Is it Safe to Travel Colombia? Backpacking Safety Advice

[@tamaraschulte3193]

I'm so glad you didn't just follow the media but decided to do your own thing. Your videos from Colombia have definitely inspired others to go backpacking.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Always best to do your own research about a place!

[@lucilasandoval3084]

Pretty much all of this applies to Mexico too. A big one is: ASK LOCALS, locals will tell you which areas are less safe, which roads not to take, what companies, hostels, bars etc have a good reputation, and generally people will always try to keep you safe because they want you to come back.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Great tip!

[@santiagop.2445]

It's incredible that every tip you said on the video is something that we have already as a daily life basic rules. As a Colombian, keeping away from danger is something that have become really normal to us, our parents teach us those things since we're little! Of course we would like to have a more safety country, specially for the bad reputation that drug cartels left on it. I'm sure we've work and we will continue working to have a better Colombia. Love your videos Christianne, lot of people will appreciate them!

[@helenbrown7440]

I LOVE Colombia, you guys have done an incredible job improving safety! I wish you all the best and a bright future from the UK 😁

[@rileighkate1921]

I’ve been looking forward to this one! Planning to go to Colombia next year if all goes well. Your series made me fall in love with it ❤️

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥳🥳🥳

[@Ktcsr17]

Went there for a month solo. Fell in love with Medellin!! As long as you are smart about it, you’ll be safe!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Absolutely!

[@vanessargipson]

When traveling, I wore a crossbody thin-wallet like thing that had all my important documents and money in it. It would lay completely flat underneath my shirts (even tight tanks).Then I would wear your bum bag and have my phone or other large items of importance in it. And as for my backpack, it mainly held a snack, water or sunscreen. So on buses, I was never really worried if somebody took my bag because everything else was on me in the front.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Amazing set up 🤩🤩

[@Lulu-pi2qp]

What wallet is that ? The crossbody thin Wallet do u have a link

[@dejashu]

Love this video idea, the tips AND THE GREEN SCREEN! These vlogs have put Colombia on my list of places to travel to! 😍😍😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oh thanks mate 🤠🤠 she loves a green screen 🍏

[@daniellaprietoarrubla8501]

I am actually Colombian. I just found your channel yesterday and I was amazed to see how many places here you’ve been too, and traveled to on your own. As a Colombian I don’t even think I could travel here alone and so care free. However, I have done quite some traveling , but even when traveling in Europe I get nervous not about being robbed but about undesired attention from men traveling as a woman alone, getting cat called or groped . Have you ever had problems with this? Or how do you manage not being afraid?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Getting robbed will always be a risk wherever you go but if you have a system where you know you can always keep your things safe (e.g access to lockers and secure bags!) You are nearly always fine! For the times when your not fine, that's when travel insurance comes in handy! And as for unwanted attention, for me I think dealing with it just comes down to confidence and mentally choosing how to deal with it, if that makes sense. I take comfort in knowing I am in control of my own reactions.

[@cgz100]

Heyy I highly recommend a page on Facebook called Mochileros Colombia wich has a lot of information about all of the topics that you want to know about my country and backpacking when you’re traveling around there

[@billmccaleb7481]

You definitely showcased the beauty of Colombia on your trip. You're right, the media skewed my opinion of the country. I do have my own personal dealings with Colombia, but I was in the military at the time and the FARC were a real and dangerous organization. I think they have been eradicated though. Great safety tips, CR!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oh wow! I can imagine back in the day, things would've been very different to how they are now!

[@anayapopat7474]

Love your videos Christianne!! I have watched the Colombia vlogs multiple times 😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Anaya ❤️❤️❤️

[@antonyrange]

I am from Colombia and I have to say that u r the pretiest backpacker I've ever seen, and I love your videos too...

