Prepare in advance for health issues in South America.

The Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) have country-specific information about health concerns and suggested or required inoculations, prophylactic medications, etc. Visit your doctor to be sure you're up to date on tetanus and any other shots. (Children should have current inoculations against measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.) Inquire about a hepatitis A inoculation, which can prevent common intestinal infections (though avoiding ice, uncooked food, fruits with peels, and tap water that hasn't been boiled for at least 10–20 minutes can go far toward preventing digestive distress, too). For tropical regions, get yellow fever shots and look into malaria medications.