Cartagena, Colombia 2022

Discovering the Wonders of Cartagena, Colombia

For years, we spent every Thanksgiving working in the restaurant business. While most families gathered around the table, we were serving others. Once life shifted and we were finally able to step away from working the holiday, we knew we wanted to start a new tradition of our own—traveling. Thanksgiving week felt like the perfect time: the kids are off school, season hasn’t fully kicked in yet, and international travel often ends up being cheaper (and less hectic) than staying domestic.

In 2023, we decided to celebrate our first Thanksgiving abroad by heading to Cartagena, Colombia—our very first time in South America. We booked a one-bedroom condo through VRBO, perched in a high-rise right across from the beach. The views were nothing short of breathtaking. Our host, a fellow American, was incredibly helpful—he connected us with a driver for tours like Playa Blanca and shared plenty of restaurant and activity recommendations.

Exploring the walled city was a highlight. It’s a vibrant, bustling hub filled with color, music, and charm. The colonial architecture and rich artwork reflected European influences, yet carried a distinctly Caribbean energy. 

Each restaurant we tried offered not just delicious food, but an atmosphere—many of them opening into beautifully decorated spaces that made dining an experience in itself.

Cartagena was everything we hoped for and more. It sparked our curiosity to see more of South America, and we know it’s a city we’ll return to again someday. For us, it was the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving: celebrating gratitude, family, and the beauty of exploring somewhere new.