The Llama Travel Blog

The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone, and as the country takes steps to a return to some more normal activities, I would like to share my thoughts on what has happened and what might come. I am thankful that everyone at Llama Travel has been fine, and no one here has been badly affected by the virus directly. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss due to this disease. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this has brought about the toughest period in the near-twenty year history of Llama Travel, and in the travel industry in general.

Like many aspects of our lives, the way in which we travel is changing as a result of the current pandemic. Nobody knows exactly what will happen, but it is possible that we won't take our freedom to travel for granted, safety precautions will be heightened and we'll think more carefully before clicking a button to book a holiday. To make the most of your trip to another continent, why not combine several destinations and tick a few more places off your list while you're there? 

Before I visited Colombia, I had heard very mixed things. People who hadn’t been regarded it as unsafe, and told me to be careful – this was backed up by documentaries and the general preconception that Colombia is dangerous. Meanwhile, friends and family members who had been there told me that it was one of the most amazing places they’ve ever visited, with beautiful scenery, top-notch food and some of the friendliest people they’d met in the world.  I took all this advice with a pinch of salt and as it turns out, of the ten countries I’ve visited in South America, I still regard Colombia as my absolute favourite. Here’s why.

Ecuador is often overlooked by its South American neighbours, and even the mainland of Ecuador is often skipped on a trip to the Galapagos Islands. This is part of its charm – the undiscovered feeling you get when you come across Inca ruins with hardly any tourists, or the indigenous tribes you meet in remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest, accessed only by a canoe. It’s one of the continent’s best kept secrets, and probably doesn’t even come in the top three of most people’s South American bucket lists.

A couple of weeks ago we gave you our top picks for Latin America, so this week it’s Africa’s turn. If you’re counting down the days until you can next get on a plane and witness amazing wildlife spectacles on a classic safari, uncover South Africa's moving history, explore Namibia's vast rugged landscapes and feel the spray of one of the Wonders of the World in Zimbabwe, keep reading for some ideas on where to go in Africa next year.

We’ve kept this one simple. Our ultimate top seven picks from Latin America, because once this difficult period of our lives is over, there’s still a magnificent world waiting to be explored. Of course, travel shouldn’t be about ticking places off a list, for us it’s all about the different experiences you get – whether it’s that Peruvian lady who sold you some textiles in a tiny Andean village or that delicious steak you ate with your group on your final night in Argentina. But as clichéd as it might sound, many people are realising now more than ever that life’s too short, and the freedom of travel isn’t something we should take for granted. So if any of these beautiful destinations weren’t already on your list, they should be now!

As we sit tight and wait eagerly for a time when we can travel once again, there are plenty of ways to keep our minds occupied. Whether you’d like to learn more about an African country you’ve already visited, increase your knowledge in preparation for a future holiday or simply interested in finding out more about Africa, let us open your eyes to the world of African literature and film.

For a bit of light-hearted fun and distraction from everything that’s currently going on in the world, we've created a special Llama Travel quiz so you can test your knowledge of Latin America. There are five rounds (photos, anagrams, multiple choice, flags and food) with seven questions each and you'll find the answers at the bottom - no cheating though! Let us know your score (out of 35) on the Llama Travel Facebook page. ¡Buena suerte!

As the world comes to a standstill and we all wait patiently for a time when we can visit our favourite places once more, there are still many reasons to be cheerful. If you want a break from all the negative news and a reason to put a smile on your face, scroll through our blog to find out some good news from many of our destinations in Latin America and Africa including Peru, Galapagos, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

"Travel makes us wiser and more sensitive. It allows us to be free. This pandemic will fade away, but your bucket list will not."

- José Koechlin, Founder of Inkaterra

Although we can't travel yet, there are still plenty of ways we can fill our time and be inspired for future trips. From books and films to cuisine and music, the influence of Latin America has really taken off across the world, including the UK. Maybe you'd like to reminisce on a Latin American country you've already visited, or perhaps you're dreaming about your next adventure and want to get in the mood. Either way, read our blog for some inspiration.