Happy New Year's

Happy 2009!

Thanks to everyone who voted in my poll about where I should go in South America as it'll be my last opportunity to spend a few weeks in a foreign country for a long time!

Brazil edged out Peru with 40% of the votes, and while I had my heart set on the beaches of Rio too, I couldn't ignore the higher cost of airfare from Europe, the higher cost of living there, and the massive size of the place.

Instead, I booked a flight with Iberia from Madrid to Bogota!

Yes, Colombia is the dark horse garnering only 3% of the votes, but perhaps that is all the more reason for me to go explore the country most people are still too afraid to consider. The truth is I want to visit a country yet to hit the global tourism scene.

And to recap a few other trouble spots from 2008: I had my pocket picked in Bali, was about to visit Tibet when riots broke out in China, trekked in Nepal when Maoists won free elections, was present in India during bombings, enjoyed Thailand as government protests gained energy, and was almost robbed in Cape Town.

But first, I have to catch you up on a whirlwind tour of Egypt and my attempt to couchsurf through pricey Europe.

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

G Adventures for small group tours.
World Nomads for travel insurance.
Hostelworld for booking hostels.
Rail Europe for train passes.

Mark

Tuesday 6th of January 2009

From my standpoint absolutely the right decision!

I'm in Colombia for a bit over a Month now and I have had a great time so far!

There's tons of things to do - like visiting the Lost City, take a dive course go hiking etc.

People are very friendly and helpful - I thought it would be a lot tougher - but so far it has been easy as pie for me and most people I met...

I'll be in Colombia till the 18 of January or so

Dave

Wednesday 7th of January 2009

Thanks for the "boots on the ground" report. :)

Jodi

Friday 2nd of January 2009

Yah! I'm so glad you chose Colombia. We regret not making it there, maybe next time. Looking forward to reading your posts from Colombia!

Saturday 3rd of January 2009

Geoff

I reckon you've made a great choice - I've read a few really great things about Colombia from travel bloggers this year, now really seems like the time to go. I'll be there myself as a stop on my RTW trip some time this summer, and it's the but I'm most excited about

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