Don’t let anyone tell you a dreamy beach getaway in the Caribbean is too expensive to pull off – I know for a fact that there are still places where you can make all of your tropical dreams come true for a fraction of what you think you’ll have to pay.
Case in point – Colombia.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) just came out with a report on this year’s biggest industry trends, and unsurprisingly, the stunning South American country was singled out as one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations.
So, whether you’ve been eyeing a trip to Colombia for a while or are considering it for the very first time, let’s delve into everything that makes this beachy hub such an amazing place to wind down and relax.
The Beaches This Time Of Year Are Dreamier Than Ever
Colombia is home to some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in all of South America, and some of these are places you’ve never even heard of before.
And if you’re worried whether it’ll be hot enough for a sunbathing session this time of year, don’t.
With temperatures that range anywhere from the high 70s to the low 80s (25-29°C), you’ll get the ultimate warm-but-not-scorching-hot weather for the beach getaway of your dreams.
Another huge plus of exploring Colombia’s exquisite coastline in the fall is the fact that even the more popular places like Playa Cristal turn into peaceful, quiet havens now that the summer rush is officially over.
Still, if I were you, I’d prioritize beaches like Palomino, Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, or even Providencia Island (for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience) – the coastline here is truly pristine.
Unbeatable Prices (Yes, Even By Regional Standards)
Because most Caribbean hubs are so notoriously expensive, travelers have found Colombia a breath of fresh air – hence its rapid growth these last couple of years.
What many don’t get is just how much you can save by coming here, even compared to other similarly cheap destinations across Latin America.
I’ll be covering flight schedules and prices in a moment, so for now, we’ll focus only on what you can expect to pay while here – just as a preface, someone can live comfortably in the country for a month on less than $1500.
But say you’re coming here for an even shorter trip; what will your main expenses be?
Let’s assume you’re staying in Cartagena.
The average hotel in the city charges roughly $45 a night (Hotel Cartagena DC, for example, is an excellent choice) – and that would add up to a grand total of $315 for a 1-week stay.
A meal out for one can cost anywhere between $5 and $15. Assuming you’re having two smaller meals and one fancier sit-down meal a day, a budget of $175 would cover a person’s food expenses for a week.
Let’s add $200 extra for attractions and transportation (which is a generous estimate), and your grand total comes up to $690 for a 7-day vacation or just under $100 a day, including accommodation – that’s an incredible deal!
It’s Never Been Easier (Or Cheaper) To Fly To Colombia
There’s just one part of the total travel expenses we haven’t covered yet, and that’s plane tickets.
According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights between the U.S. and Colombia start at just $174 this October, which also happens to be the cheapest month of the year to book, so if I were you, I’d move quick.
Not only will you get to take advantage of some amazing prices, but chances are you’ll also get to pick between different schedules and airlines.
Because of the ever-increasing demand, airlines are constantly coming up with new routes to many of Colombia’s biggest hubs (including Havana, Medellin, and Bogota), and keep your eyes peeled because many, many other convenient routes are expected to be announced in the following months.
That’ll be especially handy for those who want to explore Colombia’s lesser-known side this year and believe me, with places like Armenia and San Andres, thinking outside the box when choosing your destination will most definitely pay off.
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