I decided to take a five day trip to Panama since it is always listed as a top retirement destination. I did my research on what I wanted to do by checking out the website TripAdvisor. My first day, I booked a tour that included a tour of the Panama Canal and the historic district called Casco Antiguo.

The tour of the Panama Canal was interesting because a ship was passing through so I got a chance to see how the canal works. The canal is really an engineering masterpiece.

The next stop on the tour was Casco Antiguo which in English means Old Town. Casco Antiguo was settled in 1673. The area is currently going through some revitalization. There are many restaurants, night clubs, a couple of hotels and some historic churches. Casco Antiguo is a great place to go for nightlife in Panama City.

The next day, I booked a catamaran tour to Taboga Island. I can’t stress enough if you are traveling alone booking a tour is the best way to meet people. This was my first time ever on a catamaran, it was so much fun and I met some nice people from around the world. The price of the tour included a DJ, food, and alcoholic drinks.

The next day, I went to San Blas Islands. The islands are remote and you have to get there by boat. The islands are run by the indigenous people of Panama. You will need to take your passport because they check and you have to pay an entrance fee to enter the islands. The islands are beautiful and the water is crystal clear.

Now the food! While in Panama City, make sure you go to El Trapiche for some traditional Panamanian food. The food there is cheap and good.

My last stop in Panama City was Ancon Hill. Ancon Hill offers great views of the city and a great form of exercise walking up the hill. I even saw a sloth for the first time.

Overall, Panama is definitely a place you should add on your list of places to visit. The countryside is beautiful with rolling hills and Panama City is a very cosmopolitan city at the same time offers old world charm.