Photo credit: Fernando Zuleta – Flickr Creative Commons

Always be open to the opportunities life throws you…especially when it involves travel. One day back in November an email dropped into my inbox at work from my husband. ‘Ever thought about visiting Colombia?’ I’ve found this unbelievable fare…’.

Colombia has always intrigued me, ever since I first read a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. But it always seemed like one of those ‘one day, maybe’ destinations.

The airfare seemed too good to be true, and when the email came through it carried the warning ‘all fares are subject to change until booking is confirmed’. So we waited, and finally the confirmation came.

Tayrona National Park and Cartagena will offer a taste of the Caribbean coast (and warmth!) and we’re also planning to visit Bogota and the nearby salt cathedral at Zipaquirá. I’d love to visit Aracataca, Marquez’s hometown and inspiration for the fictional town of Macondo, if we have time.

That amazing fare? £316 return via Mexico City. Half the usual price. It pays to always keep your eyes open.