Seniors in high school are looking forward to their much-awaited class trip to Cartagena, which is sure to be a highlight of their year.
The senior class is getting ready for their traditional trip to Cartagena, Colombia, in November which is a much-loved custom that signifies the conclusion of their high school career as graduation draws closer. Before they start their next chapter in life, many people view this trip as an opportunity to make lifelong memories with their friends, rather than it being just an ordinary break.
“I’m most looking forward to going out with friends and touring the historic walled city, mostly to eat something before going out. It’s a journey I’ve been anticipating all year, not simply a trip,” said Maia Gallon, a 12th grader at the Columbus School.
For students like Gallon, the trip to Cartagena provides an opportunity to see a lively city rich in history and culture. While enjoying the trip is the goal, proper planning is key. Knowing what to pack will help the vacation run smoothly, leaving the students free to simply enjoy the experience.
“It’s crucial to include the necessities, such as lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a decent pair of walking shoes. Because of the heat and humidity of Cartagena, you should pack accordingly to ensure your comfort while touring. Also, for those long days of exploring, a portable charger is essential,” stated Camila Gutierrez, a senior at TCS.
To make the most of the trip, familiarizing with the history and culture of the area is essential.
“Knowing the history of Cartagena before coming is incredibly beneficial, as it provides context for the locations we will be visiting. Experiences like going to historic sites such as “Ciudad Vieja” are made more significant when you are aware of their backstories,” Gallon said.
Apart from being informed about what the city has to offer, learning about the location creates a more organized itinerary since the students previously have planned where they will be visiting, which will prevent them from getting lost or being bored. Therefore, with a packed itinerary, it’s important to balance organization with flexibility to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
“Setting reminders for important tasks, allowing time for long walks, and enjoying beach time will help me keep on task with our schedule. Being organized is crucial, but not overly strict—there is a lot to take in,” Mariana Galindo, also a senior at TCS
It’s crucial to have backup plans in case of unexpected situations, even with the finest of planning. Students never know what could happen, and students are too young to have responsible adults around them most of the time.
“I’ll have a list of local emergency contacts and a copy of my travel insurance with me in case of emergency. The weather might be irregular, therefore, it’s critical to have a fallback plan for rainy days, such as indoor activities we can perform in case of emergency,” commented Maia Gallon.
Furthermore, communicating might be complicated, particularly when traveling without parents or going out to parties unsupervised.
“I’ll use messaging applications to remain in touch with family instead of relying solely on Wi-Fi, as I’ve heard some places don’t have as many throughout Cartagena. But with all the pictures I’ll be shooting, I’ll need to keep an eye on my phone’s battery life to ensure that I’m able to keep in touch,” Gutierrez noted.
Preparing for Cartagena’s tropical climate is essential, especially given the heat and humidity. It’s important to recall that without making all the preparations, memories won’t be as pleasant.
“I’m bringing lots of water bottles and breathable clothing because the weather is hot and humid,” Galindo stated.
With the hot weather, food and drinks are crucial, so, for many, the pleasures of Cartagena are its food and culture, even beyond the logistics of packing and organizing.
“I can’t wait to try authentic dishes like arepas and raw fish. One of the key components in creating lifelong memories is food; when we’re all full, we all have a great time,” said Maia Gallon
From the food to the landmarks, students have plenty to look forward to.
“The beaches, the historic city, and the clock tower are the most visited locations. I’m excited to visit each one with my friends; I’m sure it will be an experience of a lifetime,” Galindo concluded.