Thread: going to Panama in Jan and want to know the ropes

Hey

I am very new to this site and would like to know do and dont's in Panama. I am going there in Jan and I would like to know a good hotel to stay at..A friend of mine told me the Towel Hotel was good but not sure. I am single and want to have fun when I am out there...not sure if the Tower will let you bring a lady to your room or if you have to pay more. Not even sure what is a good hotel to stay at. My spanish is not good and honestly I am thinking about going to Panama by myself since my friends keep changing their minds.

any info will be appreciated..Just trying to have some fun while I am out there any maybe check out a soccer game or 2.

thanks

Originally Posted by bbwoy

Hey, I am very new to this site and would like to know do and don'ts in Panama.

Good, poke around, read the threads and get a good guidebook and you'll have fun.

Originally Posted by bbwoy

I am going there in Jan and I would like to know a good hotel to stay at..A friend of mine told me the Towel Hotel was good but not sure. I am single and want to have fun when I am out there...not sure if the Tower will let you bring a lady to your room or if you have to pay more.

Well, unless you plan on paying by the hour, or stay in a hostel, I really doubt that any normal hotel will care who you bring to your room. Unless you want her staying with you...a single reservation in a double room is business as usual.

Originally Posted by bbwoy

Not even sure what is a good hotel to stay at. My Spanish is not good and honestly I am thinking about going to Panama by myself since my friends keep changing their minds.

Any info will be appreciated..Just trying to have some fun while I am out there any maybe check out a soccer game or 2.
Thanks

As previously mentioned, a good guidebook will be a handy reference when you don't have a computer handy. There are lots of hotels in all price ranges, in all parts of the city; read the site, plan an itinerary and buy your tickets. Panama is not exactly the home of world-class soccer, but you should be able to find a local match or two, at last resort, do what everyone else does: pile into a bar and watch a big screen match while drinking seco...

Cheers.

Hey there bbwoy, I will be down there in Jan as well for good. Feel free to contact me through this forum. This will be my fourth time in Panama, I have a fairly good grasp on how things work, where to go have fun, what kind of fun you can have, how to bribe the police, etc. See you in Panama.

WHAT TO TAKE
Most parts of Panama are hot and humid year-round. Bring lots of thin cotton or breathable, moisture-wicking synthetic clothing. Be sure your travel wardrobe is not all shorts and skimpy tops, though; dress in Panama is conservative. Bring at least one semiformal outfit for restaurants, bars, or clubs in the cities.
Life is easier for those who travel light, especially if travel plans call for domestic flights, where there’s a severe weight restriction on luggage. Launderettes aren’t hard to come by once clean clothes are exhausted. But consider bringing a bunch of T-shirts, as many people on the move are more comfortable if they can change their sweaty tops two or even three times a day.
Those planning to do much hiking should bring along a waterproof anorak or rain poncho, preferably of breathable fabric. Bring lots of plastic bags for stashing gear to protect it from the elements. Consider taking along a small umbrella for use in town, or just do what the locals do—wait for the rain to stop.
It can cool off significantly in some regions of Panama, and air-conditioning can raise goose bumps in the lowland cities. Even parts of the Darién can get fairly chilly at night, and temperatures in the western highlands sometimes approach freezing. Bring some warm clothes. A light sweater or fleece along with a waterproof windbreaker or parka is a useful combination. If you think you’ll spend much time island-hopping, consider bringing a life jacket. These are often not standard equipment.
Consider bringing along a bedroll or light sleeping bag even if you’re not planning on doing serious camping. It can come in handy if you have to spend a night in a place without decent linens. And don’t forget the binoculars.