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8 Reasons You Should Visit Panama For a Tropical Vacation Would you like to go to a destination where you can just relax and feel amazing? Imagine a place where you had such a great time that even once you leave, you still travel back there in your mind. Welcome to Panama! Come and take a look with us at why Panama is loved so much and what makes it one of the best Caribbean and Central American destinations for a tropical vacation. Peace and serenity In our busy daily lives, tranquility and peace are generally not common factors. Even when we stop working our mind still rushes through a hundred and one things that stop us from truly resting. However, the serenity and relaxing ambiance of Panama is contagious. When you are surrounded by palm trees, tropical jungles, and the soothing sounds of the Caribbean ocean, you cannot help but let your anxieties melt away as you breathe a deep sigh of relief. Sit back and relax in your hammock by a Panamanian beach Instead of your usual concerns, you will instead be asking yourself tough questions like “What cocktail do I fancy?” “What time should I go for a swim?” and “Should I get up for breakfast, or just sleep in?” Natural Beauty Something that strongly connects to the peaceful atmosphere of Panama is the wildlife and natural charms that abound. As you are encircled by swaying palm trees, brightly colored birds, and a thousand shades of green, you will likely find yourself wanting to explore more and more secret spots. With such a vibrant tropical vacation, traveling to Panama is very different from spending the weekend in one of your local hotels. This exotic getaway to Panama is a vacation that you will forever remember. Gorgeous sands One of the top reasons tourists go to destinations along the coast of Central America or the Caribbean is for the stunning golden and white sands. Panama is no exception. With many incredible beaches both on the mainland and the nearby islands, this is somewhere you can lay back and soak up some sun with complete satisfaction. Check out the Beaches on the tropical islands of San Blas And, for an even more private experience on the beach, there are two things you can do. Go to the beach during the week. All the local Panamanian people generally only travel to the beach on the weekends. Explore. There are many untouched beaches in Panama but they are often unmapped and slightly more tricky to get to. However, if you are feeling adventurous, there are some absolutely unbelievable spots where you can get an entire beach just to yourself. Crystal clear waters We cannot mention the beach without mentioning the water. Not only is the water warm and ideal for swimming in but it is very clean looking and beautiful. This is even more true when you swim in the waters of Bocas Del Toro, Isla Contadora, Isla Iguana, or really any of the Panamanian islands. In these locations the crystal clear waters allow you to see all sorts of corals, fish, and more. Try it out for yourself and take a dip into the sensational azure waters of Panama. Go snorkeling in Panama and start seeing all kinds of ocean life. Constant warmth Snowbirds love Panama. This is because, whilst Canada, the UK, or the US may have a snowy winter or cold to freezing temperatures, Panama never really gets cold. It does have a hot and rainy season, but during both of these periods, the weather keeps warm and even if it rains, the sun will likely come out as soon as it stops. There are some cooler areas in the more mountainous regions but even then Panama's version of cold is about 20.8°C (69.4°F), This makes Panama travel an easy choice for vacationers because no matter when you decide to escape to Central America, Panama will always welcome you with consistently warm weather and sunshine. Local flavors Whilst Panama does have many local delicacies and things for you to try, the two most important things for you to taste in Panama are the coffee and the wide range of fresh tropical fruits, most of which come from the province of Chiriqui. Caribbean Coffee The coffee is locally grown and exported to other countries around the world. Whilst some of this may be extremely pricey elsewhere, at its source, it is reasonably priced and extremely lovely to try. There are of course different varieties and one of the most expensive coffee brands in the world made its home here in Panama. Try some Panamanian coffee and let us know what you think. There is also a youtube lifestyle series that shows you the experiences of an American couple who started their own coffee plantation in the countryside of Panama. I highly recommend it. The youtube channel is called “The Nomadic Movement”. The tropical fruit Whilst many western countries may have imported varieties of bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and more, the reality is that these fruits taste nothing like the real thing. With fresh produce being sold throughout the country, you can easily buy fresh fruit on a daily basis at great prices. The locals also make a lot of smoothies and fruit drinks with this fresh produce which makes for some of the most refreshing and delicious tastes of the tropics that you will ever try. Stacks and trucks of Pineapples and other tropical fruit are common in Panama. Friendly people The people of Panama are generally very friendly and helpful. Often when you ask for directions, instead of telling you, many locals are happy to go and show you the way. They are also great conversationalists. If you have time to sit and talk, random strangers, are very content to talk with you about almost anything. This accepting culture is very welcoming and warm and becomes even more so the further into the countryside you travel. Up high in the mountains, if you stumble by a farmer's house, they will likely invite you in for a coffee and sometimes even a meal. Luxury hotels and resorts Lastly, in addition to all the other reasons to visit Panama, there is a wide array of luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Being in the tropical setting of Panama already puts them as some of the best high-end accommodations around. However, there is an added benefit of visiting these places that other countries do not all offer. What's that? The pricing. Since Panama is not as well developed in the tourism industry, you can expect to be able to enjoy a bit of luxury at only a fraction of the price that it might cost you in some other Caribbean destinations. Are you ready to travel to Panama? Now that you know some of the top reasons to visit Panama you may consider checking out the flights and booking yourself a tropical vacation in this Central American destination. If you are still not sure, then don't worry, we have lots more information about Panama to come!

