Just south of the usual: Tips for enjoying a South America vacation

(BPT) - Colorful is the best word to describe Latin American, thanks to its varied history, cultures, historic sights, natural attractions and wildlife opportunities. From vibrant Rio de Janeiro to the intriguing Amazon Jungle; from the enigmatic Machu Picchu to the fascinating Galapagos Islands and scenic beauty of Costa Rica, adventure awaits any traveler planning a trip to Central or South America.

The key is to find the right kind of adventure when traveling through South America, while avoiding the wrong kind.

When we envision the perfect South American getaway, full of explorations and excitement, we picture beautiful hotels, amazing food, incredible sight-seeing and above all, we imagine creating memories galore. What we don’t always consider is language barriers, cultural differences or what it takes to organize a jaw-dropping escape. From transportation to hotels and from researching must-see attractions to organizing daily schedules, planning an international getaway is no easy task.

That’s where a tour can make a world of difference. On a touring vacation, a professional handles all the details, logistics and scheduling for you. Offering travelers dozens of South American touring vacations that are just south of the usual, the team at Globus, the world’s leading tour operator, has put together five perks to look for when booking a tour through South America.

1) See the hidden gems without any hidden charges. Everyone loves extras – until they're charged extra. Globus throws in more visits, more experiences and more sight-seeing, all in the price of the vacation. For example, some of the included local favorites on South American tours are a private, Argentine Tango dance lesson, a visit to a local family’s farm in Costa Rica and a Mother Earth Ceremony performed by a local shaman.

2) Rest where the action is. A hotel can have the crispest sheets, the fluffiest towels and the tastiest pillow mints, but if it's not near the sights, what good is it? When you book a tour to South America with a reputable company, you can expect your hotel to be in a safe neighborhood, in the heart of the destination.

3) There’s the scenery and then there’s the scene. One of the best perks of taking a tour is getting local, cultural insight from tour directors and local guides. They speak the language. They know the history. And they know where to point out the best food, best shopping, best architecture and more.

4) Roam if you want to. Some travel operators overschedule, instilling the need for a vacation after your vacation. When you book a tour, choose a company that weaves in the right amount of free time for individual exploration, quiet reflection or a book and a latte at a sidewalk cafe.

5) Skip the lines. Tour companies like Globus know the ropes of travel and they know how to get in front of them. On Globus’ South America tours, expect to be treated like a VIP, including no waiting in lines at must-see sights.

A tour provides travelers a colorful, insightful and hassle-free way to see and explore South America. For more information, visit www.globusjourneys.com or call 866.313.2855.