FAQs
Top Questions
1 / How much will this cost?
The total cost of your trip will depend on a few things, which hotel room type you choose, where you're flying from, and what extra activities or excursions you participate in on the free day.
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Here are a few loose estimates to help you plan:
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Lowest possible per person total: $1000 (travel package & extras)
Average per person total: $1600 (travel package & extras)
High per person total: $2500 (travel package & extras) (extremely variable estimate)
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Payment plans are available for the pre-paid packages.
Learn more about the available payment plans here.
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Costs NOT included in pre-paid packages and therefore not eligible for payment plans are listed below:
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Food & Beverages (outside of the Welcome BBQ, Wedding Day, and Farewell Brunch)
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Excursions (not pre-purchased through Olivia)
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Random Shopping
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Baggage Fees
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must be paid directly to the airline at the airport before departure
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Cost Estimate Breakdown:
Room Package: $700-$1100
Air Fare: $800 Round Trip
Baggage Fees: $50
Excursions: $100
Food & Beverages: $150
Shopping: $100
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Please keep in mind the total cost per person will vary depending on how many people will be sharing a room if you're splitting the cost.
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For example, if you're splitting the cost of the King Bed Bay View room room package, your flight is $700 round trip, and you choose not to do an excursion on the free day, your pre-paid package total would come out to roughly $1050. You should then budget $300 to cover baggage fees, shopping, food & beverages. This would bring your total trip budget to $1350. ​
2 / How long is the trip/wedding weekend?
The wedding weekend is scheduled over 4 days with one free day, December 27th, for you to use exploring the city on your terms. Guests are expected to arrive on Thursday, December 26th and depart on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.
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If you'd like a longer vacation reach out to Olivia and she'll help you build and book the trip of your dreams.
3 / Do I need a passport?
Yes, you need a valid passport to travel to Colombia. Please confirm your passport will not expire before 2025.
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If your passport will expire before 2025 you will need to renew it before you can travel.
4 / How do I get a passport?
Check out the "Travel Things" page for complete details on how to get and/or renew a passport.
5 / Do you have any recommendations on booking travel?
We strongly recommend booking a travel consultation through Olivia for the most seamless experience. While some vendors do speak English in Cartagena it is often broken English and this can make booking, coordination, and getting the best rates more difficult as an American.
6 / If I have a special situation or need additional help who do I contact?
Please reach out to Olivia with any special needs and she'll do her best to accommodate your situation. She can be reached at OliviaTheBride@gmail.com or by phone at 925-915-1600.
Travel
1 / How will I get from the airport to the hotel?
If you book a travel consultation with Olivia, you will have access to private airport transportation specifically for wedding guests for both your arrival and departure in and out of Cartagena. Just look for a driver with a sign that reads #LivandCamTakeCartagena and go with him or her. If you have any issues reach out to Olivia on What's App.
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Airport shuttles will be placed on a loop and run every 30 minutes. The shuttle times closest to your arrival will be outlined on the itinerary emailed to you.
2 / How far is the airport from the hotel?
The airport is about a 20 minute drive from the hotel without traffic.
3 / What's the best way to get around Cartagena?
The best way to get around Cartagena is taxi. Taxi's accept local currency and USD. If you pay with USD you will likely be overcharged. We recommend converting your money to COP when you land, or before you travel. Taxi rates are somewhat negotiable. Check with the front desk at the hotel to find out what a reasonable rate for you trip should be.
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Keep in mind most taxi drivers do not speak english.
4 / Is there Uber in Cartagena?
Yes, Uber is in Cartagena, but it's not very reliable. Uber requires wifi or strong cell service to work. If you don't have either you won't be able to use the app. This is important to keep in mind if you don't have an international cell phone plan.
5 / How should I book my travel?
The easiest and best way for you to book your travel is to have Olivia help. She'll work with you to put together a great package to make your trip affordable and fun. She is a travel consultant and licensed travel agent and she'll do everything for you.
Hotel
1 / When and how will I get my hotel confirmation information?
After your hotel room has been paid for in full you will be emailed your hotel confirmation information.
2 / Do I need to bring a credit card since the hotel room is pre-paid?
Yes, you will need to bring a credit card to put on file when you check-in. This credit card will only be charged for incidentals if needed.
3 / What amenities does the hotel have?
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Free Wifi
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Pool
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Spa
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Restaurant
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Fitness Center
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Room Service
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Concierge
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Concierge
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Day Care/Kids Club
4 / Does the hotel have a daycare?
Yes, the hotel offers daycare for infants through middle school aged children.
5 / What time is breakfast?
Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena is included for those who booked their packages through Olivia. Breakfast is served at Kokau Restaurant & Bar from 6:30am-11:00am everyday.
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Brunch will also be provided at the official Farewell Brunch on Sunday, December 29th, from 11:00am-1:00pm at Amacagua.
6 / Does the hotel have a bar?
Yes, the hotel has multiple bars.
7 / What attractions is the hotel close to?
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The hotel is about halfway between the city center/walled city, and Bocagrande. The walled city is about a 10 minute taxi ride and is full of restaurants, shopping, historical sights, and spectacular views.
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Getsemani is about an 8 minute taxi ride from the hotel. It is a historic neighborhood with beautiful afro-latino street art.
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Bocagrande, also a 10 minute taxi ride away, is like the mini Miami. La Playa del Bocagrande, or Bocagrande Beach, is a popular tourist attraction. Here you will see locals and visitor alike playing football, jumping in the waves, and getting massages. Please note this beach can be very busy and you will likely be propositioned for services of various types with extreme frequency. This is not the beach to go to if you want to relax. Also, the sand is not white and the water is not clear.
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El Laguito beach is much more family friendly, has lighter sand, and clearer water. It is about a 12 minute taxi from the hotel.
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For more details on attractions close to the hotel click here.
8 / Does the hotel have US power outlets?
Yes, the power outlets in Cartagena are the same as the power outlets in the US.
9 / How many people can stay in my room?
If your room type sleeps "up to 2," two people may sleep in your room. If your room type sleeps "up to 4," four people may sleep in your room. In some cases we can add an additional person for $50USD per night. If you would like to add an additional person please reach out to Olivia.
10 / Can I change rooms after I've paid?
Yes, but it can get complicated.
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​Changing Room Types:
Changing room types will be subject to availability. If you are looking to upgrade your room type you will need notify Olivia so that she can create a new package for you, then pay the additional amount owed. If you are looking to downgrade your room type we will do our best to refund you for the difference, if possible, in accordance with availability, and the refund/cancellation policy at the hotel.
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Changing Room Occupants:
Email Olivia and she will do her best to accommodate requests like this if possible.
11 / Is there a grocery store or market near the hotel?
Yes, Supermercado y Drogeria Olimpica is walking distance from the Hotel. It's like a Walmart and has food, medicines, and other household items. There is also a shopping mall, Plaza Bocagrande Centro Comercial, walking distance from the hotel. Addresses are listed below.
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Supermercado y Drogeria Olimpica
Cra. 2 #63-37
Cartagena de Indias
Provencia de Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
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Plaza Bocagrande Centro Comercial
Cra. 1 #12-118
Cartagena de Indias
Provencia de Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Cartagena
1 / How do I get around if I don't speak Spanish?
If you don't speak Spanish in Cartagena you will be okay. When in doubt use your phone to translate, or find someone who speaks English and Spanish to help you. Most vendors understand basic English words like "taxi," "pay," "coffee," etc.
2 / What are some good free things to do?
A great free activity in Cartagena is to explore "La Ciudad Murallada" also known as "The Walled City," or explore the Getsemani neighborhood. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch street performances, window shop, eat, or you can even take a free tour!
3 / What are some good restaurants?
Check out this blog for restaurant recommendations.
4 / Do they speak English in Cartagena?
Yes, some people in Cartagena speak English but many do not. Most people that speak English in Cartagena do not speak fluent English.
5 / What's the weather like in Cartagena?
Cartagena has tropical weather that tend to stay around the mid to high 80s. It can be mildly humid and windy at times.
6 / What is there to do when there isn't a wedding event going on?
When there isn't a wedding event going on you can explore the city, hang out in your room, take a dip in the pool, try some of Cartagena's finest restaurants and bars, and much more! The limits are set by your imagination! (Well, mostly.)
7 / Do I need to bring cash?
Since you are paying for your trip in advance you should not need much cash. If you want to shop with local vendors you will need to bring cash, and then convert it to COP at the airport currency exchange.
8 / Do they accept US Dollars?
They do accept US currency, however, if you pay using US dollar bills you will likely end up being overcharged.
9 / What's the local currency and the exchange rate?
The local currency is the colombian peso (COP). At this moment, 1 COP = 0.00023 USD.
10 / Are there ATMs available?
Yes, ATMs are available in the city but you must use an ATM from a bank. You can insert your american debit card and withdraw COP.
12 / Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes! On Friday, December 27th there are no wedding events scheduled for wedding guests not in the bridal party and therefore you have the day to with what you wish!
11 / Are there bugs in Cartagena?
Yes, Cartagena has the same bugs the US has.
11 / What type of shoes should I bring?
