Planning Flights for a Latin America
Booking flights for a year of family travel isn’t as simple as picking a destination and clicking “buy.” We had to research the best family-friendly countries, plan around weather and seasons, and find an airline that worked for us.
In this guide, we’re sharing exactly how we researched our travel route and booked our flights—so if you’re dreaming of long-term travel, this is your roadmap.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Summary:
- Destinations Chosen: Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina.
- Planning by Season: We timed our travels to align with the best weather for each country.
- How We Found Flights: Used Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo to compare prices.
- Why KLM Airways? Best baggage allowance, family-friendly services, and competitive pricing.
- Next Steps: Packing, renting our home, sorting travel insurance & vaccinations.
Step 1: Choosing Where to Travel
Before booking anything, we had to decide where in the world we actually wanted to go.
We focused on South and Central America for a few reasons:
- Diverse landscapes – Beaches, jungles, mountains, and vibrant cities
- Family-friendly destinations – Safe, welcoming places for kids
- Affordability – Budget-friendly compared to Europe or the U.S.
- Spanish immersion – A great opportunity for us to learn Spanish together
Final Country List
After researching safety, cost, and weather, we narrowed it down to:
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Argentina
Each country offers kid-friendly activities, stunning nature, and an ideal climate for the months we’ll be there.
Step 2: When to Go – Picking the Best Seasons
Since we’re traveling for a full year, we planned around:
Dry seasons – To avoid monsoons and extreme weather
Festivals & cultural events – Timing visits to experience unique celebrations
Altitude & climate – Making sure we ease into high-altitude locations like Bolivia
Month-by-Month Plan for Weather & Seasons
We based our timeline on the best seasons for each country:
- Ecuador (August-September) – Dry season in the Andes
- Peru (October-November) – Avoiding peak tourist season but still good weather
- Bolivia (December-January) – Warmer months for the salt flats
- Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama (February-May) – Dry season in Central America
- Argentina (June-July) – Winter in Patagonia, great for exploring the north
Step 3: Booking Flights – What We Considered
With destinations and timing sorted, it was time to book our first flight.
How We Found the Best Flights for Long-Term Travel
We used a combination of:
- Google Flights – To track prices and find the cheapest departure dates
- Skyscanner & Momondo – To compare different airlines and routes
- Flexible One-Way Tickets – So we could adjust plans if needed
Why We Chose KLM Airways
After weighing our options, we booked with KLM Airways because:
- Good baggage allowance – Essential for long-term family travel
- Comfortable seating & kid-friendly services – A must for long-haul flights
- Competitive pricing – Found a great deal for our initial flight
We booked in December to secure the best price, about 8 months before departure.
Step 4: What’s Next? Preparing for Departure
With flights booked, we’re now focusing on:
- Packing for a year of travel (What do we REALLY need?)
- Renting our home while we’re away
- Sorting out travel insurance & vaccinations
Our adventure officially begins in August 2025, and we’ll be sharing every step of the journey.
Next up: How we’re preparing to travel long-term as a family.
FAQs: Booking Flights for Long-Term Travel
1. How far in advance should you book flights for long-term travel?
Ideally, 6–12 months in advance for the best prices, especially for long-haul family travel.
2. Why did you choose one-way tickets instead of a round trip?
One-way tickets give us the flexibility to adjust our plans while on the road. Plus we booked In December 2024 and could also not book the potential return for August 2026
3. How did you decide on which countries to visit?
We researched weather, safety, cost of living, and family-friendliness before finalizing our route.
