Why the car is not the star in Colombia; staying respectful in spiritual places; where to find reptiles in East Africa; and the perfect British road trip – our experts put you in the know.
Q Is a self-drive trip in Colombia safe? What precautions should I take along the way?
Lauren Howard, via email
A Safe? Maybe. But worth it? Maybe not. Buses cover most of the country (except parts of the Pacific Coast and Amazonia, which have no road access); they’re also good value and comfortable, from local minibuses to luxury long-distance coaches. Several Colombian airlines offer competitive fares, too, saving you travel time, which you can then spend exploring.
Nevertheless, if you’re set on driving, it does allow more flexibility to go where and when you like. La Guajira, in the isolated north-east, has few buses, so it’s recommended either to hire a car or use a tour operator. Some hotels, particularly those outside cities, have secure car parks.
Precautions? Number one: beware Colombia’s erratic drivers, especially when overtaking. While most Colombians you meet in person will be charming and gracious, once they get behind the wheel of a car, anything goes. Truck drivers can be aggressive, too, speeding up close behind you and overtaking unpredictably – anytime, anywhere.
Road conditions also vary widely, and many are susceptible to landslides during the wet season. Check locally for road closures and roadworks. Car hire is prohibitively expensive for some, and petrol is not cheap either – around US$3 (£2.14) per gallon for standard petrol, US$3.50 (£2.50) per gallon for super. And roadside assistance for breakdowns and accidents is virtually nonexistent, so take care.
この記事は Wanderlust Travel Magazine の April 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Wanderlust Travel Magazine の April 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