If you're planning to explore the city or do a tour bring some good walking shoes. For all other wedding related events plan to bring the shoes that work well with your outfit.
11 / Can I drink/brush my teeth the tap water?
No, do not drink the tap water or brush your teeth with it. It is considered potable in some areas, however, the standards may not be the same as in the US so you run the risk of dealing with stomach issues. I recommend using bottled water for brushing your teeth and drinking.
Health & Safety
1 / What should I do if I get sick?
Response coming soon.
2 / Are there any dangerous areas I should avoid?
Cartagena is generally pretty safe. All the dangerous areas in Colombia are hours away in the mountains.
3 / Where is the nearest pharmacy if I need medication?
Response coming soon.
4 / How do the hospitals work if I need urgent care?
Response coming soon.
Wedding Events
1 / What happens if I show up late?
If you show up late you will be escorted to seating on the balcony level for the ceremony. If you miss the ceremony entirely feel free to jump into the festivities wherever we are in the program.
2 / Will food and drinks be free?
All food and drinks are included in your package price with the exception of food and beverage purchases on the free day, Friday, December 27th.
3 / Is there an open bar?
Yes, there will be an open bar at the welcome bbq and the wedding reception. At the farewell brunch we will have bottomless mimosas, coffee, tea, water, and juices.
4 / Will there be an after party after the wedding?
Chiva buses, the Colombian version of a party bus, will be provided as transportation from the reception back to the hotel after the reception ends. If you want to keep the party going you will have the option of staying on the bus and ending your evening at a local night club.
5 / Do I need to bring a gift?
Your presence is present enough for us, however, if you feel inclined to give above and beyond attending our wedding, we will happily accept! Our "honey fund" will be available for gifts and linked on the home page. We also accept CashApp to $BankofOlivia and Zelle.
6 / What do I wear?
The dress code for the weekend's events is as follows:
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Welcome BBQ: Resort Cocktail/Evening Wear
Wedding & Reception: Black Tie
Free Day: Casual
Farewell Brunch: Resort Casual
7 / Can I bring my kids?
The only children allowed at official wedding events are children in the wedding. If you choose to bring children with you to Cartagena you will be responsible for obtaining childcare while you're enjoying the festivities.
8 / What food options will be available?
At the welcome bbq you can expect Colombian bbq foods. On the wedding day we will have a cocktail hour with h'ors de oeuvres and drinks. During the wedding reception we will have an open bar, buffet with fish, chicken, and beef options along with plenty of vegetables, sides, and surprises. At the farewell brunch we will serve American brunch items, mimosas, coffee, tea, and juices. Full menus will be available on this website mid to late 2024.
Payments
1 / Why are payments non-refundable?
We cannot guarantee refunds if you decide not to attend the wedding because of the nature of our contracts with vendors. However we will do our best to accommodate refunds where possible.
2 / Can I pay you with CashApp or Zelle instead?
Yes, please reach out to Olivia at 925-915-1600 for details.
3 / When are payments due?
Room payments are due by August 16th, 2024. If you are unable to make your payment by then please contact Olivia at 925-915-1600 and let her know. Further payment plan options will be available through Klarna.
4 / What do I have to pay for?
You are only paying for your hotel room through Olivia. Your hotel room comes with breakfast included every day and the couple will be paying for transportation from the airport to the hotel on arrival day in addition to food and beverages at all wedding associated events.
Cancellation
1 / How do I cancel my RSVP?
To cancel your RSVP please call or text Olivia at 925-915-1600.
2 / Will I get a refund if I cancel my RSVP?
You are welcome to cancel your RSVP at any time, however we cannot guarantee any refunds. Olivia will work to refund you any and all monies possible, however she is limited by the terms set forth in the vendor contracts. These terms will vary vendor to vendor.
3 / Will I be able to watch the ceremony virtually if I can no longer attend in person?
We will not be live streaming the ceremony or any parts of the festivities. If you are unable to make the events in person we invite you to check the website a few weeks later for hight reels and the full video.
Invitations
1 / Can I add a plus one after the RSVP deadline?
Yes, you are welcome to add a plus one up until 6 months prior to December 26th, 2024 if we have space. Please call or text Olivia at 925-915-1600 to confirm we have the space to accommodate your guest.
2 / Can I share the invitation with someone I know who knows the couple and would like to come?
No, please do not share the invitation without confirming with either Olivia or Cameron first. We are only able to accommodate a limited number of guest and must remain strict about the guest list.
3 / Why do I have to RSVP so early?
We want to make attending the wedding as easy as possible for all guests. The more time you have to plan, and the more time we have to plan, the lower the stress level for everyone.