Dear Reader

This month’s Spotlight on Subscriber takes us somewhere full of color, warmth, and a few surprises along the way.

☕ Colombia might not be on everyone’s radar, but after hearing about this trip, you might want to move it up your list.

My friend (and neighbor!) Courtney recently spent 10 days exploring Medellín with her family - with a bonus day in Mexico City that started with an earthquake and ended at the zoo.

From cable car rides over the city to climbing 700 stairs for sweeping mountain views, this trip was one for the books.

Meet Courtney and her crew below, and let’s jump in.

Courtney had always been curious about Colombia - the rich biodiversity, the mountain landscapes, the stories behind the country’s transformation.

🎄So when she spotted affordable Christmas flights, it felt like the right time to go.

They made Medellín their home base, a city once known for its troubled history that’s now buzzing with innovation and heart.

From there, they took a day trip to Guatapé, a town so colorful and charming it felt like walking through a postcard.

And because no great travel story is complete without a twist - their layover in Mexico City came with a 6am earthquake wake-up call 🤯

Thankfully, it was mild. They shook it off with a walk through Chapultepec Zoo, a beautiful and completely free green space in the heart of the city.

What surprised them most about Columbia?

The cleanliness.​
They were struck by how well-maintained public spaces were - a clear reflection of the pride locals take in their home.

The story of Medellín.​
Once known for its dangers, Medellín is now a safe, modern, and family-friendly city with a fascinating comeback story.

Standout moments?

• Touring a coffee and chocolate farm in the Andes
• ​Visiting Guatapé and climbing the 740 stairs of El Peñón de Guatapé
• Taking the cable cars across Medellín as part of the city’s public transit (a highlight for the kids!)

• 🚆 Public transportation all the way - and Medellín’s system made it easy.
• 🚡 The cable cars aren’t just for tourists. They’re built into the city’s network and offer incredible views.
• 📱 Google Translate was key for navigating with limited Spanish.
• 🧠 No fancy tools or planners needed - this subscriber did it all herself!

So, how family-friendly was it?

Honestly, even better than expected.

✔️ Safe
✔️ Clean
✔️ Full of enriching experiences for all ages

They emphasized that while Colombia still carries some old stereotypes, their experience couldn’t have been more different.

The locals were warm, the streets felt safe, and every day brought something new.

• 🥘 Bandeja paisa was the dish they couldn’t stop talking about - a hearty plate of beans, avocado, chorizo, pork belly, rice, egg, and plantain.
• 🍍 Fresh fruit everywhere thanks to that equatorial location.

🎭 New Year’s Eve looked a little different for them - locals dressed up in costume, in a Halloween-meets-holiday twist that made the evening unforgettable.

Absolutely - and they’re already dreaming about it.

Here’s what’s still on their Colombia wish list:

• 🌿 Exploring the Amazon region for more wildlife and nature
• 🏖️ Relaxing along the Caribbean coast, maybe in Cartagena or the Rosario Islands
• 🚶‍♀️ Diving deeper into Medellín’s story, neighborhoods, and viewpoints they missed this time

This first trip gave them a glimpse into Colombia’s beauty, culture, and kindness; and they said it’s the kind of place that pulls you back.

Welcoming locals, vibrant cities, and experiences that stick with you. It's definitely not a one-and-done destination.

Their final advice?

“ Colombia is incredibly family-friendly. If you’ve been nervous because of old headlines, don’t be. It’s worth seeing for yourself — Courtney

Here’s a few ideas to start planning your own Colombian escape:

• 🧺 Tour a Coffee + Chocolate Farm in the Andes​
• 🪜 Climb El Peñón de Guatapé for panoramic views​
• 🛌 Stay in a Family-Friendly Guesthouse or Apartment in Medellín for under $100/night​

A huge thank you to Courtney and family for sharing your beautiful trip with us! I love seeing families explore off-the-beaten-path places together.

Got a trip you'd like to share in a future Spotlight? Just hit reply or fill out the quick questionnaire at the bottom of the email. I'd love to hear about it!

Until next time,
Tanya

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