Is it different to Travel the World as a Latina? Or is it even more different to travel as a Chilean?
When you are raised in a country who have the idea of being separated to the rest of the world –and it’s kind of true- perhaps it’s more difficult to situate yourself traveling the world. Everywhere looks so far plus airfares are higher than in northern countries.
I grew up in Santiago of Chile, in the very south of South America; and my first memories and goals in life were always related to travel and exploring the world. I remember being hours looking the World Map and a book with most of the countries and their flags and descriptions, and wondering how would be the daily life in those places.
Nobody else related to me had this strong wanderlust at the same level, and the most: everybody related to myself was trying to get that desire down, trying to add fears and doubts about why I should not be willing to travel the world as a Latina (and a woman) and to think about having a ‘normal life’.
That, in Chile means: put your pearl earings on, get married, study something and get a ‘normal’ job.
Sometimes when you grow up you start to feel different. Your goals and dreams are different to your friends or your family. And I was born bit rebel, so despite all the negative comments, all the money I was collecting from different jobs since I was 15 years old it was invested on travels.
So I started travel the world as a Latina and a Chilean
First, I started with small trips inside Chile, hitchhiking few times and later around South America on my school holidays. I went to Argentina, Peru, Ecuator, Bolivia and Colombia when everybody was telling me not to go there for many reasons. Mostly, because ‘it’s dangerous to solo travel as a woman’.
There are too many myths related to travel and especially for female solo travelers. Yes, my biggest dream was to travel, and worse, my biggest dream was not involving someone else (today, after many years of solo travels I’m sure I can add someone special to my journeys 😛 ). I would go anywhere by myself and that was not that common in a Latino country 15 years ago.
I’ve heard so many times when being in South America some people asking me Why I wanted to travel?, if all my close family is located in Chile and the country is so beautiful, why I need to go to other country and explore beyond?.
I guess they don’t have the wanderlust (my favorite English word, that can’t be translated in only one word in Spanish) or they are bit afraid of the unknown perhaps. This is why I’ve made the decition to probe that a woman can travel the world alone and be safe and have lots of fun doing it!
So what is keeping you away of that epic travel you always wanted to have?
Perhaps what is worrying you is that you don’t speak the local language of the country you are dreaming to go. But I can tell you, you don’t need to speak every language of the planet. Even if you don’t speak the language of the country you are going it’s not an impediment to do it.
Certainly, if you speak English is an advantage and it will be helpful in many countries, but with the technology these days I was able to have small talks or to order my food with locals in India or Thailand only with my mobile translator app.
But I will look different and everybody will be staring at me
I don’t look like the stereotype of a Latina, so I’ve never been related to the discrimination feeling some other Latinos tell they are getting when going to certain countries (e.g. Europe or Latin America itself).
Gladly I’ve never felt disrespected or in danger on my journeys, nor discriminated for my origins.
Yes! There are many people who are afraid to go abroad because of their origins and discrimination exists and it sucks, I would never understand it. For some people this is really an issue and is our responsibility as travelers to teach others to respect us when we feel disrespected.
I can even have an animal print bag! lol
Having a Chilean passport it’s being great for traveling as the country have many political agreements, so it’s easy for us to move around and we don’t need Visa’s for many countries. Normally police officers are really happy seeing at least my passport and normally I get something like: Ooooh! Loook, a Chilean passport! It’s the first one I see in weeks! and then a massive smile.
But I know it’s different to other Latinos depending on their nationalities, and can be very hard for them to plan their trips because of this. Please, Don’t let this stop your desire to travel! Just keep it in mind and be aware you’ll need more time to plan your overseas journeys.
Few years ago I went to work for my internship in Europe, in a Sports Research Center and a Hospital in Luxembourg city and was one of the best experiences of my life. So far, all my colleagues were really interested about Chile and my culture and very kind when it was some cultural or language barriers between us.
The myths and Stereotypes about Latinos
If you come from a Latino country or from a family with this influences the things you will probably miss more when out of your country will be the vibe we have as Latinos.
This is why everybody can see, no matter where in the world you are, that all Latinos are mingling together. It’s like you feel comfortable with other people from a culture like yours and who knows all the social codes. This creates a sense of community. Why you can see there are many expats meeting in almost every country to keep the happy vibes and the warm vibes around.
