Page 82 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

4 See how Peruvians pay respects to the dead

In Cuzco, every Sunday a er church, locals visit their deceased relatives at the

cemetery. They bring their ancestor’s favorite food and drink, perhaps enjoy a picnic,
and leave pictures, letters, flowers, food, and drinks in a decorated niche behind
a glass door on the mausoleum. To the locals there is nothing morbid about this,
just time for the family to gather, relax, and recall happy memories. There are o en

wandering musicians who will play the deceased’s favorite songs for a few coins. If
you have free time, it will take about ten minutes to get to the Almudena Cemetery
from Cuzco’s main square. A taxi will cost you around $2. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. Just be respectful of active mourners, and try to remain unobtrusive.

Traveler tip
5 Don’t put your purse on the floor in Brazil

It’s considered bad luck, not only in a restaurant but also when you’re
dining in someone’s home.

—Barbara Sullivan, 5-time traveler, Northridge, CA
6 Bring a collapsible walking stick

Just about everywhere in South and Central America, you’ll be doing some
walking and will appreciate having the extra support and balance—be it for walking
along rugged lava trails in the Galápagos, along rainforest slopes in Costa Rica, or
around those icy glacial lakes in Patagonia.
A Note from Harriet: Walking sticks or trekking poles are prohibited at Machu
Picchu unless you require them for mobility, in which case they must have protective
rubber tips over the ends.

Traveler tip
7 Get a head net for Amazonian insects

Even the non-squeamish will appreciate freedom from swatting bugs
away from one’s face, particularly during the night cruise on the Amazon. It’s
a basic mesh net that’s worn over a hat and cinched at the neck to prevent
bugs from flying up. You can find them priced between $5-$15 USD online
and at sporting goods/outdoors stores. Mine was Sea to Summit brand,
purchased at EMS for around $12 USD.

—Laura C., O.A.T. associate

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