South America remains unchartered territory for most travelers from the Middle East. But things are changing. Qatar Airways was the first airline from the region to fly to South America, Emirates is now rapidly expanding its network there. After initially flying to only Sao Paulo, Emirates will soon be touching down in Rio de Janeiro and will fly onwards to Buenos Aires.

But have you heard of TAM? This is Brazil's largest airline and is based in Sao Paulo. TAM recently won the Skytrax Best Airline Award 2011 for being voted the Best Airline in South America. Second best airline in South America was Chile's LAN airline. In August 2010 TAM signed a deal to merge with LAN and they now are part of the LATAM Airlines Group.

Neither of these airlines fly to the Middle East yet - but you can hop on board TAM or LAN in London and if you are able to get a good deal on a flight to London, you may even be able to get to South America via London for a lower fare than by flying directly on Qatar Airways or Emirates.