Costa Rica has been a popular tourist destination for US and Canadian citizens for years. However, now Panama is becoming more popular for travelers looking for that Latin Caribbean experience. So how do the two countries compare? Which one makes for the better vacation? Where should you book your next flight to? Let's take a look! Costa Rica travel guide Since Cost Rica really got its tourism going strong much before Panama, let us start there. Having visited the country numerous times and taken many vacations in Costa Rica, I can tell you what I found on the west, east, and south sides as well as the capital of the country in San Jose. Overall, it is a gorgeous jungle and mountain-filled country that has westernized its culture hugely to adapt to the influx of American tourists. However, this is only true in tourist-saturated areas. When it comes to home comforts with tropical styles, Costa Rica does very well for tourism. They know that they need to cater to the incoming travelers and have made many businesses and restaurants etc that cater solely to Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. Thus it can be said that Costa Rica probably has more in the way of manufactured tourism when it comes to restaurants, activities, tours, etc for foreign visitors. Costa Rica has a bigger tourism industry than Panama One of the best things about Costa Rican vacations is the beachfront surfing spots. With heavy paradise-style beach vibes, here you will find some incredible waves to ride if that is something you enjoy. For a surfing vacation, I recommend the South Pacific waters of Dominical, or alternatively for a more relaxing vacation in a small town take a look at Puerto Viejo. Panama travel guide Panama recognizes the huge potential for tourism but rarely takes advantage of tourist and traveler opportunities. Even in the more heavy tourist areas like Casco Viejo, Taboga Island, Contadora, El Valle, Coronado, San Blas Islands, etc, the businesses cater to tourists but not specifically to those that come from outside the country. This does mean that you may not have quite such a westernized experience in these places but you will get a much more authentic vacation in a much more cultural setting with some of the safest travel in Central America. The other side to this coin however is that though Costa Rica is much more pricey and expensive to stay in, Panama has a lot more wealth within the country. This has resulted in beautiful built-up gated communities, better roads, more infrastructure, many high-end all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and more. It also means that Panama City is so modernized and wealthy that it has become somewhat similar to Miami from its visuals and is a very surprising site in a country that very much resembles Costa Rica in its landscape and towns. This makes a strong comparison to the more third-world appearance of Costa Rica's Capital. Panama is Central Americas mini Miami Should you visit Panama or Costa Rica for your vacation? Your choice for the ultimate tropical destination in the Caribbean really depends on what kind of vacation you wish to enjoy. If you desire things to do and activities to keep you busy 24/7 then Costa Rica has a much stronger tourist economy that has been running for a lot longer. In this environment, you are more likely to meet other tourists and share your vacation with like-minded snowbirds though you will have to pay a lot more for it. On the other hand, want to immerse yourself in the culture of the Caribbean and enjoy some peaceful relaxation on a Panama beach, in an all-inclusive resort, or in the luxury of Panama City at half the price using US dollars, then Panama may be the best vacation choice for you. Personally, I have enjoyed my vacations in both countries. However, the high cost of living and the amount I had to pay on a daily basis in Costa Rica made me prefer Panama. It does not have as many tourist activities and things to do as Costa Rica, but what it lacks in range, it makes up by being cost-effective which in the long run allows you to do much more on your vacation and indulge in a much more luxurious lifestyle and vacation experience than you would elsewhere. Sailing a yacht in San Blas, Panama With more bang for your buck in Panama, you can do almost anything you want without breaking the bank like you would in Costa Rica. If money is not an issue, however, then I would recommend visiting them both and letting me know what you think of each in the comments. May you have a great vacation in Panama or Costa Rica!

