Dublin Columbia €371 return

ruddy1987

http://www.secretflying.com/2016/03/mega-post-europe-to-bogota-colombia-from-only-e369-return/

cson

That's phenomenal value.

banchang

Might not need the return leg ?

Superhorse

Check the bags on the way back before boarding, several times. I've heard of stories of taxi drivers putting lads in the boot of cars on the way to the airport to place drugs in suitcases and the unsuspecting traveler getting caught out. Would be a bad end to a holiday for sure.

Neamhshuntasach

Superhorse wrote: »

Check the bags on the way back before boarding, several times. I've heard of stories of taxi drivers putting lads in the boot of cars on the way to the airport to place drugs in suitcases and the unsuspecting traveler getting caught out. Would be a bad end to a holiday for sure.

Complete nonsense. There is absolutely no logic in it either when you break it down. Why would someone as poor as a taxi driver be giving away drugs for nothing? There is no motivation for it. Financial or otherwise. You hear stories like this and they end with either you getting caught and going to prison or someone grabbing you at your final destination if you manage to get the drugs through. Sure how do they know where you are flying to? And when landing in Dublin is someone from Colombia grabbing you outside the airport? Drug smuggling happens. But it's usually on the promise of some quick cash with the smuggler fully aware of the situation. Drug dealers aren't into practical jokes at the expense of their product.

Anyone considering going to Colombia. Go for it. It's no more dangerous than most of the countries in the region. Usually common sense and you will be as fine as travelling in big cities in the US. I've spent a lot of time in Colombia and never had a problem. The key is not being stupid.

crisco10

Just looking, good connection times too. Which is usually where these deals fall down but these have no hanging around somewhere for 23 hours in between flights.

utyh2ikcq9z76b

Superhorse wrote: »

Check the bags on the way back before boarding, several times. I've heard of stories of taxi drivers putting lads in the boot of cars on the way to the airport to place drugs in suitcases and the unsuspecting traveler getting caught out. Would be a bad end to a holiday for sure.

Yeah make sure to pack the drugs yourself

tooth*grinder

Its Colombia not Columbia OP.

That said, amazing country, real nice folks, don't mind the wafflers about the dangers. Apply the same common sense you need in Dublin city center and you'll be grand.

Tusky

Can anyone see any dates in late June?

Subcomandante Marcos

Sooooo tempting.

Internal flights to Medillin and other cities are only about €20-€30 each way as well so you could do Bogota, Medillin and the north coast in one trip.

I shall consult the better half when she gets home and ask HR mañana if I can take my 2 weeks at the end of May.

Kevin!

Neamhshuntasach wrote: »

Complete nonsense. There is absolutely no logic in it either when you break it down. Why would someone as poor as a taxi driver be giving away drugs for nothing? There is no motivation for it. Financial or otherwise. You hear stories like this and they end with either you getting caught and going to prison or someone grabbing you at your final destination if you manage to get the drugs through. Sure how do they know where you are flying to? And when landing in Dublin is someone from Colombia grabbing you outside the airport? Drug smuggling happens. But it's usually on the promise of some quick cash with the smuggler fully aware of the situation. Drug dealers aren't into practical jokes at the expense of their product.

Anyone considering going to Colombia. Go for it. It's no more dangerous than most of the countries in the region. Usually common sense and you will be as fine as travelling in big cities in the US. I've spent a lot of time in Colombia and never had a problem. The key is not being stupid.

I've seen it happen in multiple documentaries reporting on international drug smuggling. In certain countries, the 'snitch' is rewarded for reporting a smuggler to customs in the relevant countries. The reward can often greatly exceed the value of the drug in the local market and thus profit.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/nov/12/ukcrime.tonythompson

http://www.customs.go.kr/kcshome/main/content/ContentView.do?contentId=CONTENT_ID_000003490&layoutMenuNo=31901&nttId=CONTENT_ID_000003490

It's entirely possible that this sort of system exists in Columbia too, thus it's not necessarily 'complete nonsense'

Magico Gonzalez

Kevin! wrote: »

I've seen it happen in multiple documentaries reporting on international drug smuggling. In certain countries, the 'snitch' is rewarded for reporting a smuggler to customs in the relevant countries. The reward can often greatly exceed the value of the drug in the local market and thus profit.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/nov/12/ukcrime.tonythompson

http://www.customs.go.kr/kcshome/main/content/ContentView.do?contentId=CONTENT_ID_000003490&layoutMenuNo=31901&nttId=CONTENT_ID_000003490

It's entirely possible that this sort of system exists in Columbia too, thus it's not necessarily 'complete nonsense'

Weird behaviour for an Ivy League university to partake in. You'd have thought they knew better.

Triangla

Kevin! wrote: »

I've seen it happen in multiple documentaries reporting on international drug smuggling. In certain countries, the 'snitch' is rewarded for reporting a smuggler to customs in the relevant countries. The reward can often greatly exceed the value of the drug in the local market and thus profit.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/nov/12/ukcrime.tonythompson

http://www.customs.go.kr/kcshome/main/content/ContentView.do?contentId=CONTENT_ID_000003490&layoutMenuNo=31901&nttId=CONTENT_ID_000003490

It's entirely possible that this sort of system exists in Columbia too, thus it's not necessarily 'complete nonsense'

A link to a 16 year old article in Kent, UK and a link to a Korean government website?

