Sometimes the most memorable travel moments come not from luxury, but from choosing adventure. If you’re well prepared, the less comfortable path can turn out to be the most rewarding one.
Take Colombia, for example. There are no direct flights between Santa Marta and Cartagena, two of the country’s most famous Caribbean colonial-era towns. But the route aligned perfectly with our trip, so we opted for an eight-hour bus ride – with three energetic young boys in tow.
And you know what? It turned out beautifully.
We arrived in Cartagena just in time to ride a sunset-lit taxi along the coastal boulevard – and felt the magic kick in.
Local Travel, Local Vibes
Even getting started in Santa Marta was an adventure. The local bus terminal had few tourists and finding the right bus required a bit of improvisation. We were warmly helped by a kind policeman who advised us to stay close to our boys – just in case. A little bit thrilling, and very memorable.
Along the way, we:
- Passed through humble fishing villages near the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta estuary
- Crossed the mighty Magdalena River at Barranquilla
- Watched locals get on and off the bus at the bustling Barranquilla bus terminal
- Bought arepas from vendors hopping on the bus
- Passed orchards, pastures, and vibrant farms in the Atlántico and Bolívar departments
In that way those eight hours gave us a richer picture of northern Colombia than any flight could have.
Preparation Makes Adventure Easy
Of course, we packed well: snacks, travel games, pencils and paper, and offline Netflix downloads for when Wi-Fi dropped off. Thus with the right preparation, even a long journey can be stress-free – and full of moments that leave a mark.
Create your Colombia – or any unforgettable adventure – with the help of Meet The Road!