Cartagena has a reputation as a luxury destination, but it is also possible to enjoy it with a moderate budget if you plan well. The key is to decide what it is worth to spend more (as the location of the accommodation) and in what you can to save money without sacrificing the experience, as the transportation or the kind of meal. This guide brings together practical ideas to make your trip go further while still enjoying the best of the city.
Choose well where you’re staying
The accommodation tends to be the game’s largest travel budget, so think about it carefully. Not always the lowest-priced room in a hotel is the best option if it means sacrificing location: stay away from the beach or the historic center can end up costing more in transportation and time lost. An intermediate alternative is to choose a single room within a hotel well located, instead of searching for accommodation is cheaper in remote areas.
In Hotel Regatta Cartagena, for example, the Standard room offers the basic amenities (air conditioning, WiFi, smart TV, safety deposit box and a private bathroom) with a view of the city, and is in the same location in Bocagrande that the rooms of higher categories. It is a way of keep you close to the beach and the rest of the attractions without paying for views of the sea if your budget is tighter.
Take advantage of the breakfast is included
A benefit that helps directly to the budget is to choose accommodation where breakfast is included in the rate. This eliminates one meal a day of budget meals and allows you to start the day without spending a restaurant apart. If in addition the hotel has a pool or deck, you can take advantage of those facilities in the hours of the day in that you don’t have plans payments, which reduces the need to spend on extra entertainment.
How to save on transportation within the city
Transportation is another area where you can save quite a bit if you know in advance how to get around in the city. Cartagena has several transport options, with different prices, from taxis and applications to walking routes in areas such as the historic centre or Bocagrande, where many attractions are within walking distance.
Before your trip, it is worth reviewing this guide on how to move in Cartagena, which explains the price differences between the main options of transportation and when best to use each one.
Eat like a local for spending less
Street food and small restaurants outside the tourist areas tend to offer considerably lower prices than the beach restaurants or hotel, without sacrificing quality. Dishes such as arepas egg, breaded or natural juices are affordable options for the day, while booking one or two dinners to more elaborate allows you to enjoy a budget controlled without sacrificing taste local cuisine at any time of the trip.
If you are travelling in a group or family, another way to save on food is to share great dishes instead of ordering one per person, something common in many restaurants in the city. It also helps to alternate between meals outside and some day that you take advantage of the breakfast included in your hotel as the main meal before going out to explore, thereby reducing the number of meals paid out during the trip.
Activities are free or low cost
Not everything in Cartagena required to pay for an excursion. Walk the ramparts of the walled city, through the streets of the historical center, to see the sunset from the beach or just spending time in the swimming pool of the hotel are activities with no additional cost, which form a central part of the experience in the city. Reserves the budget of excursions pay (as outputs in boat) to one or two specific days, instead of trying to make an activity paid for each day of the trip.
Traveling in the low season if your date is flexible
If your travel date is flexible, traveling outside of the high season (December to April and easter), that usually means accommodation rates lower and less crowding at major attractions. This not only helps the budget accommodation but also to enjoy the more quiet places as the historic centre or the beaches of Bocagrande.
Quick tips to travel with a tight budget
- Choose a hotel located before one cheaper but far from the beach or the historic centre.
- Take advantage of the breakfast included in your rate to reduce daily expenses of food.
- Booking tours pay only for one or two days, and used the rest of the time in free activities.
- Compare prices of transport before you move, instead of taking the first available option.
- If your date is flexible, consider travelling outside of peak season to get the best rates.
- Travel with the suitcase well organized to avoid last-minute shopping by forgetfulness, they tend to leave more expensive, close to tourist areas.
Is breakfast included in the hotel fee?
Yes. All rates of Hotel Regatta Cartagena include continental breakfast for the guests, which helps to reduce the daily expenditure on food.
What is the cancellation policy if my budget changes?
Cancellations must be made a minimum of 5 days prior to the date of arrival to avoid additional charges, so it is advisable to confirm your dates before booking.
Is it worth it to book in advance to save?
Booking in advance is usually to help get a better rate, especially if your trip falls in the high season. To confirm the booking we require payment for the first night, and the rest were canceled at the time of check-in.
Plan your trip economic Cartagena
If you’re planning a trip with budget controlled, to choose your accommodation is the first step. Contact us to learn about rates and availability, plan your stay in Bocagrande without busting your budget.
