So, anyone been to Panama recently? I'm 3 for 6 on travel

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I can't tell if Panama not quite ready for prime time, if it is too crime-y, or just not worth it.

In the past year, I have had to cancel 3 trips. The COVID restrictions made Bonaire an unworkable risk. My Dubrovnik trip was undone by my son's random whacky seizure a few days before (but I shall never ever complain since all is miraculously well).

Then, there is this Christmas. I never dreamed there'd be an issue since we are all vaxxed,and by the time we leave, prob even the kids will have boosters. However, Austria just announced a lockdown in some areas, vaxxed or not. Everything will be closed. O M G

This trip has been starcrossed. First booked for xmas 2020. Rebooked this past June. Munich, Kitzbuhel, Vienna, Prague, Krakow. My Vienna Air bnb randomly cancelled, twice. Never had that before. Lufthansa unilaterally cancelled our flight to Munich and neglected to tell me. Can you imagine? I fixed that problem a few weeks ago. Now, I don't trust them not to cancel again, since the whole area is a mess and that will impact demand even if Germany does not lock down per se. Luckily, today was the last day I could cancel the alpine ski portion of our trip, so I did. The other properties have very late cancellation terms.

OTOH, we did take advantage of no one needing to be anywhere and manage to go on 3 trips last year, too. St John, Belize, SMdA.

My whole holiday plans are predicated on small gifts and a tree at ThxG, then the travel was our present --- from Mid Dec until early Jan, so holidays abroad. It was a particular desire of my DH who believes our kids will not be travelling with us much longer (we should be so lucky; I've seen no such dimunition in interest!).

When I surprised the family with SMdA, one of the guesses was Panama. Everyone was interested. None of us have been. Ya' got an old city, the canal, rainforest and beaches. Direct flight. Some very nice hotels. I worry that the NYT has not really written Panama up; that is my litmus test for a worthwhile trip. Any input?

Featured Answer

jojoco

2 years ago

Jojo was working. First night of A longwood christmas”. pic for your enjoyment:

We went to Columbia 4 years ago. Loved everything but the traffic. people LOVE Cartagena and Medellin. It’s the new in place in South America we wanted to go but too many flights for our short visit

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Comments (36)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!
2 years ago
Mtn, I have no insight into Panama. Were I to travel outside the US this winter I would have medical care first and foremost in my mind. If one of your family memebrs were to become ill with Covid, how would you feel about receiving medical care in Panama? Because my understanding is, you might have a very hard time getting back to the US with a positive Covid test.
deegw
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I have no Panama info but we have fairly cautious friends who are currently in the Azores. I can't remember if you have traveled there recently.
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SEA SEA
2 years ago
I have a cousin-inlaw who just had a fun-filled vaca in Panama. They enjoy it so much they almost moved the family there several years ago. The caveat here is that her dh is a Panamanian-US citizen. He has family who lives there, so they stay with his family afaik. I've not been, and have had similar worries or concerns as those expressed. However, when I've gingerly touched the subject with ever so polite convo that might lessen those concerns from my uninformed perspective, I get looks like 'whatever are you talking about?'. The most I could get was, you wouldn't immerse yourself in the dangerous parts of Los Angeles, now would you? Same for Panama--apparently.

Personlly, I don't think I would go, but that's just me. I don't think I'd care for the weather for one and since I wouldn't know the ins and outs of where to stay away from, I could easily end up in an area or situation that locals would not find themselves in.

The other advantages they have that I do not is that they are fluent in the language. I'm not. The H was in law enforcement in Panama and also in US. This may or may not matter, but I tend to think it's an advantage which people like us don't have.

Seems like you might prefer to go out and about and do things. I do like the sound of the Azores as deegw mentioned.