Panama is a gorgeous country to visit and one of the best places for US and Canadian ex-pats to retire to. But as it is technically classed as a third-world country you may be wondering if it is safe to travel to. This guide will answer all your questions and walk you through the overall safety of Panama so you can know how comfortable you are going to feel traveling in Panama. Where to go for Panama travel information whether you come from the US, Canada, Europe, or somewhere else, there are some official websites that host regularly updated travel information so that you can keep up to date with all the safety warnings and safety measures of Panama. Here are a few you should check out. The US Embassy of Panama UK government website for Panama travel Canada's official website for traveling to Panama Department of foreign affairs within Panama These sites cover all the basic information regarding traveling safe, security measures you should take, and other concerns that you may have. They also mention some info regarding vaccines in Panama etc but if you want more detailed health information then you should visit the following sites. CDC for Panama MINSA (Spanish only) The CDC is good for a lot of info but the truth is that the most updated and current info is always on Panama's official Ministry of Health website (MINSA) though they unfortunately never translate anything into English so you may have to request a friend to help you out. The truth about Panama safety Some people have had good experiences in Panama and others have had bad. However, as far as countries come, Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America and a comfortable destination for tourists to visit without worrying about their personal security. Every country has some amount of crime and of course just like you would back home, you should take sensible precautions and avoid specific areas. But you do not have to be watching your back 24/7 like you might have to in some other countries. I personally have lived in multiple parts of this country for over 8 years and have never been put in harm's way or suffered as a victim of circumstance despite my obvious appearance as a tourist. Whilst no country can promise perfect safety, I can comfortably say that Panama is one of the safer options for tourists and ex-pats alike. How to increase your safety in Panama Many people would have you believe that increasing your protection in Panama is about having security cameras, a bigger car, guard dogs, and high fences. To some extent, this does provide greater protection but truthfully it also makes it look like you have money to protect. Whilst it is good to have a door that locks securely wherever you are staying if you go overboard on security measures you may just make yourself a target in Panama. The best way to stay safe in Panama is actually to integrate yourself into the culture and into the community. This involves speaking with the people you meet in Spanish, wearing similar clothing to the locals, eating traditional food, and taking public modes of transportation. Public transportation in Panama Note: avoid taking the "piratas" which are personal vehicles that do not have a taxi license. Many locals take this form of transport but it presents the same risks as hitchhiking. This quite honestly is not the most favorable way of living for many tourists and expats but if you want the real authentic experience of Panama then it is the best and safest way to really see what the country is all about. Security services in Panama Part of what makes Panama relatively safe is its high-security measures and slightly over-the-top security personnel. Since Panama does not have an army, the police train like the military in the jungle and serve to protect with full force. This means that is common to see armed police walking around with machine guns and other heavy artillery. It is also noteworthy that there are an absolute ton of police officers around and even more in areas that cater to Panama tourism. Then also, in all the big superstores you will find armed guards carrying shotguns, automatic rifles, or handguns. Though they are also usually very friendly guys who are happy to assist and help. Panamanian security guards keep you safe It is also important to know that Panama is not a place to do anything even remotely illegal. Drug crimes are met with up to 3 years in prison before you even get a trial and theft in Panama can be met with termination. The police of Panama as well as the security guards really do not mess around with crime. The punishment is quick and severe but if you are the law-abiding citizen that I know you are, then this will serve as a benefit and protection for you. Panama police stations are located throughout the country and each has its own telephone number to call. There is a website for the Panamanian police however it is only in Spanish. Therefore if you have an emergency and need to call the cops, your best option is to call the emergency line "104" Stay safe and enjoy your trip to Panama We hope that this guide has helped you get a good idea of how safe Panama actually is, what the security services are like, and how to avoid making yourself a target. Though basic safety measures should be observed no matter where you are, you don't have to freak out about safety all the time whilst in Panama. Instead, you can sit back, relax and enjoy traveling to one of the safest countries in all of Central America for tourists and travelers alike.

