The 3 Ms and how I took a chance on a one-way ticket to Argentina

2008 was a tough year to decide to move to Spain and find a local job. Spain was going through one of their worst economic crises in recent years. I landed in Valencia in July without speaking Spanish. I enrolled in a month-long intensive Spanish class.
By September, I had found a job working in an Italian restaurant in a touristy neighbourhood. This is where I first experienced the Argentinean culture as I lived in a flatshare with 3 Argentinians.

Long story short (actually you can read more about it here) – by 2010 I was ready for a new adventure.

Ah, the allure of Argentina – a land of passionate tango dancers, breathtaking landscapes, and endless possibilities for adventure.

I wasn’t a digital nomad yet but Argentina seemed appealing with its unique blend of culture, affordability, and a growing remote work scene. But the problem was I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it.

One thing was sure, going back to Europe wasn’t going to be my backup plan. I would have explored more of Latin America if it hadn’t worked out in Argentina.

I craved flexibility, adventures and freedom. So I started my adventures on a one-way ticket to Argentina, embracing the unknown with the freedom to stay as long as my heart desires.

Back then, it was complicated to find a flexible travel insurance that would cover me without a return ticket.

Nowadays, in the digital nomad area, travellers don’t have to be hindered by traditional travel insurance limitations. SafetyWing, a company created by nomads, for nomads, offers Nomad Insurance, a plan designed for the untethered adventurer. Unlike many monthly travel insurance policies, Nomad Insurance covers you even if you don’t have a return flight booked. This means you can pay monthly, travel indefinitely, and explore Argentina’s diverse regions without the constraints of a fixed itinerary.

SafetyWing became my Trusted Companion on my Argentine Adventures

SafetyWing understands our unique needs as digital nomads. I can get travel medical insurance as well as remote worker health insurance if I ever get a remote job. Digital nomad Insurance is perfect for remote workers as it provides them with coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and even lost checked luggage, all without a fixed return ticket restriction.

My top reasons why I pick SafetyWing as my Digital Nomad Insurance:

Extensive medical coverage (even back in my home country!)
Trip interruption coverage, offering financial support if unforeseen circumstances force me to cut my trip short.
Lost checked luggage included.
Monthly payments – easier to manage.
No return flight ticket needed, giving me the ultimate flexibility to explore the world at my own pace.

Back to my 3Ms adventure!

Once I got here on my one-way ticket, my Argentinean adventure started!!!

I like to name those 3 M as they are very representative of my life here in Argentina.

So here are my 3Ms.

Mate: The first time I tried, I hated it. It tasted like drinking an infusion of straw.

Mate, pronounced “Ma-tay” is a hot-infused drink made from yerba mate leaves, a national drink in Argentina and a key part of the country’s culture.

You’ll find Argentineans drinking all day long everywhere, in their home obviously, in their car, while walking around and sitting in parks. Another fun fact about Mate is that the drink is passed on from one person to the next, all drinking from the same metal straw.

Drinking Mate is truly a social element in Argentinean daily life. It’s that moment of the day when they talk about their life and their day.

Malbec: Malbec is a red wine grape variety that thrives in Argentina’s unique climate and soil conditions. It’s a signature Argentinian product enjoyed worldwide.

I had tried Malbec before living in Argentina but was never that impressed. Argentineans are very proud of their Malbec and celebrate it!

Every time I went wine shopping in Argentina, I was confused by the dozens of wine varieties to choose from. Some I knew from French wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – my Fav!!!, etc) and some others typical of South America – (Malbec and Torrontes).

So one day I decided to enrol in a sommelier course with a wine master and learn about the amazing wine culture of this part of the New World.

The Mendoza wine regions (Mendoza, Uco Valle and San Raphael) and the Salta /Cafayate wine region are the areas fo Argentina I’ve been the most in the past decade – 5 times in Mendoza and twice in Salta.

Mountains: Argentina boasts some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South America, including the Andes and the Patagonian Andes. These mountains offer breathtaking scenery and a variety of outdoor activities.

I grew up near the sea in Brittany, France so I never spent much time in the montains (except a couple of school trips to the Pyrenees and the Alps).

Well, I can certainely say that the Andes Mountain ranges of Argentina are my favourite parts of the country. Whether you see them, in Salta, in Mendoza or Bariloche, as pictured below, they won’t leave you indifferent.

My experience in Argentina didn’t stop at the capital city: Unforgettable Experiences around Buenos Aires

I was able to explore various areas of the country and I want to share with you some of my favrourite spots in and around Buenos Aires and in the rest of the country.

Weekend Getaways from Buenos Aires:

If you’re looking for a quick city getaway here are a few suggestions to fuel your wanderlust:

Tigre Delta: Escape the urban sprawl and explore the vast network of waterways and islands in Tigre Delta. Embark on a kayak or boat tour, spot local wildlife, and enjoy a traditional Argentine barbecue amidst the natural beauty.
Iguazú Falls: Witness the breathtaking power and majesty of Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders. Hike along scenic trails, capture stunning photographs, and be awestruck by the sheer force of cascading water.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: Take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata and explore the charming colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento in neighbouring Uruguay. Wander through cobblestone streets, admire the colourful architecture, and indulge in delicious Uruguayan cuisine.

Week-Long Adventures: Unveiling Argentina’s Hidden Gems

If you have a week to spare, consider venturing beyond Buenos Aires and discovering the hidden treasures of Argentina:

Bariloche and Patagonia: Embrace the stunning beauty of Patagonia in the charming town of Bariloche. Hike through pristine forests, kayak on crystal-clear lakes, or hit the slopes for some adventurous skiing or snowboarding.
Mendoza Wine Country: Embark on a delightful journey through Argentina’s renowned wine region in Mendoza. Explore lush vineyards, sample world-class Malbec wines, and indulge in delicious local cuisine with breathtaking mountain views.
El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier: Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive wall of ice constantly advancing and calving into the glacial lake. Take a boat tour for a closer look at this natural wonder, or embark on a thrilling hike on the glacier.
Salta and the Northwest: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes of Argentina’s northwest region. Explore the vibrant city of Salta, embark on a trek through the majestic Cafayate Valley, and marvel at the otherworldly formations of the Salinas Grandes in the Jujuy Provincia.

Remember, this is just a glimpse into the vast possibilities Argentina offers. With Nomad Insurance by your side, you can embrace the freedom of a one-way ticket and explore Argentina’s diverse regions at your own pace. So, pack your laptop, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to discover the magic of Argentina just like I did a few years ago.

PS. Here’s how to get started with SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance:

Visit the SafetyWing website (https://safetywing.com/) and explore the different plan options.
Choose the Nomad Insurance plan that best suits your needs and travel duration.
Sign up for the plan and receive your insurance confirmation.

With SafetyWing by your side and a one-way ticket to Argentina in hand, you’re all set to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Argentine adventure today!