[@cassiechandler4314]

Thank you for making all these in depth videos about colombia. I am really looking forwards to visiting soon. Colombians are very nice

[@MillaExplores]

Great video! You have definitely inspired me to travel to Colombia in the future! I've started starring places on Google maps as you have suggested in some of your videos which definitely helps me to remember what places I want to see when I travel to Colombia for example! It's sad that the media gives such a bad image of so many places, but good that there are travelers like you who share their stories and have actually visited the country. 🙌

[@sydneynicole6598]

I visited Columbia last November on a cruise! It was so much fun, I got to hold a baby sloth!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aww sloths 😍😍🦥 that's so cool!

[@getdavemoore]

Kudos to you for solid, real-world advice. Some live in fear, some moan that the world isn't 100% safe - few take it as it is and make provisions for it 👍

[@ameliastone5675]

Love your videos so much!! They're keeping me going until I can finally get out there and travel again, hope you're doing well x

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Amelia! Hoping it's not too long before we can go backpacking again 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@holdinourown]

Another thing for basic backpacker safety: Don't give away too much info about yourself and where you are heading to people you do not know. Also, I always made it seem (even if it wasn't true) as if someone is meeting me in my next location (family, friends) as it seems as though someone is expecting me. That way I didn't seem like I was totally alone on my travels!

[@elderassassin9673]

Wow great advice

[@literalleigh]

Thank you. Going in September. Just figuring out where to stay. Would love to stay in Chapinero but wouldn’t want going back and forth with time to la Candelaria

[@salometowers4498]

I was in Colombia this past April and I will say its a wonderful culturally expressive country. That being said the only place that i personally felt scared for my life was in Santa Marta, costal city. I got followed by young & old men daily, catcalled, yelled at and basically harassed on the streets for being a woman. I def recommend Colombia! Its a great tourist destination, just wanted to share my experience!

[@BackpackingBananas]

So sorry to hear that was happening to you in Santa Marta 😔 it was my least favourite city as well!

[@susanna9006]

I met the loveliest people in Colombia

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me too! They are so friendly and so fun 🥳

[@shannonjones7462]

Would love if you could do a how to prepare for your first backpacking trip video!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Good idea!

[@meaghanslifeadventures2293]

I struggle with conversations about safety because my boyfriend finds pretty much any country outside of Europe or North America as dangerous. I wish he was more comfortable exploring other countries because there is so much beauty in other places, and so many places I want to go. But some of these tips might help him feel more comfortable. Thanks!

[@NathaliaCareers]

I'm from Colombia and now live in America 🇺🇸 I don't find any difference in safety 😃

[@casebeth]

@@NathaliaCareers yah considering Bogotá has less violent crime than Chicago I'd not be worried as a US resident visiting Colombia

[@harrypike5140]

North American cities can be incredibly dangerous, and what with the immigration situation from Africa / Middle East in the last decade or so into Europe, many European cities have areas that are also quite unsafe. I'd rather be travelling solo in an Ecuadorian village than walking about at night in some areas of London, Paris or Malmö for instance...

[@camilorestrepo5226]

Very common sense recommendations, as a Colombian I really liked the videos.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Camilo 😊

[@mynameiscooper2947]

New subscriber here!Just found your channel a few days ago and I've binged watched almost all your videos while being stuck at home. Keep up the good work.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aw welcome!! ❤️❤️😊

[@dny3260]

Hi. I just started watching your videos. You are a very brave woman! I’m planning a trip to Colombia this fall, so I’m gathering my as much information as I can. - thank you for the safety tips - I’m gradually building my confidence. Keep posting, I will keep watching.

[@camillerogers1886]

howd it go?!:)

[@iceyourego]

Awesome video! I agree that people's fears of places can be built up to be worse than the reality and a lot of places are safer than we imagine them to be. Though you said, "If you follow the rules those risks are eliminated" I would probably say reduced or much less likely, as opposed to eliminated. Just something to consider. Much love from Aus :)

[@salemyousef682]

Thank you for your advices and experiences on travelling.

