Scan your important documents and email them to your yahoo, gmail or hotmail account. If you lose your passport, The imagine will help tons at the embassy. The same goes for the drivers license, insurance papers and any important documents that you may have to give to folks watching your house back home. Important numbers, addresses etc should also be store in this account.

In a bar, never leave your drink unattended. And be careful about using ice outside of a very reputable hotel. Use bottled water and wash all fruit before putting it into your mouth. Hep A comes from smeared poop from unwashed hands that handle your food. It will destroy your trip.

Don't assume that a lingering glance or a close hug from a guy means you're having a gay moment. The concept of space is different in each of those countries. They may just be intrigued because you are foreign.