Yeah cheers for the tip there, no way am I going to Colombia now. I owe you one for the sage advice.

jobless

Triangla wrote: »

A link to a 16 year old article in Kent, UK and a link to a Korean government website?

Yeah cheers for the tip there, no way am I going to Colombia now. I owe you one for the sage advice.

Great value... As said above common sense and you'll be fine... Bogota I'd leave after a day.. Not a nice city

Neamhshuntasach

Kevin! wrote: »

I've seen it happen in multiple documentaries reporting on international drug smuggling. In certain countries, the 'snitch' is rewarded for reporting a smuggler to customs in the relevant countries. The reward can often greatly exceed the value of the drug in the local market and thus profit.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/nov/12/ukcrime.tonythompson

http://www.customs.go.kr/kcshome/main/content/ContentView.do?contentId=CONTENT_ID_000003490&layoutMenuNo=31901&nttId=CONTENT_ID_000003490

It's entirely possible that this sort of system exists in Columbia too, thus it's not necessarily 'complete nonsense'

Well it is nonsense in relation to ColOmbia. There is no reward for reporting drugs. And there is no big elaborate scheme where taxi drivers are putting drugs into your bag and then following you in to 'snitch' on your to customs. Nor are they communicating to anyone to follow you. And due to the countries historic security situation and like most airports world wide. It is not easy to park a car at departures and follow somebody in. It's an urban myth with more holes than your body after a trip to Colombia...you know from all the stabbing and gunshot wounds.

Speedsie

When you are in Bogotá, be sure to visit the gold museum, it's amazing. And eat in Andrés Carne de Res.

The museum of modern art is pretty fab too.

God. I want to go back to Colombia.

Chris_Bradley

tooth*grinder wrote: »

Its Colombia not Columbia OP.
.

Think we all knew it wasn't England he was on about ffs.

mrcheez

Do the Lost City trek if you go. Much less touristed than Machu Picchu and much older more interesting sight (imho).

Amazing journey to get there through jungle (plus you can see a c0caine factory if you want... assuming the army haven't gotten rid of the lads running it)

tooth*grinder

Chris_Bradley wrote: »

Think we all knew it wasn't England he was on about ffs.

Or Canada or the US. Not a big deal to spell a country's name right is it?

Superhorse

Neamhshuntasach wrote: »

Complete nonsense. There is absolutely no logic in it either when you break it down. Why would someone as poor as a taxi driver be giving away drugs for nothing? There is no motivation for it. Financial or otherwise. You hear stories like this and they end with either you getting caught and going to prison or someone grabbing you at your final destination if you manage to get the drugs through. Sure how do they know where you are flying to? And when landing in Dublin is someone from Colombia grabbing you outside the airport? Drug smuggling happens. But it's usually on the promise of some quick cash with the smuggler fully aware of the situation. Drug dealers aren't into practical jokes at the expense of their product.

Anyone considering going to Colombia. Go for it. It's no more dangerous than most of the countries in the region. Usually common sense and you will be as fine as travelling in big cities in the US. I've spent a lot of time in Colombia and never had a problem. The key is not being stupid.

Jesus you are naïve.

J.pilkington

Superhorse wrote: »

Jesus you are naïve.

Jesus is naive?

kn

Irish ornatologists will be jumping on this offer!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia_Three

acquiescefc

Chris_Bradley wrote: »

Think we all knew it wasn't England he was on about ffs.

Where is there a Columbia in England, or did you mean the British one?

Doge

Superhorse wrote: »

Jesus you are naïve.

In fairness if thats the only way you can counteract their argument, nobody is going to pay attention to your posts.

mrcheez

... and... Unfollowing

L1985

is anyone considering this?im seriously tempted...

Subcomandante Marcos

L1985 wrote: »

is anyone considering this?im seriously tempted...

You can book these flights directly from Turkish for 400, so I'd say you've a while to make the choice.

Muahahaha

kn wrote: »

Irish ornatologists will be jumping on this offer!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia_Three

haha when I went to get a Columbian visa back in 2004 I was made wait four working days for it because of those three IRA lads. They literally cost me 6 days of sitting around Merida in Venezualea drinking in the student bars, which wasn't all that bad in the end

banchang wrote: »

Might not need the return leg ?

I travelled with a former US Navy guy there in 2004 and he got job teaching english in Cartegena just as I was leaving. He is still there today with a stunning Colombian wife and a few sprogs now. I'm insanely jealous when he uploads pics onto Facebook, they live a very nice life near the beaches.

