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AFS trip tips Patagonia 2023 

Prepare to be thrilled by our vacation to glorious Patagonia! Land and cruise is the best way to navigate the  “end of world”. Carved by fjords and caped by glistening glaciers, you’ll enter a natural wonderland like no other place on earth. We’ll follow legendary explorers from the tip of Cape Horn down to the Strait of Magellan. Encounter unique wildlife, enjoy thrilling zodiac rides over glacial lakes set against towering granite mountains, a colorful culture of Buenos Aires with urban cool Santiago, for your best photos ever here. You’ll love Australis and our stunning new ship. (Our past group of 56 people years ago reveled in the beauty each day of this voyage of discovery.) We have a wonderful small group of 26 now which is perfect for this expedition. Space for two more so tell your friends. A month out, more details will come with your cruise docs. For now, connect with each other on your private Facebook group page and get inspired together!

• Final Payment – Please be aware that cruiselines have strict cancellation policies, which begin 120 days before departure. After 90 days, they are unable to refund any deposits or allow name changes. However, we will be sure to send you gentle reminders throughout the process. We strongly suggest obtaining travel insurance and have included some helpful information below for your consideration.Remember, 50% of your payment is due by June 22, while the FINAL PAYMENT is required by July 22. Our trusted partner, Wetravel, allows you to conveniently submit electronic check payments without any extra fees—simply follow their step-by-step guide. For those using credit cards, a nominal processing fee will be charged during payment. As a small business, this approach helps us reduce costs and give you the best value for your trip.Alternatively, if you prefer, simply write a check out to AFS, take a photo of it, and text it to 770-432-8225 with the word "Patagonia" in the caption. We'll be happy to process it on your behalf.

GTL- Carol Huntington

Carol has been on 50+ AFS trips over the years and has led many of our solo travel tours over the past 15 years. She has been a ray of sunlight to each of those groups. She has a passion for seeing the world and experiencing new cultures. Having traveled to over 120+ countries and all 7 continents, she continues to pursue her dream, while working for a startup company that provides Employee Gift Matching Benefits. Her goal is to build relationships, problem solve, keep clients happy and help make the world a better place. She genuinely cares for people and is cool under pressure. These are great qualities for the business and the travel world.

During a recent sabbatical, Carol coordinated and lead a once in a lifetime journey around the world, visiting 13 countries! Carol’s excitement to discover new things is complimented by her unique ability to get along with and relate to people of all backgrounds. She has a deep understanding of new and seasoned travelers with a knack to inspire all. Carol is all about the experience: from skydiving to trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda, leading a group to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and always making many new friends along the way.

Trip Prep:

• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Check passport expiration date and ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages.  We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport.  Look in your App Store for details.
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
• Vaccines – Bring proof of vaccine card still reqwuires.  If Covid rules change, I will advise in September. No visas!  But visa rules can also change.

All airline rules differ.  It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure!  Airlines are in the process of making routing and scheduling changes now. Always check your flight before departure.

Fitness level – no trouble walking

General Air Info – Now it’s best to get air sooner than later as fares expected to soar. Many route changes can happen now. Airlines must notify you of such and protect you if problem with flight.  Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins.   Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number.  Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.

•  Air dates are October 28 to November 5. Trip structure one night Buenos Aires, one night Ushuaia, five-day cruise Australis, one night Santiago.
• After final payment, we will send you a brief technical itinerary to print for each day.
• Land portion begins October 29 in Buenos Aires Argentina and ends November 5 in Santiago Chile. You can extend on own pre-or post trip dates.

Doing Own Air– No international group air presented as we never meet the minimum requirement of passengers. Get your own international air now before prices will increase. Air is USA into Buenos Aires Argentina, out Santiago Chile, October 28 to November 5.

We like Google flights to research or book. Or contact our expert South American team at Borello travel there and they can take it you. [email protected]. 800-405-3072. They do charge a nominal fee.

Fly to Miami. The cheapest fares to both countries depart round-trip from Miami. Note Buenos Aires has two airports. Flight into BA will arrive to EZE airport.

Sample dates-  Oct 27 or 28 MIA to EZE      Return November 5 Santiago to MIA.

Internal flights - everyone needs to be on the same 2 internal connecting flights via Argentina and Chile.   Cost $685 at present but subject to change until ticketed.  This has been added to your invoice.   Flights in these regions are limited with seats full. We hold 27 seats for our group. Strict airline penalties for cancellation apply. $100 to cancel air booking. Once ticketed 90 days out, no refunds on these tickets.

• OCT 30 BA - USH 3:30 PM to 7:10 PM (AR 1886)
• NOV 4 Punta to Santiago 5:45PM to 9:10 PM (LA94)

Airport Transfers-  When we get copies of all your air tickets later, if most arrive near the same date and time into Buenos Aires, one group transfer from airport to hotel will be arranged for you. Others note that taxis are very affordable here.  (With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs.  Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like.  If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary, day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up –  October 29, gather in lobby of Kenton Palace hotel in Buenos Aires by 5 PM.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag& 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  If you overpack by adding pre-or post-trip luggage, make prior plans as to where to stow the excess luggage. You may be responsible for any overage charges. Apple AirTags works great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Weather - It’s springtime here in November and the best time to visit, with an average temperature of 50 and 60°. Patagonia can have all four seasons in one day.  Springtime is mild, but windy. Understand that each day can be affected by weather conditions here and activities may be modified.

Packing – This is a casual trip. Just focus on layering! Bring waterproof jacket, parka or raincoat, pants and backpack. Waterproof hiking boots. Bring warm socks, gloves, hat, scarf and one pair of thermal underwear just in case. Jeans with a long sleeve T-shirts are perfect. Bring sunglasses, and sunscreen.   Check Google

Weather a week prior to departure

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers oftenleave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  Chile and Argentina take plug type C.  On Australis USA plugs will work.

See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

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Money Matters – Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $400 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted.  Amex rarely accepted.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)

• Currency  Exchange Rate  $1= 206 Argentina pesos, $1 = 808 Chile pesos
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
• https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities –It’s protocol to tip our local guides, assistants, porters, wait staff, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally, but around $10 to $15 per day should cover all for the trip.  $45 total for land portion added to your invoice. Please understand this is only the suggested minimum.  For ease of distribution, your GTL will tip the different ground services for the entire group each day.  In your cruise docs you will see Australis suggests $25 per day so around $100 for your cruise to be paid directly to the cruiseline.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room.  If you use a porter, please tip.  For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

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