It’s very common for us to hear someone speaking Spanish -and even more if you can recognize the accent- and start talking a.s.a.p. in the most random places (probably second thing will be going for some drinks, lol).
And there is some myths about Latinos that are kind of true: We are passionate people who love to talk LOUD and to hug each other. We are used to touching people when we talk, with this not being anything sexual, and then: some of us love to dance! And it’s easier to dance Salsa or Bachata when your partner already knows how to do it!
This passion is reflected in many people who decide to leave everything to follow their dreams of traveling. This is why you will see many Latinos following their travel dreams and backpacking through South America and around the continent for months, even years!
What about Machismo?
As everybody knows, there is a lot of ‘machismo’ in South America (and I hate it!) this has made Latino women very aware about what men are doing on the streets. So it’s not too shocking for us when a guy yells to us on the street (always very uncomfortable and sometimes very disgusting).
I’ve seen a variety of this demonstrations in my life and still don’t get why a guy would do this to women in most random places. They think if they touch their penis on the street you’ll find them attractive? Or they think if they honk their car you’ll just jump inside and have sex with him?
It is a bad thing to be used to this demonstrations, but for sure we know how to react to them. I normally try to embarrass them and making it public, so at least someone else is aware of them and their stupid behavior. Worse part of this is society kind of accept this because the many people think about men as children who are driven by their sexual impulses and as creatures that can’t control themselves, so it’s usual to hear ‘Poor guy, just leave him, don’t pay attention to him’.
Well, women can watch too
I remember the first time I went back home to Santiago after more than a year on the road and I was shocked about how guys were honking or yelling at me on the street. I’ve never felt that level of harassment on the streets in any other part of the world until now.
I’ve found being very useful on my journeys around the world being a Latina -and Chilean-. I grew up being very aware of my belongings when I am on the street. I am always looking around, with eyes on my back and taking care where I’m sitting or going. Pickpockets are quite common, so we know how to avoid them
Closeness to Family and friends
In a certain way, I think we are more relationships than money oriented. One of the things that are strong within the countries with Latin influence is the relationship with family and friends.
For us (and I’m including myself here) family is very important and for example, if I have my mom sick I will probably go back from the other side of the world to help her if necessary.
Within my travels I realized it is ourselves who put barriers between us and our dreams and this could be your gender, your origins, your social condition, but also it is only us who can change that vision and go after what we think will make us happy.
Don’t let your fears stops you to make your dreams true!
Chile was the 3rd country I visited in South America (back in 2008). I have very fond memories of both the Lakes District & Greater Santiago area. My next trip is Peru (end of next month). One thing I remember about my time in Santiago was that Peruvian restaurants were a big deal.
Dear Gloria,
Hailing from Nicaragua, I can so relate to your post,. Its raw and its real.
When I travel myself all the Latino stereotypes baggage we have I make sure I explain these things to everybody in the most fun way,. as I’ve learned from my past travels, Latin American sense of humor its very much alive an understood even in the most challenging cultures (don’t get me started with the Norwegians or the Croatians haha..) .. and trust me when I say it doesn’t just apply to Latina girls.
Great job and keep traveling.
Adios.
German
http://www.sunrefugee.com
ps..your Machu Pichu photo with your arms in the air… priceless!.
Many thanks German! To me that’s the beauty of travel, to be able to experience different cultures and ways of thinking. It opens our mind and make us more tolerant, at least that have happened to me.
Happy travels to you too!
***Machu Picchu is one of my favorite places in the world!!
Interesting post. My wife is Latina and we’ve done a lot of travelling in the last 10 years and her being Latina sometimes helps keep things interesting!
Firstly, being Latina can be an advantage. She can fit it almost anywhere in the world; she can pass for Spanish, Indian, Italian, Brazilian…she’s even been confused for Thai when wearing sunglasses. As a white guy I’ll always stick out so I envy that she can blend in a lot easier than I can…
Downside is that some cultures can be prejudiced against darker coloured people. Hong Kong sticks out. She never wants to go back to China.