Maybe Peru? Machu Pichu is amazing, expecially with a guided tour if you haven't already. Dd did this a couple years ago. She enjoyed all the international visitors she met there. They have the coast too with vaca rental homes on the beach if the you like sort of thing. You could hire a driver in Peru to take you around to touristy sites for activities, so getting lost is not an issue. Dd also took a train to Ecuador from Peru. She met up with a distant relative who raises show horses there and he took her to the ruins and historical sites which she enjoyed very much. She didn't sit down, but for planes and trains for 6 weeks while there.
llitm
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The Azores and Madeira have done well pandemic-wise from what I understand. We were in Madeira a few months before the lockdown and have been to the Azores a couple of times. We lived in Panama many years ago, have visited in the past few years and will be there in a couple of months for a short stay on our way to Roatan and Brazil (if all goes as planned). All of these locales are a 180 from central Europe. The Azores and Madeira are not built up at all. It's all about enjoying the outdoors. Panama is a beautiful country but, as you know, you'd see your share of poverty. The weather would be lovely. A resort vacay there could be nice.
eld6161
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I used an agency called Anywhere Costa Rica for all of our Costa Rica trips. They have morphed into Anywhere.com and include Panama as one of their destinations.

I know you plan your own trips, but I thought you can get a good idea of itinerary from their website.

Not sure how things work now, but in the past you could use where needed, like booking private side trips or transportation.

At one point we considered Panama. It seemed similar to Costa Rica.
llitm
2 years ago
What about Hawaii? It never gets old and is always special, IMO. Canary Islands? Haven't been there so can't weigh in but I understand United now flies there. Been to the Galapagos? That could be a fun family trip. No idea how Covid is doing in any of these locales.
OllieJane
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I just refuse to go anywhere that has strict Covid rules, I wouldn't want to waste my money or time until things are better there. It is hard to enjoy, IMO. I think coming from our home state, where things are normal, then to go somewhere else with strict rules is not a vacation. Even going to Cabo last month, was kind of weird for me. I haven't paid attention to flying and canceled flights in the last couple of weeks? I'm sure if you already live in a state where you do have strict rules, it's no big deal.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
You guys are amaz-ing.

I was just going to bed (late) when I saw the headline about Austria last night, and was up a few hours more trying to research.

Your input here is simply invaluable, and far exceeds what I could learn from Googling!

Eld, thank you so much! I do usually plan my own trips but am almost ready to cave! I also do like to steal ideas from experts in an area. Very helpful to know you have had a good experience with them.

Dee, Whatsay,and Sea Sea, The Azores would be interesting but we have never discussed it whereas I happen to know everyone's interest in Panama.

Whatsay, Thanks for posting, it is helpful to have your input! I expect it to be like other spots we have seen in Central America. Yes, i realize this is a totally different trip from a Tyrolean ski Christmas! But I know from experience, even with COVID (perhaps esp w COVID), no way in heck are we going to find a substitute ski vacation, or even a beach vacation, over the holidays, on Nov 19. Those spots are booked 6mos to a year in advance, and that was true even in 2020. SO our only choice will have to be something out of the box.

SeaSea, Thanks for posting, it is helpful to hear about people who have enjoyed it. I don't generally worry about crime too much, as I think with care you can usually avoid it, but the travel warnings I saw sounded like whole swathes of the beach areas are taken over by drug trafficking. I think weather wise, it is prime season. I do love MP but we have been there.

Zalco ,None of us have any health issues, we are all double vaxxed, and before we leave we will all probably have boosters. I feel the likelihood of our contracting or spreading the virus are very very small, and the likelihood of requiring hospitalization for COVID even smaller. It is a judgment call for sure, but it is a risk I'd be comfortable taking.

Where's Jojo; wasn't she in Cartagena? I am thinking of Christmas in Cartagena (just for the alliteration) and NY Eve in Panama ( a 1hr flight).
daisychain Zn3b
2 years ago
I don't have personal experience, but two separate youtube vloggers I follow are based in Panama. Their experiences put it on our travel list (pre-covid) along with Columbia. However, the places in Panama we really wanted to explore (based on the vlogs) were more out of the way and would take more travel time than we were wanting. For what it's worth, both vlogs have left me with a positive feeling for Panama.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked daisychain Zn3b
hcbm
2 years ago
You said, "I worry that the NYT has not really written Panama up; that is my litmus test for a worthwhile trip." What makes it worthwhile? Do you like to lay on the beach in luxury or is seeing historic sites more important?