"Panama? where on earth is that? Isn't that down in South America somewhere amongst the other 3rd world countries" ...Well, actually no. Panama is the budding center of Central America, most famously recognized for its Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This is a vibrant and growing country that borders Columbia and Costa Rica. Whilst there is dense jungle obstructing access to Columbia creating a sort of cutoff point, Costa Rica is easy enough to visit from Panama and holds many similarities in its appearance and culture. But why should you care about Panama? What makes it such a hot top for travel, real estate, ex-pats, and businesses? Let's find out! Why people want to travel to Panama Generally, people who visit Panama can be broken down into X categories. Let us examine these now. 1. Vacations in Panama The top reason to visit Panama is tourism. With vacations that cost just a fraction of what they would cost in some other countries and a tropical paradise atmosphere with pristine beaches and beautiful oceans, Panama makes for an incredible vacation destination. Panama has gorgeous islands and beaches Whether you want to stay in an all-inclusive resort in Panama, a boutique hotel, or s private villa by the beach Panama vacations have everything that you could want for a Caribbean getaway. 2. Business in Panama As a tax-free haven and one of the few Latin American countries to have a bustling metropolis that could rival Miami, Panama is an obvious choice for business centers and headquarters. Many larger companies who used to outsource to Mexico or Columbia have moved their business to Panama because it has more professional surroundings, better benefits for the company, and a more centralized location. In Panama City, you will also notice how heavily businesses rely on the use of English making it easy to find English-speaking employees. Setting up companies here is also relatively easy and can be done by both small-scale and large-scale companies alike. Panama City 3. Moving to Panama Whilst Mexico has remained at the top of the charts for US ex-pats, Panama is the jewel of the Caribbean that people are only starting to notice. As the safest country in Central America, it lends itself to ex-pats and families alike who want to live life in the lap of the tropics. It also has living costs that are much lower than what you would find in the states or Canada meaning that if you are retired or work from home, you can get a much more luxurious style of living in Panama with your money than you would back home. 4. Property in Panama Many people come to Panama just to invest in the real estate Market. With properties that are being sold for as low as 40k in residential areas and land that is almost being given away free in some areas, the real estate market continues to prosper and flourish in Panama. Many wish to purchase close to Panama City due to higher short-term ROI however, if you are looking at long-term investments in Panama, you can find much more remote locations for much less that will likely be worth a lot more much later down the line. When to travel to Panama Most countries have a high and low season for business, travel, real estate, etc however Panama is actually quite steady all year round. Therefore, the only variance you really need to take into account is the weather. There is a great deal of debate regarding which season is best in Panama but there are only two options to choose from. The rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season The rainy period of Panama also known as the wet season has colossal downpours and thunderstorms that accurately depict why they call it a “RAINforest” and keep the country green and lush and exceptionally beautiful. The rainy season makes everything green This time of the year runs from April to December and will have impressive cloudy days that look like the end of the world followed by a torrential downpour and then lovely sunshine. Some say that this time of the year is cooler but others complain that it is more humid because of the rain. The dry season Despite this country being warm all year round this dry season is also referred to as the hot season. It called also be likened to a drought. It doesnt rain throughout this time of year and the sun seems to only get hotter, drying out the gorgeous green scenery until the grass dries up and turns a golden yellow. This heat is intense and can become unbearable from about 1 pm-4 pm during the day so you should seek some shade. The dry season of panama makes everything hot and barren looking Overall both seasons have their pros and cons but my recommendation would be to come at the end of the rainy season because then you can avoid the rain and get a bit more sun but still enjoy the gorgeous greens that result from the rainy season and whatever your reason for coming, may you have a great trip to Panama!