But where she’s had the worst feelings is actually in the Latin world where people will assume that she’s one of them with a white guy (ie. a gold digger). She’s often received dirty looks in the Latin world that she’s never received anywhere else. And no, I did not pick her up off the streets of Cartagena – she’s of Puerto Rican descent, from New York, and moved to Montreal to pursue her career. That’s where I met her. But people will always assume…
Nice blog and nice to see a different point of view 🙂
Frank (bbqboy)
Hi Frank! Many thanks for your comment. I love your view at this topic and I can totally agree about how Latino world is looking at people around. It’s always harder to blend for me than anywhere else in the world as many people is trying to have an opinion about you and your life, and I also got those mean looks you talk about.
It is funny I forgot about how easy is to blend in many countries as we are so mixed, some people thought I was from Delhi when I was in India and was so funny when they just started to speak in Hindi to me!
I hope your post inspires more people to travel 🙂
Thank you Dave! I hope the same! 😉
Enlightening! It is important for us to come to terms with our inner person so that we can fully understand our surroundings.
Thank you for your beautiful words!
Good for you! So glad that despite the discouragement you still went out and did it! Keep doing what makes you happy!
Thank you very much Sonja!
I love this post, I would hate to see sometime so silly as a stereotype hold someone back from their true passion! I wish you the best in your adventures, stay true to who you are and where you come from! ^_^
Thank you very much! I will always try to keep tru to who I am and follow my passion! That’s what it’s life for, no?
Such a great post! I really enjoyed reading this.
I wasn’t born in any latin country, but my family moved to America from Mexico before I was born. I still really relate to these stereotypes. I don’t really like it either. I’m glad you stood with courage and travel the world! 🙂
Thank you! Really appreciate your words!
No offence to all the latinas out there, but I think the majority of girls from South America should really read this… When I was living in Ecuador, I was ASTONISHED to find out how little-traveled people are there! People usually went to Miami for shopping trips all the time, and that’s it… And while staying home, they all just spent their money in accessories, clothes, partying and so on.. For me it’s such a waste of money (to a reasonable extent, of course, I still like to put some clothes on, haha).
It’s inspiring that you, as a Chilean, decided to just stand your grounds and follow your dreams no matter what!! I bet this wasn’t always easy!
Thank you for your words Olga!
I guess people have different interests and priorities, for us, the travelers is crazy to spend all our money in clothes and shoppings, but maybe for others that’s more fulfilling (would love to believe that, lol). I know it is hard sometimes to make the changes you will need to travel more, the routine is consuming most people’s time in Latin America as we work A LOT of hours daily and people are sometimes very tired and the easiest way to relax a bit is to go and shop or partying hard. Why I want to keep saying: stop thinking it’s not possible and go for it, make a plan, save some money and travel somewhere you’ve never been before.
PS I loved Ecuador!!!
Great article, and I love the comment about being more relationship focused. Beautiful 🙂
Thank you Lesley!
Everyone has some sort of obstacle when traveling. By it’s very nature you’re always a foreigner or “outsider”. The important thing is not to let that stop you and to be the nicest ambassador for your home country that you can. I can’t tell you how many times people have told me “you don’t act like an American”. Stereotypes are the worst!
Good point Mags! I think many people forget about this, that when you travel you become an ambassador for your country, and people will be looking at you about the way you talk and thel other how is life over there. Even if I’m not the stereotype of a Chilean I try to be the very best version of myself anywhere I am 😉
I hate preconceived notions about people. It can taint opinions about people for no good reason. I am glad you don’t let these notions stop you and aren’t afraid to push your boundaries.
Hi Jennifer! I think all have preconceived ideas about everything and anything, I believe it’s only our choice to follow them or not, and not let them stop us to follow our dreams 😉
Being a woman and Latin can be hard, but like you said, it should never stop you. A big smile can go a long way, and I’ve never had any problems!
Hi @BuddyTheTravelingMonkey! I think anything can be hard and if you think that is and obstacle for sure you’ll find them anywhere, and smiles are always the best way to have good experiences!
Great article! I can totally relate having grown up in a Latin country. Cheers to you for not letting those preconceived notions and fears keep you from following your dreams to travel the world. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Christina! Really appreciate it! It was hard at the beggining to realize those dreams, but now they are clear I can’t deny them anymore! 😉
Couldn’t agree more with you! I also dislike the latina stereotype. People think we are all like “The Nanny” or something like that 🙂
hahahhaaa love that…never thought about ‘The Nanny” but it’s true! lol 😉