To promote its network, inspire people to discover new horizons, and share ideas and advice, Servas France has launched a series of webinars. The first of these webinars took place on January 11, and the topic was “Traveling with Servas in South America.” The second, coming soon, will address “Servas Schools of Peace.”
Traveling differently in South America: when encounters give meaning to the journey
Latin America inspires dreams with its rich landscapes, diverse cultures, and warm people. Yet many travelers still hesitate to go there, fearing insecurity or a lack of reference points.
To highlight this part of the world, rich in open-minded and curious people, SERVAS – France organized a webinar dedicated to travel experiences in Latin America.
Several participants, all members of Servas, shared their experiences in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.
Through their stories, another way of traveling emerges: more human, more conscious, and deeply enriching.
Servas experiences in Latin America
The testimonials shared during the webinar show how traveling with Servas transforms the travel experience.
Traveling alone, without being isolated
Émilie, a solo traveler in Colombia, discovered Servas just before her departure. Her experience highlights several key aspects. First, the warm welcome from local members. Next, the connections made upon arrival in the country. And finally, a heightened sense of security and trust.
For Émilie: “Servas opens doors and helps you quickly connect with people who share the same values.” "
Welcomed by Monika, a Colombian Servas member, Émilie was able to share the daily life of a family in a very simple and spontaneous way, but also participate in traditional celebrations, such as the Candle Festival on December 7, the South American equivalent of the Festival of Lights or Saint Lucia's Day in Northern Europe.
Being able to benefit from Monika's valuable advice at the beginning of her stay on travel, safety, and culture in Colombia allowed Émilie to experience her trip more intensely.
This relationship went beyond a simple welcome. Monika became a reference point throughout the trip, and the relationship turned into a lasting friendship.
Traveling as a couple or family: a deeper immersion
Philippe and his partner, long-term travelers in South America, explain that Servas greatly enriches encounters and allows you to go beyond the interactions associated with traditional tourism.
Being able to live directly with locals facilitates access to local realities that are often invisible:
“Without Servas,” says Philippe, “you mainly meet tourism professionals. With Servas, you enter into the culture.”
Among their memorable experiences, one stands out in particular. A Christmas spent in a remote hamlet in the Colombian Andes with an extended stay with a family living off the beaten track. For Philippe and his wife, it was a rare and deeply memorable human immersion.
Betty, who traveled to Peru to visit her son, particularly emphasizes the generosity of the hosts and the richness of the exchanges. She also highlights the importance of shared time:
"One family kept us for a week. We discovered the city, the country, and daily life from the inside. "
Day hosts: another way to meet people
Being hosted is not an end in itself, and encounters can happen through other channels. SERVAS also offers day hosts, without accommodation. This option allows you to meet other members over coffee or a meal, and discuss culture, the country, and lifestyles.
The result is the same: it creates a bond, even without spending the night at the host's home.
“Even without accommodation, you immediately feel at ease. We share the same values,” recalls Betty.
For travelers, these encounters are often reassuring, inspiring, and as enriching on a human level as stays with accommodation.
Practical tips for traveling with Servas in Latin America
For this first webinar, Servas did not overlook the topic of practical advice. The speakers shared a wealth of concrete tips based on their experience in the field.
Prepare for your trip with an open mind
Before you leave, it is always a good idea to learn about the history, culture, and customs of the country.
Traveling also means accepting that French or, more broadly, European norms and codes of conduct do not apply everywhere. It is therefore important to travel with humility and curiosity.
Émilie tells us: “Even if you are well prepared, you have to arrive with the mindset that you know nothing and that you are going to learn.”
Communicating effectively with hosts
To facilitate communication between traveling members and host members, email contact can also be supplemented by the use of WhatsApp, which is widely used in Latin America. Don't be discouraged if you don't receive an immediate response by email.
To make contact more effectively, in addition to the Letter of Introduction that validates your membership status, it is a good idea to clearly explain your travel plans and expectations.
Travel like the locals
The South American continent is long and narrow and divided by numerous mountain ranges. The choice of transportation is a key factor, especially if the trip is short.
During this webinar, the consensus was unanimous: local transportation is the best option. Long-distance buses are often comfortable, and ferries and sometimes trains are also worth considering.
Although more time-consuming than air travel, these options allow for greater immersion in the country, spontaneous encounters, and a more nuanced understanding of distances and the country itself.
For Philippe, “Traveling by bus means experiencing the country with your whole body.”
Safety: the key role of Servas members
Latin America's external image in terms of traveler safety is far from optimal. However, testimonials converge on this point: safety is above all a matter of common sense.
The best practices frequently cited are simple and almost obvious. Avoid outward signs of wealth, adapt your schedule and travel plans, and favor transportation recommended by locals.
Here again, the Servas member network is very useful, providing reliable and up-to-date advice (especially from Audrey, who is traveling in Brazil).
Practical tips shared by travelers
Apart from safety considerations, here are some practical tips:
• Use online banking to reduce bank fees.
• Limit the amount of cash you carry and spread it out in several places.
• Travel light and send items by mail if necessary.
• Help with shopping or meals at your host's home rather than offering expensive gifts.
• And most importantly, bring earplugs for nighttime transportation.
Conclusion: Servas, a transformative journey
The experiences shared during this webinar show that Servas is much more than just a form of accommodation.
Traveling with Servas means taking the time to meet people. It allows you to understand countries from the inside and create lasting human connections. Finally, in line with the association's mission, it contributes, on its own scale, to a culture of peace.
“People are waiting for you and want to show you their country,” says Émilie enthusiastically.
If you aspire to a more human, authentic, and meaningful journey, joining Servas is an invitation to change the way you travel.
If you would like to view the full version of this webinar, you can go to this link.
