Why You Shouldn’t Skip Cali

By Linda Hoang (IG: @travel.linda), Solo Female Digital Nomad & Travel Designer 

“Cali isn’t safe! You shouldn’t go there.”

I was warned by numerous Colombians during my first visit to the country in 2021. Despite wanting to experience the “Capital of Salsa”, I skipped Cali.

Four years later, curiosity overruled fear and I finally went. Quickly, Cali became one of my favorite cities in Colombia.

As soon as I arrived, my guesthouse owner named Jorge, enthusiastically welcomed me with a smile and walked me around the neighborhood. I instantly fell for San Antonio’s charming colonial cobblestone streets, stained-glass windows, and vibrant street art.

One rainy afternoon, a Colombian stranger noticed me walking completely drenched, and stopped midbite into his arepa just to offer me his umbrella. I accepted reluctantly thinking ‘stranger danger’. After I reached my destination, I gratefully handed back his umbrella, he simply smiled, nodded and continued his day. Such a simple gesture left such a lasting impression.

Every Friday night, La Calle del Sabor (Salsa Street) comes alive with over 7,000 people dancing Caleña-style salsa to live music. Strangers cheered me on, excited to see a foreigner like me know a bit of salsa, and my nerves melted into the melodies.

On my final night, this confidence helped me into Cali’s most famous salsa clubs, La Topa Tolondra, despite having no one else to go with. Within minutes, I was having the time of my life salsa dancing with a local. Even two girls from Cali noticed me standing by myself and kindly invited me to join them. It turns out I wasn’t alone after all. 

These moments of kindness made me realize this isn’t the Cali I was warned about. 

This trip taught me that the best moments often wait just beyond the edge of fear. So take the first step outside your comfort zone, dance with strangers, and wander off the beaten path. What you discover might change the way you see the world.

If you ever need a little extra courage to take that leap, I’m here to help you prepare for your next journey. You can always reach me at linda@globaltravelmoments.com.