For anyone himming and hawing about Colombia, just go! I've travelled the entire continent and for me Argentina, Colombia & Bolivia are the highlights of South America

dohouch

Colombians like to smile
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Amazing country - San Gil, Ciudad Perdido, Cartagena, Medellin, Salento, Bike tour of Bogota the hightlights that I experienced. I paid 900 € to go there and back so this is a great price. I've travelled through most countries in South America and Colombia and Bolivia are the top two for me. Colombia is cheap at the moment as their exchange rate has taken a tumble. Fantastic place although you'd need at least 3 weeks to enjoy it properly (you could easily spend 6 weeks there). The people posting about taxi drivers stuffing drugs in your bags are talking shyte and have obviously never been there, or probably anywhere near south america. The only real thing to be worried about was getting kidnapped by the Farc but that danger has disappeared from about 10 years ago. Great people there and once you have a bit of cop-on you'll be fine.

the only thing about this deal is that May/June is not the very best time to go to Colombia for some areas which will have more rain. wouldn't worry about it too much though.

L1985

Thanks glasso I'm 70% there I think...done a lot of other countries in SA and was upset I didn't get to Colombia.making up my mind tomorrow!!

degsie

Didn't know there was a Dublin in Columbia.

L1985

L1985 wrote: »

Thanks glasso I'm 70% there I think...done a lot of other countries in SA and was upset I didn't get to Colombia.making up my mind tomorrow!!

Go. You'll have a bloody blast!

dealhunter1985

Im surprised no one has mentioned Tayrona National Park .. (maybe it was and I missed it)
If I went back, it would definitely be on my list of places to go.

"The Tayrona National Natural Park is a protected area in the Colombian northern Caribbean region and within the jurisdiction of the Department of Magdalena and 34 kilometres from the city of Santa Marta. Wikipedia"

Muahahaha

I never made it to Tayrona but that mud volcano just a few miles outside Cartegena has to be the biggest laugh ever. The mud in the volcano is just a perfect temperature and when you get into the volcano the gasses in the mud won't let you sink. Its kind of like a mini Dead Sea, except you're covered in warm mud. We spent an entire afternoon there drinking beers just floating in the mud, certainly one of the more bizarre experiences I've ever had

L1985

hey guys so I have booked this trip and just an FYI the return date can be pushed back to the 5th of June which will make a big difference!!so excited btw can't wait!!!

mrcheez

L1985 wrote: »

hey guys so I have booked this trip and just an FYI the return date can be pushed back to the 5th of June which will make a big difference!!so excited btw can't wait!!!

Enjoy! How long you going for?

I checked and the Ciudad Perdida hike is really best during the dry season (up until April), but defo check out Cartagena and Tayrona!

And practice the ol' Spanish of course. Buen viaje!

L1985

Gracias ��.will definitely look at those two.tbh I really want to do that hike so I think I'll try anyway and see how I go.sure after the rain that has fallen here....
.I'm going for 12days-so will have to fit in a lot!!!

mrcheez

L1985 wrote: »

Gracias ��.will definitely look at those two.tbh I really want to do that hike so I think I'll try anyway and see how I go.sure after the rain that has fallen here....
.I'm going for 12days-so will have to fit in a lot!!!

The rain might be a bit different in Colombia

Rivers might be near full capacity then, but hey, lots of fun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coaqG7qYeEo

L1985

Sure look I'm used to getting soaked at this stage-today being case in point!wading through warm water will be the novelty!now I have to work out an itinerary and practise my spanish!!

mrcheez

mrcheez wrote: »

The rain might be a bit different in Colombia

Rivers might be near full capacity then, but hey, lots of fun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coaqG7qYeEo

The guide in the video was the same one that I had(Jose) when I did the ciudad perdida tour. Reasonably tough to do it on the 4 day option and I was pretty fit at the time, although it was 100% humidity and pretty hot (you can do it in 5 or 6 days also). I'd still go for 4 though. The 5 or 6 day groups were all old fogies.

mrcheez

glasso wrote: »

The guide in the video was the same one that I had(Jose) when I did the ciudad perdida tour. Reasonably tough to do it on the 4 day option and I was pretty fit at the time, although it was 100% humidity and pretty hot (you can do it in 5 or 6 days also). I'd still go for 4 though. The 5 or 6 day groups were all old fogies.

Did they let you stay up at the Ciudad Perdida overnight or had they implemented the 1-day thing (where you climb the steps in the morning and come back down in the evening)?

I was able to stay up there, but we had the local militia looking after us

Those damned moss-covered steps... had a nasty slip on one of them on the way down and the stories of people breaking their legs didn't inspire confidence! They didn't build them with size 12 feet in mind.

mrcheez

mrcheez wrote: »

Did they let you stay up at the Ciudad Perdida overnight or had they implemented the 1-day thing (where you climb the steps in the morning and come back down in the evening)?

I was able to stay up there, but we had the local militia looking after us

Those damned moss-covered steps... had a nasty slip on one of them on the way down and the stories of people breaking their legs didn't inspire confidence! They didn't build them with size 12 feet in mind.

don't think that you can stay there anymore. up in the morning back in the afternoon. yes - pretty sketchy going down those steps - wouldn't fancy being carted off with broken limbs (or worse) on a mule out of there - who knows how long it would take to get to a road that a car could go drive on.