Exploring on Your Own

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There are lots of ways to explore.  Taking a tour can be a lot of fun, especially if you are interested in history or little known facts.  Shore excursions during ports of call on a cruise can bring a new level of appreciation for the area.  But sometimes it is nice to strike out on your own.  Check out photo's from our trip to Santa Marta that we did on our own.  One very easy and cost effective way to explore on your own is to hire a cab for the day.

 

Hiring a cab for the day can be a fantastic experience.  Cab drivers in tourist locations are can be very excited to show off where they live.  Not every cab driver is willing to do it, so don’t be surprised if you have to ask a couple of drivers before you find one.  Here are a few things you can do to make the experience even more enjoyable.

 

• Negotiate for a day rate rather than letting the meter just run.  Include a return time.  This is very important if you have to meet a ship or another tour or dinner companions.
• Make sure the cab driver is clear on what sites you want to see.
• Make certain the driver speaks well enough that you can understand.
• Make sure the cab has air conditioning.  In hot climates it is easy to assume that they have air conditioning.  It is never safe to assume.
• Write down the agreed upon price and whether it is per person or for the group, show it to the driver, and make certain you are both in agreement.
• Sometimes the drivers know great not-so-well-known places.  Ask!  They are usually thrilled to show you more of their city that most tourists don’t even know about.

 

Once you have returned to your drop off location and if the driver has done a great job, don’t forget to tip.  It is always an effective way to express your appreciation for their hard work.