Panama is fairly safe unlike most of Central America. I haven't been there in years, but it has a long history with the United States and the influence has assisted in keeping out a large portion of the drug trade. Panama is also very warm and humid. On the other hand, Peru can be dangerous. The drug trade is active and poverty is high. Probably no more dangerous than most of SA.

Ecuador is my favorite place to visit and I have visited many times. However, I have not gone since Covid hit. If you visit any of these countries Yes, there are places you need to avoid, but it is unlikely you would accidentally walk into any of those areas. Just like NYC, most places are perfectly safe, just watch your bag, and be careful on crowded public transport and you should be fine.

As far as I know, currently, most SA countries are requiring masks everywhere in public, including just walking down the street. Galápagos is 100% vaccinated and is only allowing vaccinated visitors. I would consider that as a destination if you are willing to take small planes or boats from island to island. (I personally never like cruises.) It is quite remarkable. In my many travels, I have never gone to the coast but I believe that Salinas is much like Miami.

You can always hire a private guide/driver who takes you everywhere. It is not unreasonably priced if you consider how much you pay just to rent a car.
SEA SEA
2 years ago
I just had to ship an item I sold to Puerto Rico, which reminded me of a woman I used to know who would go there once every year for vacation. She liked it that much. She would tell me I didn't know what I was missing. This was pre-hurricane though. I've not been, but maybe she was onto something?
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, Daisy. My flights are booked for now, just trying to puzzle out the rest.

What makes it worthwhile?

Any number of things. We have been all over and we have taken all different kinds of vacations. IME, and this is just a quick rule of thumb, if the NY Times has not written up a travel destination, it is either not safe, lacks infrastructure for quality hotels/dining or is just not worth the trip. There are many places around the world that are not really compelling vacation spots, but almost every place has a tourism board, LOL. I've oft complained that no one writes a tourism article that concludes "don't bother," but that would be very helpful! We are fortunate to have already been to Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

I am not a worry wart in any sense but this what concerned me, below. The source is the state dept and the date is 2 months ago. I am used to avoiding parts of cities. But I think this is where some of the best snorkelling is, and it is essentially saying do not go to the beach in this stretch! Trying to find out if this leaves any worthwhile snorkelling ; it does rule out a luxury resort or 2

Parts of the "Mosquito Gulf" – Do Not Travel

The “Mosquito Gulf” is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along part of the north (Caribbean) coast.

Do not travel within 10 miles of the coastline, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illicit activities occur in this area.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Seasea, I've looked at PR and sad to say seems it is still a mess. I learned that with a vacation to N Captiva years ago. I saw 10yr old piles of debris there!
hcbm
2 years ago
PR is very much a mess. I could not recommend going to visit in the near future. It is very sad. Some of the best diving/snorkeling beaches are mere tiny strips of sand with no room for even a chair at high tide. Electric shortages are common and safety is a concern on the roads. I have close friends who live there in a very upscale area of San Juan. They will only go to close restaurants etc. after dark.

If the State Dept. has warnings to avoid the areas you want to visit I would not visit Panama right now. Is a Canadian ski trip possible or even of interest?
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
We have done Mt. Tremblant, which I liked very much but not sure Id want to go back; moreover holiday ski trips have to be booked 6-12 months in advance IME.
localeater
2 years ago
I havent been to Panama in years, but I was there for 30 days once supporting a bank client in a conversion. I loved it. And, I have coworkers who still go back every so often and always love their experience.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked localeater
gsciencechick
2 years ago
How was Belize? That is somewhere we can fly nonstop from here. It’s also on good spots to retire lists.

We were in the NC mountains last weekend at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino for a concert. Barely a mask in sight. I do Covid testing on campus.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Interesting. I was just looking at hotels. I looked at the top 5 in Panama City, where we would at least expect to spend a few days. The reviews ---for every single one of these luxury hotels were AWFUL. I mean gross. Dirty, poor service, no hot water, noise. They are all also suspiciously cheap. What can I conclude about a location that has not one nice, not to mention luxury, hotel? Geez I am being foiled at every turn.

I have a feeling that these hotels did not have the funds to sustain them during COVID and are now a disaster!

