Destinations: Latin America

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For many agents, this ideal destination now is Latin America.

When we say "Latin America," of course, we're talking about Central America and South America - from Belize and Guatemala down to Argentina and Chile. This region includes 19 different countries that lie within a few hours' flying time from many U.S. gateways - but that the vast majority of Americans have never visited.

The current economic turmoil presents a promising environment for promoting trips to Latin America, because the U.S. dollar is definitely holding its value against currencies in the region compared to European currencies. At press time, for example, one U.S. dollar is worth 0.77 euros - but, it's worth 3.25 Brazilian reals, 3.25 Peruvian nuevos soles, and 3.47 Argentinian pesos! And, across the region, you'll find a wide range of tourist services (from budget hostels to four-star hotels and restaurants) where your clients' U.S. dollars will stretch much further than they will in many European capitals.

Another timely advantage of selling Latin America now is the fact that roundtrip airfares from many U.S. gateways to Latin America have remained very affordable while connections to other global destinations have increased substantially. Another bonus: Because your clients will be flying from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere, they'll remain within the same general time zones as the U.S.A., so jet lag isn't a big factor (as compared to trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, which can leave your clients befuddled for the first day or two on vacation!).

Latin American destinations offer a year-round calendar of travel options these days - from river cruises and beach stays in the summer to skiing and shopping trips in the winter (and everything in between). Remember that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so spring in the U.S.A. is autumn in Latin America, and so on.

Along with cruising, you should consider two other options for Latin American trips for your clients: (a) air/land packages offered by wide range of reputable operators (see OSSN's supplier member roster to find tour companies that support OSSN members!) and (b) "hub and spoke" trips built around a resort stay (that is, your clients stay in one resort and take day trips to surrounding sites).

There's no space in this article to explore each Latin American country in depth, but take a look at online resources such as Frommer's country guides, the About.com South America guide, and the About.com Central America guide for an overview of the area.

Then, contact your choice of the many OSSN suppliers who sell this region - and, start booking your clients for an affordable vacation that's almost in their own backyards!

(Credit: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz Mariordo; Jenny Mealing; Russell Harrison; Trabalho Proprio; Carlos Yo; Patrick Furlong)