TraveLinkSites is back with a brilliant interview for you today. We have a wander around Chile through the eyes of Oneika The Traveller. Oneika has moved abroad no less than five times and has taught English & French around the world.  She’s got countless trips lined up this year and is succeeding in making us green with envy…

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself, your site and your experience travelling in Chile?

My name is Oneika and my blog is unimaginatively called “Oneika the Traveller”, lol. I had the pleasure of going to Chile last October, for 8 days.

2. What made you choose this country and what were your first impressions?

I had a bunch of frequent flier miles saved up and was dying to explore more of Latin America after spending five weeks in Guatemala and Honduras travelling and learning Spanish. I had heard great things about Chile so I didn’t hesitate to use my miles for a ticket.

3. How much money can someone travel around Chile for? What are the greatest expenses? What things are relatively cheap?

Chile is not as cheap a destination as in Latin America, but there are ways around spending tons of money.  Accommodation and transportation can the greatest expenses, far pricier than bargain Latin American destinations like Guatemala or Bolivia.  However, with some careful planning, I spent only $600 USD during my eight day trip, and that included an internal flight within the country.  Food is relatively cheap.

 
4. What is the local cuisine like? Did you find yourself trying new things or pining for the familiars of home? 

I gorged myself on empanadas the whole time I was there- they were cheap and tasty! I’m not a big meat-eater, however so I didn’t end up trying a lot of the cuisine, which is meat heavy.
 
5. What cultural activities and events would you suggest everyone seeing or taking part in while travelling in Chile and why?

To be honest, since it was a short trip, I didn’t have the chance to do many culture related things! I focused on touring the insanely beautiful Chilean landscapes!

 
6. What is your favourite thing about travelling this country? What is your least favourite thing?

As I mentioned above, the landscapes/physical geography Chile is simply amazing.  I had the chance to travel to the Atacama Desert, located in the northern part of the country, at the scenery is otherworldly.  As for my least favourite thing, I honestly have nothing bad to say about the country as a whole!
 
7. What things do you focus on most when you blog about this country? Why do you choose these things?

 Once again, the scenery.  The colours in Chile are vibrant, the physical geography striking.  The country is extremely diverse (mountains, beaches, and deserts all in one country), so I tried to show that in my blogs.

8. What’s one thing you can’t travel around Chile without?

A camera!
 
9. What kind of response have you had to your blogs about Chile? What post had the most interest?

My readers were positively dazzled by my photos of the Atacama Deserts, and accordingly, my post on the Atacama had the most interest.

10. If you could think of one thing you wished someone told you before you started travelling in Chile what would it be?

I wish someone would have told me that I would have needed more than 8 days to visit the country!  A week is simply not enough time. If I could do it all again, I would dedicate at least two weeks to my trip.  I also, with more time, would have gone across the border into Bolivia to see the salt flats of Uyuni- they are right next to the Atacama.  I unfortunately did not have the time to go- had I known, I would have fit that into my schedule.

Thanks Oneika!  We’re huge fans of your site and want our readers to be too. Check out Oneika The Traveller and follow her on Twitter too.

You want to be interviewed by us, don’t you? Contact us