We have a starting point for our RTW trip: Santiago, Chile. We had discussed starting out by renting an RV and exploring the Western U.S. We considered Australia, Thailand and even Ireland. Essentially, we needed to pick a starting point and decide to stick with it so that I could start investigating airfares and accommodation choices and create a budget for the trip.
So Chile it is. The land of O’Higgins, Allende, and Neruda. The country which came to the aid of Shackleton when the Endurance was lost and the crew wereperilously clinging to their lives on the inhospitable shores of Elephant Island.
The review of Santiago by Craig from TheWideWideWorld was my tipping point. I was looking for a starting point which was somewhere new – where we’d never been before, noticeably different to home but not so different that it would make CAM feel completely out of his depth. The reality of starting our trip will be huge for him since he hates change and is a reluctant traveler. Craig’s description of Santiago seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
I’m glad to see that there are listings for rental properties in Santiago on VRBO and HomeAway (for ~$400/week). If you have recommendations for a property management company, please, send them my way. Ditto for language schools and ski resorts or operators. I’ve got the Lonely Planet Chile and Easter Island guidebook which will be my bedtime reading for the next couple of weeks. If you have visited Chile, please leave a comment with your favorite attractions or activities so I can keep these in mind as I do my research.
This post is part of the Monday Dreaming series hosted by MotherOfAllTrips.
Related Posts:
Planing a RTW Trip With Two Kids
Our Top 5 RTW Destinations
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Tags:family-travel, RTW, Chile
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How exciting that you now have a starting point! I’ve never been to Chile, but my folks have. I’ll pick their brains next time I talk to them.
I’ve had very good luck with VRBO.
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I am JEALOUS, JEALOUS, JEALOUS 😉
Chile seems like a very poetic starting point.
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Congrats on having a starting point – always good to narrow that down.
Valparaiso on the west coast is a picturesque coastal town built into the side of a mountain like south of Italy – colorful houses etc.
Pablo Neruda’s old home has been turned into a museum and is a must see – it’s a beautiful but humble house with spectacular views.
‘Pasta e Vino’ on Templeman Street in the historic district and it was superb restaurant and a welcome respite from the fried fried fried food that seems to be the staple diet
Viña del Mar 9kms north makes a good day trip for a beach trip / picnic.
Torres Del Paine in the south of Chile is a huge beautiful national park with the famous ‘W’ hiking circuit but with wee ones would not be easy unless you rent a car and take in the views.
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When are you leaving? One of my kookiest, and most loveable friends is going to Chile to be with her hubbies dad in just a few weeks. Can I connect you?
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