I have taken a few months sabbatical to reset and heal my body and soul after a couple of stressful years, primarily because of my mom’s passing. I’ve talked about life lessons learned as a result of this experience in my previous blog, so I’m practicing what I’m advocating.

A year ago, I’ve set my sights on Central and South America, two areas I’ve visited on occasion (Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay) but haven’t had the chance to really get to know. I’ve also combined my interest in water-based sports (scuba and free diving) for the countries I’m visiting this trip – Honduras, Panama, Colombia – and soon, Bolivia and Brazil.

I’m traveling solo. Having done some research about safety and things to look out for, I’m happy to report that so far one month into my trip, I have only experienced nothing but sheer hospitality and kindness from locals.

Some observations that I want to share for those of you ladies (or mothers, friends, relatives of one) thinking about doing the same:

• Educate yourself of the area’s cultural norms. I came to realize that this whole Latin American continent value their family and measure their success by having a happy family life. So don’t be offended when locals ask about your marital status. They’re just trying to establish a common subject to talk about.

• It’s still a macho and conservative society. Men in general are not used to meeting a solo traveler, let alone a woman. I’ve been asked why many times and my answer has been why not? I’ve been asked where my esposo (husband) or my novio (boyfriend) is and I always invent some location to make them, especially the men, feel better about their gender still being the superior one. Eye roll.

• Colombian men are flirts and it is customary for them to shake or kiss your hand. Let them. It’s part of their culture of hospitality. There is no malice to the gesture. Be comfortable with it and apply a dollop of sense of humor.

• Make it a point to meet with locals especially fellow women. Learn a few Spanish phrases. They would like to hear about your experiences and views of the world and you are actually their role model. You’re showing them what could be possible. A solo woman traveling by herself unafraid of the unknown – you’re a hero, chica! I’ve met the sweetest, kindest women in South America!

• Be mindful of your surroundings and always ask locals or staff of hostels or hotels you’re staying if the area is safe at certain times of the day and what places to avoid. I’ve been pretty blessed that a month into my adventure, I’ve only been met with kindness and an open heart and the most hospitable and innocent people. Unlike some countries where you can feel the desperation in people’s behavior and some meanness, the peoples of Honduras, Panama and now Colombia have been respectful and for the most part, happy despite some with less means to support themselves.

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• Never take advantage of people’s misfortunes or status in life. Negotiate with honesty. In all of the countries I’ve visited thus far, taxis do not have meters. Some locations especially Cartagena and Santa Marta in Colombia, UBER is not readily available. Before boarding a cab, have an idea on the fare (I normally ask the reception at the place I’m staying what’s the normal rate) and negotiate. Once you agree, please honor it. I was at the airport in Cartagena at 4 am waiting to check in when I heard an argument in Spanish between a man (turns out to be the taxi driver) and a woman (passenger). I deciphered that the cabbie is giving back the money (COP 10,000 = USD 3.5) that the lady gave him as fare because they agreed before the woman boarded his cab on COP 20,000 (around USD 6). The woman reneged and the poor taxi driver had to call airport security to settle the issue. In the end, the woman was asked to pay the agreed fare. It turns out she didn’t have any more local currency! This to me is a bitchy move. She knew she didn’t have enough local money to get her to the airport and yet, she was trying to cheat her way out of it. Not only did she ruin the day for the poor cabbie, she also is doing a disservice to our gender! Duh!

• If you’re joining some tour and you’re staying at an AirBnB or if UBER or a ride-sharing app is available, share your location to your host or someone you know currently in the area. I’ve done this for safety reasons. One never knows. It doesn’t matter if you’ve only met these fellow travelers or your host one time. It’s always a good practice for someone to know where you are and that there’s a record of your whereabouts.

• Dress appropriately. It’s been my practice to try to be as invisible as possible and dress simply when traveling overseas especially in less developed countries. Nothing calls attention more than a sexy outfit or display of bling-blings, real or not. Please leave those at home!

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• Take a photo of local maps from your mobile rather than carrying a paper map. You become a ‘grimga” target as soon as you open that map looking lost in the middle of the street. Related to this, buy or rent a SIM card or if you travel quite a bit like myself, invest in a portable WiFi (Skyroam for example) or download Google Fi. This way you will always have access to data and can fully utilize the mobile map apps while discovering a new area.

• Enjoy yourself. Interact with locals and be curious. Don’t hang out with fellow travelers all the time. You can learn a lot more by getting to know the people in the place you’re visiting. Of course, you’re expanding your network of global citizens with fellow travelers but there’s nothing more special by having locals showing you what their home is like! Have fun and be your authentic self!

Happy Travels!