[@daydreamerwanderer]

well, someone is enjoying their green screen. (i mean, that in a cute way 😅😅)

[@BackpackingBananas]

😅😅 can't get enough of it

[@MillaExplores]

haha I was thinking the same thing! it's so funny but definitely adds a fun touch to Christianne's videos 😆🙌

[@thefangirlray]

Yet another beautifully formatted video, now let's just see if I have the confidence to show my parents

[@7torque]

What do you recommend to use while walking around the cities to film and take pictures if I can't pull my phone out?

[@naveenprasadl7885]

Lovely video. Colombia is in my wish list. Thank you for the information. Btw can you tell me more about the world map behind you? It looks very interesting.

[@BackpackingBananas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppazYWykf7V9aJY I made a whole video on it here 😊

[@naveenprasadl7885]

@@BackpackingBananas Thank you so much. Was new to the channel didn't see this before 😅 Love your channel though ❤️😍

[@madzanderson281]

Loved this! Honestly to some extent, I do some of these things here at home (Australia) and I did the same thing in New Zealand last year and that's the 2nd safest country in the world haha. The extent to which you enforce these things or how many you have to enforce changes, but as you said there are rotten eggs everywhere, no country is perfect and there's always a risk, but be smart and keep your wits about you and you'll be okay. You definitely opened my eyes up to Colombia and I shall be heading there one day for sure!! (post-COVID that is, haha).

[@Ownagetimex3]

4:18 - google pixel 3? didn't expect that but makes sense

[@yccn410]

I’m going to Colombia next month and this video is really helpful!!

[@eck0hcobra15]

It's been 3 months, tell me as much as you have time and want to share 😆

[@Cristobal67]

Great video! I've been wanting to visit Colombia for years but Covid messed things up :) I'll be checking your app and hopefully booking a trip for 2023!

[@Natasha-of6mn]

That green screen though! Killed it :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks 🤓

[@MeijaJanis]

if you would have to chose between Vietnam or Colombia, where would you go, and why?

[@casiunangel3039]

Finally early!! Lots of love from Israel❤️ You’ve really inspired me to add Colombia to my bucket list😍🇨🇴

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yay! 🥳🥳❤️

[@yeyoperaza0369]

As a Colombian, I agree with everything said. Only thing that I think is missing is that Colombia still has some regions which are unsafe due to large criminal groups. If you stay on main tourist destinations you will be completely fine. In other words, don´t travel to secluded regions with little to no tourist infrastructure. To be safe always ask locals before traveling to a new region, city, town. These unsafe regions are easily avoidable, so it shouldn´t get in your way.

[@claudiagaona4260]

As a native Colombian I love this... the # 1 and only rule that summarizes it all "no dar papaya" It applies not only for backpaking, but for life

[@elderassassin9673]

Colombian woman are pretty and everything is so cheep their :D I'm going to go for the mountain the Art and most importantly the beautiful women.

[@casebeth]

@@elderassassin9673 women are not a tourist attraction. We are human beings.

[@davdelic]

What microphone are you using? Love the quality! The yeti mic is far too expensive!

[@0110rroberts]

my parents were very upset when i said i wanted to go to Medellin. my dad was more afraid than my mom, she takes lexepro though so maybe that kept her mellow. lol "don't make yourself a target" is a good rule of thumb in any city even here in the US.

[@thisisulauma4360]

Great videos per usual. Thank you for all the advice! Every country has dangerous parts, there are parts of Canada I wouldn't dare travel alone or at night. It's just knowing your surroundings and doing your research (to a degree, don't overdo it!)

