One way ticket Colombia — how to get started in South America

In the summer of 2018, I was just finishing my masters degree in Biomedicine. After an intense 2 years, project work in 3 different countries and countless submissions later I had finally made it — now what?! I felt the need to delay the ‘grown up’ 9–5 job everyone was expecting to get. As soon as graduation is over, people immediately want to know what is next for you and the phrase ‘now, you’ll join us in the real world’ or ‘a new chapter in your life is about to start’ start lingering in the air. I decided to delay the ‘real world’ a little longer and booked a one way ticket to Colombia with a friend.

Preparations for a long trip

Booking the plane ticket is the easy part, depending on where you are from and where you are going you might need visas, vaccinations and clothes for different climats.

• At the moment you unfortunately have to consider COVID-19 measures and what the travel policy is from your own country as well as the country you are travelling into!
• Consider travel insurance — yes, this might be a bit boring but it can also safe you money, when you have to check into a hosipital in the Amazonas, because you might have Malaria.
• Your passport should be valid for at least another year — some countries won’t let you enter otherwise
• Consider roundtrip flights — they might be cheaper and will safe you some time at the border explaining when you are planning on leaving the country again. Even if you don’t end up taking the return flight.
• PACK LIGHT — really only take the absolute minimum! On travel days you will need to carry ALL your stuff around. We learned this the hard way, when we actually send stuff back home via post and not all of the package made it (aka stuff got stolen).
• Small life changers were a fanny pack, packing cubes (really necessary for backpacking), water purifying tabs (you safe a lot of money on bottled water), a sewing kit, laundry detergent (in case you need to handwash — happens more than you’d think), an external charger and the google photos instant backup option (so you don’t lose everything, if your phone gets stolen).

Two backpacks and a fanny pack

Colombia is so dangerous! Will you be safe?

In the 90’s Colombia ranked as one of the most dangerous places on earth — true. However, a lot has happened since then and the country is trying hard to create a safe environment especially for tourists. Here are a few myths I’d like to debunk:

• You will not get robbed or die as soon as you land
• You can go out by yourself, even at night when you are being cautious
• People are just people and not everyone is a drug dealer

General safety tips:

• Be street smart — don’t wear all your ‘bling bling’ in the streets or show off expensive electronics
• Ask in your hostel or fellow tourists which neighborhoods to avoid or better stay away from especially at night
• Go out in bigger groups, if you stay in a dorm this is also a good way to getting to know your bunkmates
• Learn the local language, not necessarily a safety tip, but it will give you easier conversation and people will be happier to talk to you

So you just arrived in Colombia now what?

The fun part about one way tickets is — they take out the stress about having to do EVERYTHING before you go back home. However a travel guide and online research will only tell you so much. Also depending on your accommodation you will already be surrounded with people who have a similar budget to yours.

• Talk to the hostel staff — this will help you get a feel for the safety in the neighborhood and gives you a chance for recommendations of locals and what they deem worthy as an attraction. Also a good way to practice the local language!
• Talk to people in the hostel — fellow travellers are ALWAYS excited to share their knowledge and the amazing experiences they’ve had.
• Go on a ‘free’ walking tour
• Go to random coffee shops or restaurants
• Physically acclimate to the altitute
• Take public transportation or walk
• Just do the tourist attractions — they often are ‘attractions’ for a reason

Monserrate (3152 meters) in Bogotá, Colombia

Conclusion
The best way to prepare for a long trip like this is not to plan and try to organize EVERYTHING, this will only be stressfull. Embrace that life is chaotic and if you do not plan too far in advance and dare to actually go into the unknown you will be presented with a million possibilities. These opportunities can help you figure out what you truly enjoy doing and what experiences actually bring value to you.