[taeric]

It isn't just the monetary cost of the trip, but the opportunity cost of not having a paying job. The later is far more expensive than the former.

[chatmasta]

What's the opportunity cost of not having a job when you're in South America anyway? Where would you put your salary?

[icebraining]

The problem is not having a job when you return from South America. Most people can't simply expect to get a decent job in a reasonable amount of time.