[@AcesOntheRiver]

Did you run into anyone driving between destinations in Colombia? I am having trouble finding info on people traveling Colombia this way

[@lilyfrost3098]

I’ve just finished watching all your Colombia videos and now I am dying to go!!!!! I also love your scratch map in your background, where is it from? ❤️

[@lucilasandoval3084]

And one more, when you out at night make sure someone knows where you are headed with whom and approximate of what time you think you'll be back, something as simple as telling people form your hostel or other travelers can do the trick

[@janehughes581]

We had someone try to steal our stuff in Cartagena at a tourist site (la popa). Not a pick pocketing but a full on confrontation. Guy was a bit surprised that we didn't give up our stuff. Was strange as the thief was much smaller than my husband and ended up terrified of him. But definitely has taught us to be more careful. My husband is quite calm as he's been held at gunpoint before.

[@paulinamoran8834]

Hey I know this comment is a year late, but I am going to Putumayo Colombia puerto Asís for ten days and i wanted to know if you traveled by there and if you know whether it is safe ?

[@chandlerguilfoyle3066]

The media tells you Colombia is one of the more dangerous countries , travel bloggers will tell you it's the safest. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. As long as you are with a large group or are inside when the sun goes down , you'll be fine for the major cities. Keep constant vigilance to protect your valuables at all times. The smaller towns and villages are safe but you do have to be careful in the major cities. This is still South America.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Agreed! I get frustrated when people think it's too dangerous but similarly I think it's important that people know what COULD go wrong if you don't keep your wits about you.

[@ChelseaAddams]

This was a great video, thank you for so many great tips! I really want to travel South America next year with some friends and on my own so I'll think about everything you said in this video when I'm (hopefully) there!x

[@alicedavison66]

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice. I’ve booked a boat trip with San Blas Adventures to travel from Sapzurro (Colombia) to Carti (Panama). I originally got it wrong thinking the trip was from Cartagena (Colombia). Realising I will need to travel to Sapzurro which is advised against unless essential by the home office. I’m now a bit nervous about this and worried that I might not be safe but I’ve already booked the trip. Do you know how risky this is or anyone that has done this? Many thanks

Thanks for the video. Very useful before my visit to colombia❤

[@texasrangagolf]

Hey Christianne, I love watching your videos! I signed up to your newsletter but can't find the 30 day travel plan for Colombia. Where can I find it? TIA

[@Sophiedesjardins]

Subscribed! Absolutely love your channel :)

[@carterwiegand2371]

I’m about to backpack all of South America in about a month! I already have my yellow fever vaccine, but am considering getting others… what did you ultimately decide?

[@d.c.1851]

I went to Colombia (Medellín) with my partner who is from there December 2021 and all his local family were concerned whenever we wanted to call a cab. They would make sure to personally call cab drivers that they knew and trusted because apparently fake cab drivers are a thing there. Get a local to give you the number of there cab drivers they trust. You might have to wait longer for a ride but they will be more reliable.

[@jacquelinerietveld6500]

I am planning to do solo backpacking for 3 months through Colombia when the world is corona-free again. Your videos are a lovely way to prepare. But....how to find your way in a new city without using your phone? Decades ago I always used a map but nowadays digital maps are so helpful especially when you just have arrived in a new city. Always take a taxi?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Just go inside to use your phone, or use it outside at your own risk

[@jesspaige4540]

if you have long hair or a hat or something a good way to do this discretely is put an AirPod in 1 ear(I keep one ear open so I can be aware of surroundings) and put on volume for maps so you don't have to look at your phone, I personally only ever did this in Cartagena, in larger cities like Medellin yes always knew were I was going in advance and took a taxi, I made a point not to aimlessly walk around too much, another option is also walking tours to familiarise yourself in a group!

[@MTravelVlog]

Great channel. Please Make More.😍 Greetings from Albania.👋🏼🇦🇱

[@BackpackingBananas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@seandesmond5560]

Great video lovely Christie!!! ❤ Great tips!!! 👍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Sean! 😊

[@passionspotatoes9182]

Thanks Christianne, this was really helpful.One thing i struggle with is when you are trying to get around sometimes you need your phone out to help you navigate streets. How did you deal with that?

