Jessica Bailey
My interest in travel was sparked early on while volunteering in Sri Lanka, working in an orphanage and tsunami camp eight months after the 2004 tsunami. Having never previously travelled further than Spain, and certainly never alone, the experience was a huge eye-opener.
After graduating, I returned to Sri Lanka to lead a team of medical and teaching volunteers, remaining there until the Civil War made it impossible to stay.
Over the past eighteen years, I have built my career across the luxury travel and events industries. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to live in New York, LA and Melbourne, and am now based in London.
Some of my most memorable experiences include exploring the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego, horse riding in Argentina’s Uco Valley and Brazil’s Minas Gerais, stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert, and attempting to surf in Nicaragua.
Hey, Jess. Which was the first country you visited in Latin America? What were your impressions?
I did a small group tour that started in Guatemala, went through Belize and ended in Mexico. The first place I landed was Antigua and I was so struck by how colourful and bustling it was – the beautiful colonial architecture, the towering volcano in the background, the cobblestones, the smells – it sounds cliched, but it felt like stepping back in time. It was completely different to anywhere I’d been before, and a great introduction to Central America.
Tell us about a recent adventure of yours. What did a typical day look like?
Chile’s Atacama Desert. We explored the desert by vehicle, did lots of hiking, and stargazed at night – the standout for me was seeing the geysers. I got to stay at both Alto Atacama and Awasi, which was such a treat – especially Awasi, where they give you your own private guide. As I was travelling solo, this was really welcome and helpful!
From delicious wines to handicrafts, Latin America offers incredible creations- what is the best souvenir you’ve ever taken home?
I don’t ever bring souvenirs back, mainly because I’m always lacking in luggage space – I tend to try and travel as light as possible! My souvenirs are the friends that I meet along the way. It’s cheesy, but true – I’ve met so many people on my Latin America travels, and often the hotel owners are so warm and welcoming that you end up feeling like old time friends.
What was your most rewarding experience in Latin America?
Being shown Buenos Aires by a local. A friend of mine from New York was from the city and moved back; I went to visit him and he took me around on his motorbike. I got used to having steak at 11pm and went to an an amazing milonga called La Catedral. I was there for New Year’s Eve, so went to visit him and his family for an asado and some slighly terrifying street fireworks. He lived in an up-and-coming neighbourhood, so it was a bit rough and ready, but felt very authentic – and celebrating with locals for New Year’s Eve was such a highlight.
A place you’d love to go back to?
The Atacama! I discovered I was pregnant while I was there, so it was my son’s first official trip. I would love to go back with him now.
Where will your next adventure be?
I’m desperate to go to Antarctica, because I was so mesmerised by the glaciers on my trip to Tierra del Fuego – it was the first really cold adventure I’d ever done. I’m a bit of a beach person, so it was very different to what I was used to, but I’ve been clinging onto the memories of that trip for a long time. I’m also a sucker for penguins! I sponsor a penguin through Global Penguin Society, which tracks penguins for research. My penguin is called Waterfront, and he’s in Argentina right now. My son is desperate to go and see him in person.
Favourite Latin American musician or band?
Bad Bunny!
What’s your favourite tipple from Latin America?
I would be hard pressed to choose between a margarita (with the obligatory salted rim), a pisco sour or a good bottle of Carmenère.
Favourite word from Latin America?
Can I say taco? For obvious reasons – I’m obsessed with tacos. When I lived in LA, I had really good Mexican food, and have struggled to find it here in London.
If not Latin America bound, where do your trips take you?
I embarked on my first ever cruise recently to the Norwegian fjords, which gave me a good taste for life on a boat.
I’ve travelled to so many different places – I’ve lived in Sri Lanka, Melbourne, New York, LA, and always try to travel as much as possible wherever I’m living. Now with an eight year old, it’s very different! My priorities are a really good kids club and somewhere to relax.
Considering a journey to Latin America or Antarctica? Get in touch with the Plan South America team.