Cartagena is looking nice tho! Maybe we would just do a day trip to see the canal!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Gscience, We liked Belize. We were on Ambergris Cay, very nice snorkelling. But most of the Cay is dumpy IMHO. Mediocre restaurant scene. We were at a rainforest resort, Blancaneaux, that was very nice.

The problem with "great places to retire" is you can never tell if that means cheap or nice. Hopefully a bit of both but that's not been my experience!
llitm
2 years ago
"But most of the Cay is dumpy IMHO. Mediocre restaurant scene."

That was our experience, too I didn't even find the snorkeling to be all that amazing. We won't return.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
TBH, Whatsay, the only *amazing* snorkelling i have seen is the Great Barrier Reef and Borneo. When we took the boat out to Hol Chan, we thought the snorkelling was pretty good, for the Caribbean, but nothing like the far flung corners.
llitm
2 years ago
The Atlantic side of Panama used to have incredible snorkeling but no longer. I regret that we didn't make time for the GBR but this snorkeling trip absolutely took my breath away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9TMZ-Hdpg
Lyban zone 4
2 years ago
Skiing at Whistler/blackcomb over the christmas holidays would be nice and I believe still easy to get good lodging.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Lyban zone 4
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Lyban, We have skiied Whistler before (we almost never go anywhere twice) and, it is totally booked. I looked because, with Americans unable to travel to Canada until recently, I thought it was possible that people had not snapped it up yet. Nope. Really, any traditional place people spend the holidays will be booked.

Jojoco, beautiful! Thank you for chiming in (and so late!). We are leaning toward Colombia with a side trip to Panama. DH a little worried about unrest, but if you look at the state dept warnings, heck they still don't want you to go to France bec of terrorism risk....
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Good news. I booked our trip. Panama, Cartagena and Medellin. I'm excited. Some really gorgeous boutique hotels. It should be interesting! A mix of beautiful architecture, rainforest, coffee plantations, vibrant hipster cities, beaches, muggings, kidnappings, and oh well!

Bad news. I could not get all the hotels I wanted unless we left after Christmas. So now I have to do the whole Christmas shebang and I have zero gift ideas and cripes the whole idea was no gifts!
sas95
2 years ago
I am very curious about the Colombia trip. I have been taking online Spanish classes with several people who live in Medellin and have definitely made "friends" there. Would love to visit, so I can't wait to hear about your experience.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked sas95
gsciencechick
2 years ago
Yay! Unfortunately DH is super busy over the holidays at year-end so no travel for us. I would love to go somewhere warm.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked gsciencechick
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
SAS- how cool! I will surely report back.

And if anyone has any ideas/suggestions on Panama, Cartagena, and Medellin, I'm all ears. Hotels are all set but the rest is a blank slate.
jojoco
2 years ago
I just sent an email to you with a list of things to do in Caragena. Here is the travel agent we used in Columbia for our side trips. She was amazing (and fluent in English.) Her name is Monique and here is her email:

Monique Albrecht Gaviria (taylormade@andestours.com.co
texanjana
2 years ago
I’m late to the party, but several of our travel agents rank Colombia as one of their favorite countries. I have not personally been. I will chime back in with some of their suggestions-one just returned and said you can eat at Michelin-starred restaurants very inexpensively.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
You guys are truly the best, thank you so much Jojo and Jana!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Quick question, Jojo (yes me again). Are you sure the email is correct, can't get it to work.

Also, which of the hotels did you stay at? Our Cartagena reservation is at a wildly expensive hotel but the ones you emailed me look very nice so worth investigating for sure. I have to say that so far I have not really seen bargains, which surprises me.
jojoco
2 years ago
Mtn, check your email 😊
mtnrdredux_gw thanked jojoco
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Great, I was able to reach her. I usually do my own thing, but in this area of the world I'd like to make sure that we are using people who are vetted when we go on day trips and such, and so I am very grateful for your help.

Thx for recommending Medellin, too. I have heard more about Cartagena than Medellin, but I have been researching and Medellin looks wonderful, plus has some great day trips to Jardin and Guatape. Look at these photos!

Jardin- cute little city and a cable car through the coffee and banana plantations
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Guatape-

Funky staircase to the top of "the rock"