[@BackpackingBananas]

If I'm completely honest, I just whipped my phone out but the correct thing to do would be to go inside a restaurant, hostel, or building etc.. look at what you need to look at on your phone and then go back outside. Obviously that's a faff so the risk is down to you to make the call 😊

[@nonammmmme]

Would you recommend carrying self defense weapons like pepper spray and tactical flashlight?

[@hannah8454]

where’s your black jumpsuit from at 1:45? it’s so pretty!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks! Urban outfitters 😊

[@hannah8454]

Backpacking Bananas thank you!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Pls recommend travel insurance

[@haxter3]

Awesome video Christie 😊👍👍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Haxter 😊❤️

[@Thatiscutebr0]

I have a question about the travel advisories of Colombia. There are obvious no go areas from the travel advisories (ie Venezuela border, Darien Gap, Ecuador and Peru border). Other than the obvious no go areas, should I take the 'do not travel' zones of the advisories with a grain of salt (I'm asking coz u went to Buenaventura and my NZ travel advisory says "Do not travel to Buenaventura")?

[@BackpackingBananas]

The thing about Buenaventura is that you wouldn't actually stay there, you'd only be in the city for about 10 minutes to then go onto the national park which is completely secluded. So you travel through Buenaventura at your own risk but the risk of something bad happening in that 10 minutes, especially in the day time is so slim

[@Thatiscutebr0]

@@BackpackingBananas true that. So I should keep my travel advisories of Colombia in mind

[@khalidal7393]

I am planning to travel to Colombia but I would like to ask if I have always to have cash or is it fine to pay from my phone ..??

[@sarahb4703]

What do you do with your phone and bag while at the beach?

[@carlosmarin3392]

Very rightful..accurate vlog..!Colombia as a developing country must have one goal..! Make the country safer...very difficult task..but possible..because 95% of us don't know the unbelievable beautiful places we have ..adventurers & Backpackers these days are showing places only locals knew. ( the armed conflict we had for 50 years robbed us this joy)..and Pacific chocó ..amazons..south.. south est and center Colombia are wild ..!!

[@douglasking2973]

Last year I traveled to erbil Iraq. Media would say that's dangerous. But I never felt so safe.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Interesting!! Glad to hear you had a good trip

[@douglasking2973]

@@BackpackingBananas one thing that makes everyone a wiser person is travel. Love you're channel. You're proper down to earth. Easy watch.. ..

[@xeimerinoskolymvitis]

And you must have your embassy phone numbers for any reason you forget it, its important

[@BackpackingBananas]

Good one!

[@harryash5414]

I once got stabbed in thailand, and yes it was partially my fault trying to fight back, just remember is your phone worth your life. And don't forget a phone to them is worth a lot more to them then us, just keep this is mind

[@Juan-ho4dd]

You are the most beautiful thing that has visited my country. 😘

[@xavierbravo7739]

Hey guys there is a latin american trick for those situation to avoid get robbed.. always take an old phones that u do not use with you... the other trick is just drop a phone case and runaway

[@Princessleo_8571]

Great advice! Unfortunately we can guarantee everyone has "common sense". I live in London/Essex and I generally follow these rules in my home town, people just need to be more aware of their surroundings.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Absolutely! Common sense is all it is really!

[@aimeemckay4330]

I absolutely loved my time in Colombia and wish that it wasn't cut short. I want to return again! That said, I was sexually accosted/assaulted in quite an intimidating and borderline dangerous manner in one of the main hostels in Bogota - BY THE OWNER. It was a day before the borders in Colombia closed and so I was too terrified to report it and risk being stuck in Colombia. I believe the owner, who was married and worked with his wife, knew this, and was trying to frighten me into submission. I was also too afraid to put a negative review on their hostel due to the dire state that the business will be in due to Coronavirus lockdown measures, and fear for his wife - but I wonder how many times things that this could have happened and people not come forward? I do not want to scare anybody because Colombia, on a massive whole, was SUCH a wonderful and beautiful place - and I don't want to upset anyone and maybe I should have come forward. If you have any advice on the right thing to do please let me know! Overall Colombia = tranquilla + hermosa

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’m so sorry to hear that happened to you :( Personally I would have probably left a review of the hostel. If it stops it happening to other girls, then that is a good thing. As for his wife, as heartbreaking as it may be initially to hear, I think she’d be better off without him by the sounds of it. If I was the wife, I would want to know..

