THE RAMBLER

Travel Feels Uncertain. But That Doesn't Mean We Stay Home.

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Hi Reader!

Lately, we’ve been hearing the same question again and again:

“Is it safe to travel to South America right now?”

The short answer? It’s complicated.

The longer answer? Let’s talk about it.

Our website stats are telling the story—safety articles are spiking. And we get it. Protests are on the rise. Narcotrafficking is causing instability in parts of Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Venezuela has long been off most travel itineraries. And now, U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific is creating tension with countries we love to visit.

But let’s zoom out for a moment.

Travel everywhere feels more uncertain than it used to.

Wildfires have impacted Canada. Some cities in Europe are asking tourists to stay away. Political unrest is simmering in places once seen as “safe.”

Even here in the United States, things can feel… unpredictable. Especially for international visitors (yep, international travel to the US is down right now).

So no, South America isn’t uniquely risky. It’s part of a global moment of complexity. That’s the reality we’re navigating—and we’re doing so with eyes wide open.

Here’s what we’re doing for all our trips... not just those to South America:

Travel Insurance: Especially when uncertainty is high, we make sure our plans are covered in case we need to postpone or cancel. Check out Portland-based Wanderwell or get a free quote from World Nomad.
Global Rescue Membership: This gives us real-time updates when we’re in-country and an emergency plan if something goes sideways. And it works 100+ miles from home... which covers a lot of our trips. We're partners with Global Rescue in large part because we believe they make our trips less stressful.
Local Networks: We work closely with guides, hosts, and communities who live in these regions. They know what’s happening on the ground far better than the headlines do.

We believe that thoughtful, regenerative travel matters more than ever. Because when the world feels fractured, connection is the most powerful thing we can invest in.

New Stories on the Blog

Fresh reads from the Americas that’ll make you want to pack your bags:

Ama EcoLodge Offers Easy Access to Ecuador's Amazon

A gateway to the rainforest—no long boat rides required.

Everything You Need To Know About Mama Negra

Get to know this wildly unique November festival in Latacunga, Ecuador.

Alausí Welcomes Back the Nariz del Diablo Tourist Train

After a long pause, one of the most scenic train routes in South America is back.

Ready to invest in new binoculars?

Scott has finished writing is in-depth review of the Swarovski AX-Visio Smart Binoculars. We're not recommending them for everyone... but they may be right for you OR a project you are working with. Check out the full review:

Testing the Swarovski AX Visio: Smart Binoculars in the Wild

Let’s Connect in 2026:

Come find us at:

Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, Southern Oregon – April 16–19, 2026
Travel Con, Salt Lake City – June 23–25, 2026

We’d love to meet fellow curious travelers like you.

And yes, our next journey to Ecuador is scheduled for October 2026 and includes a Women's Only Journey Across the Andes.

Why We’re Still Telling These Stories

Back to why we don’t take travel decisions lightly. We weigh the risks. We talk with local partners. We plan with intention. And we stay rooted in why we travel in the first place—to understand, to connect, and to grow.

You deserve the truth, not a sugarcoated travel brochure. But you also deserve to hear the joy, the resilience, and the human beauty that continues to thrive across South America.

We’re still going—and when the time feels right for you, we hope you will too.

—
With heart,

Angie & Scott

Living life to its fullest, one day at a time.

P.S. If you’ve read this far, you’re amazing! Want to support our work at no extra cost to you? If you plan to shop on Amazon, click ⇒ this link ⇐ first. We earn a small commission, and it helps us keep writing, reviewing, and traveling. Thank you! ❤️

Or maybe you're in the market for a cheap flight... a Going membership (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) is especially good if you are looking to grabbing a deal to travel in the next 3 months or so. Scott and I will save the annual fee by booking just one flight this year. Multiple flights? Well worth the investment.

Angie of Not Your Average American, LLC

Is It Safe To Travel? You're Not Alone in Wondering