When planning your next big vacation you may be tempted to look at countries such as France or Italy. South America may not be the first area of the world that comes to mind. There are many places to visit in South America. Some of them are not as dangerous as the media might let on. Make no mistake, there are some pretty scary and shady places but you would be surprised at some of the more common and much traveled safe areas there are to visit in South America.

Cali, Colombia is quickly becoming a tourist destination. Many people think that in a place like Cali, a place known for drugs, kidnapping and other crimes that you would have to be very careful where you go and who you talk to. During my recent travel to Cali, I found that you have to be no more careful there than you do in say, New York City.

Speaking of language, the Colombian people are very proud of their culture and they will go out of their way for Americans and help us communicate. I even learned a few phrases myself that I am sure I will not soon forget. While visiting, my friends and I treated ourselves to a "Party Bus", an open-air bus that drives slowly around the city playing salsa music while patrons dance and share their favorite beverages. The music is loud and the locals and other tourists smile and wave as you pass them. It's a great night out, but remember if you go, take someone who can speak the language that you trust so that you will be able to communicate with the driver and also feel secure.

The streets of Cali are lined with quaint little shops and bakeries. Here you will find the best of everything, and something for everyone on your list. We came across some incredible Italian restaurants, Chinese restaurants and corner grocery stores but NO STARBUCKS. In Cali, it's JUAN VALDEZ. There are also incredible malls where the food courts are open air and several levels of shopping. Be careful getting to these malls, the traffic in Cali is probably more dangerous than the actual danger that we are all warned about.

Do not expect, however, to spend little in Cali. The country's economy is on the rise and prices there, when you calculate it, are pretty much the same as here. Sure you can find some good deals, especially if you go to the "craft mall" as we called it, behind the fountains. Here you will find many little "huts" that the locals use to sell hand made items such as sandals. This is also the least expensive place to purchase real Colombian coffee. So go to Cali, Colombia. Enjoy the culture and have a great time!