[@aimeemckay4330]

I told her, because she was asking me what was wrong and why I was leaving early and I burst into tears! She asked for me to provide a written statement and I was too scared because he had plied me with alcohol and I didn't know if I would get accused of something. I think I will leave a review, I realised as well that he had cleared the dorm room of other hostel guests and at first I thought it was funny because I thought they were paranoid that I had coronavirus, but looking back he had emptied my dorm and approached me in the middle of the night yuck. he could do it again ☹ Great, wonderful video with super helpful advice though! Thanks for being positive and informative ❤

[@timmylanders6794]

wow, this is amazing

[@emilycronan]

Love ya xx

[@douglasking2973]

Not only one lol. She's fab

[@BackpackingBananas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@BantBang]

How about buying coke in Columbia? 😅 any experiences?

[@ger20cam11]

You can have anywhere... in the world. Just cheaper if you want it there, but is better to say: don´t do it. 99% Colombians don´t like it, nor the stories around it and all the troubles it made back then. Even more, colombians don´t do strong drugs, that´s just for foreigners. If you wanna get high the colombian way, drink a lot and dance a lot.

[@YuperSoutuber]

me gusta your blue contact lens

[@thomposedal7462]

best video ever

[@BackpackingBananas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@amylongan861]

can you teach me this?

[@NathaliaCareers]

Thanks for do a videos in English

[@M.Tsabet]

thanks good luck..

[@dustinlevans8996]

i wanna be abile to do the same

[@conocerseasimismo]

"No dar papaya" Yess!

[@theempire00]

Will I get kidnapped? 😮😢

[@ger20cam11]

yes... but no. It really depends where you go and what you do. Colombia is way bigger than any european country and there´re very distant places where it could happen...

[@saphsroses4194]

These are great tips, you can apply them to any country tbh. Also you can share your location on WhatsApp with family or friends!

[@jones1068]

I do salsa to.

[@BackpackingBananas]

💃🏻

[@jeremysomebody6848]

Just play nice music for them.

[@1232bluejays]

I'm not handing over my stuff no way.

[@calipsoreign4796]

I would love to discuss with you the narrative of females as discussed in this video. Btw, for background knowledge, everywhere in the world, sexual assault is the most underreported crime. There isn’t going to be accurate data for this.

[@breathinman]

I got stabbed in London... and I am Colombian. It can happen anywhere

[@greenbox5714]

If i able to go to Colombia, i would not care about it's safe or not, i'll be there for that reason ehehe

[@rverhoeven6993]

What is "safe" these days? In every big city no matter if it's europe, north or south america, asia etc i think in every city there are area's you want to avoid. I love in the Netherlands and i know extactly where i shouldn't come. I normally feel a lot safer in an other country then in my own one. What i wanna say is that these things can happen everywhere around the world. It's just bad luck i guess.

[@MegaAlex010101]

No dar papaya. Dont give papaya? What the fruit had to do in making yourself a target of being robbed?

[@klaaspost9651]

Mag ik een keer met je mee? Groetjes klaas

[@kessas.489]

No country in this world will be really save!

[@bbbf09]

man alive ...I could cut through those wire loop padlocks in seconds - even with my leatherman mini tool I carry in my pocket. Hilarious

[@MsJohanamendoza]

Don't give PAPAYA. I am going to make it into T-shirt

[@frawldog]

🍌