About Joe Bayfield | South America Trip Planner
As a South America trip planner, I’ve helped over 100+ travelers design custom itineraries that balance adventure, culture, and practicality.
My goal is to make traveling this incredible continent easier, safer, and more rewarding for independent explorers who don’t want to rely on generic tours or overpriced agencies.
If you’re preparing for your first journey to the continent, I’d love to help.
My mission is simple: give you the knowledge, structure, and confidence to travel independently and make your dream trip a reality.
My Journey Through South America
My love affair with South America started on my very first trip to Colombia. What began as a short visit quickly turned into years of exploring, living, and immersing myself in different corners of the continent. From hiking through the Andes and exploring the Amazon to experiencing the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, I’ve seen how diverse, exciting, and sometimes challenging South America can be for travelers.
Over the years, I’ve traveled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. Along the way, I learned the details that often make or break a trip: which neighborhoods are safe to stay in, how to navigate border crossings, the best bus companies, and the small local experiences that rarely appear in guidebooks.
These experiences laid the foundation for ‘Shall We Go Home?’ — a blog and service dedicated to sharing practical, honest travel advice and helping others plan their dream trips to South America.
Why Work With a South America Trip Planner?
Planning a trip across South America can feel overwhelming. With dozens of countries, complex visa rules, language barriers, and long-distance connections, it’s easy to spend weeks researching and still feel unsure.
The Challenge of DIY Trip Planning
Many travelers end up turning to big agencies or group tours – only to discover rigid schedules, inflated prices, and a lack of cultural depth.
My Solution
That’s where I come in. As a South America trip planner, I work with you to create a personalized itinerary that matches your travel style, timeframe, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a two-week highlights route, a long-term backpacking journey, or a honeymoon adventure, I’ll help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most.
My service is designed to give you confidence. From suggesting the best neighborhoods for accommodation to offering safety tips and local recommendations, my itineraries are built on first-hand experience, not guesswork.
What Sets 'Shall We Go Home?' Apart?
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100+ travelers helped with custom itineraries and advice
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First-hand knowledge of cities, transport, and borders
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Focus on affordable, authentic, and meaningful travel
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Unlimited revisions so your plan feels just right
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Practical tips that save you money, time, and stress
But beyond the numbers, what I’m most proud of is the feedback I get from travelers.
One client, Kathy, described her two-month adventure as “a daunting idea turned into a very memorable journey” after we worked together. Helping travelers go from overwhelmed to excited is what keeps me motivated.
The Blog: Free South America Travel Resources
‘Shall We Go Home?’ isn’t just a service – it’s also a resource for anyone planning a trip to South America. You’ll find:
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Multi-country itinerary ideas
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Country-specific guides
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Budget and safety tips
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Advice on buses, flights, and overland connections
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Packing lists and preparation guides
Even if you’re not ready to book the planning service, these free resources are designed to help you take the first steps with confidence.
Meet The Team
Lucy (Colombia Writer)
Like Bayf, I love travelling in all its guises, but South America really stole my heart, particularly Colombia.
The fact I stuck around in one place (Taganga, Santa Marta) for a few months might have had something to do with it, as I felt like I could immerse myself in life a bit more than when you’re constantly in transit.
Many people have asked me if I felt nervous or at risk in Colombia but I honestly never did. As a solo female traveller I was careful never to put myself in dangerous positions, but outside of that I have nothing but good words to speak of the country.
I found the people to be friendly and welcoming, the landscape and wildlife to be awe-inspiring and the party…well the party never ends in Colombia!
I’ll be your guide for Colombia and a few other things from a female-solo-backpacker perspective.
Vamos a Colombia amigos!
Eli (Web Designer/Developer)
Hey there, I’m Eli Espinas, part of the awesome team here.
With a passion for digital design and a knack for crafting engaging online experiences, I’ve found my calling in web design.
Originally from the Philippines, I draw inspiration from the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia, where I love to travel and explore.
I bring this diverse perspective and creative energy to my work, aiming to create websites that resonate with users and leave a lasting impact.
