Colombia has become one of the go-to places in South America. An abundance of nature and family-friendly activities in Colombia make it the perfect place for a family to explore.
The following are tips for those going there with children:
Bags and Luggage
The first thing you have to think about is the kind of luggage or bags you are bringing along. First off, you probably want to make sure they all have wheels so that they are easy to transport. You may also want to make sure they are waterproof. Depending on when you are visiting the country, it could get a little rainy. While you are traveling within the city, you’ll need smaller bags, like tot bags. Consider bringing a diaper bag backpack if traveling with an infant. These give parents a convenient way to access everything they need for their baby while in remote parts of the country.
Chose Your Place
Another thing that is important to keep in mind when traveling with kids is your destination. Kids aren’t the best travel buddies, so it may be hard to jump from city to city during your stay in Colombia. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to choose one area and stick to it throughout your stay.
Choosing where to stay pretty much boils down to the activities you’ll have near you; if you want to visit zoos and museums, a good place to go would be Cali. If you want to experience horseback riding and go to amusement parks, then Coffee Country might be a good choice. Water adventures like snorkeling can be enjoyed in Cartagena, not to mention the Chocolate Museum or El Museo del Cacao.
Important Gear
You’re going to have to pay attention to the gear you are bringing along. There are many things to consider, like if you are traveling with a toddler, a stroller may not be the best option for you since many of the streets, especially in smaller towns, are made of cobblestone or are basically natural roads.
These types of roads are not stroller-friendly, so a baby carrier might be a better idea; just take a few breaks along the way. Make sure you bring along three-prong plugs if you need them for your electronics, but if you don’t, you should be okay since Colombia accepts US-styled plugs.
The Services
You are going to have to bring along some services to be safe in Colombia. One of the most important is your medical insurance travel plan. This allows you to visit the doctor without worrying about anything. You know how kids can be, and you are going to be in a foreign country.
This is not the place you want to have an accident that requires medical attention without being properly cared for. Be sure to talk to your car insurance company about extending your coverage for rentals in Colombia. You are going to need your valid ID and passport to drive in Colombia. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a Colombian Visa.
The Necessities
You’re going to have to make sure you bring along all the necessities. This includes things like the medications your children need. Don’t forget to bring prescriptions, just in case you need to replenish. Bring glasses, contacts, and some backup contacts.
It’s important that you and your children have all their vaccines with a focus on measles, hepatitis A, and typhoid. All of this may seem excessive, but these steps should keep everyone safe. These issues aren’t extremely common in Colombia, so there is no reason to be alarmed. These are just precautionary steps to take.
Hopefully, these suggestions make it easier for you to prepare for your trip to Colombia. There is a lot to see in Colombia, so be open to the experiences, and remember to record a lot or take pictures.
