PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

PANAMA, “Heart of the Universe”

 

By Clay Larroy

 

 

People in general consider traveling as their personal interests.  Traveling can quickly become an interest simply because it is such an enjoyable experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of different cultures and people.   There are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

 Port of Call - Colon

The main cruise embarkation port at the north Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, Colon is a sprawling industrial city within close proximity to beautiful jungle landscape and the wonders of the Canal. The most popular

sites in Colon are the nearby Panama Canal itself, including the impressive raising and lowering of ships in the Gatun Locks, and the immense man-made Gatun Lake. Colon is attractive to cruise ships in part because of the
modern Colon 2000 cruise terminal, allowing berths for several large ships and more than 2,500 passengers at once. The terminal is sophisticated and offers a variety of shops and restaurants but is a bit removed from the
center of downtown Colon. Some cruise ships dock at Cristobal Pier which is smaller but offers good craft markets and cultural shows. Cruising to Colon offers travelers the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Panama
that are out of reach of Panama City.

Shopping in Colon

The Colon Free Zone is the world's second largest free trade zone (after Hong Kong). There are a number of shopping malls that vary in selection and price, but consumer electronics, clothing and cosmetics are usually good

buys. You can find local handcrafted items and popular Panama souvenirs such as carved tagua nuts and cocobolo, and woven palm-fiber baskets at local artesian markets.

Best Buy: Duty-free luxury goods

Dining in Colon

Restaurante Arrecifes - great seafood right in the port Grand Cafe - the best Middle Eastern food in Colon Club

Union Arabe - an elegant restaurant with sea views

Best Dish: Seafood soup

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

 

PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

 

By Clay Larroy

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Getting around in Panama City, Panama

Panama City can be difficult to navigate at first. The city has a public bus system, but signage is only in the local language, and although the city is currently upgrading its fleet, the old buses can be crowded and confusing for

newcomers. Taxis are the most common way to get around in Panama City, as an average ride should be under $10 to most parts of the city. Taxis are not metered and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone (although a dispatch fee is often charged). Taxis can also be hired at an hourly or weekly rate, which can be cost-effective for frequent sightseeing and dining trips. Rental cars are available, but the local driving is very aggressive and self-driving can be the source of frustration rather than convenience.

Climate for Panama City

Panama City has a tropical climate, with temperatures staying constant all year round, ranging from 90°F (32°C) during the daytime to 70°F (21°C) in the evening. Humidity is generally high, especially during the rainy season,

which is between May and December. The best time to travel to Panama City is between December and March.

Tipping in Panama

Although a 10 percent service charge is added to most hotel bills, individual staff appreciate a gratuity appropriate to services rendered. Restaurant waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15 percent if a service charge is not included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but fares are often rounded up.

Passport/Visa Note

Travelers to Panama require a passport valid for at least three months after arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and funds of USD 500 per person for the duration of their stay. Visas are generally not required as many nationalities are allowed entry for a maximum of 180 days. Be aware that it can take as long as 30 days to obtain a visa, if it is required. Panamanian entry requirements change frequently so it is wise to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before travelling to Panama. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

        

        

        

 

 

PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

PANAMA, “Heart of the Universe”

By Clay Larroy

 

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Panama City

One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America, Panama's chic capital is a mosaic of color and culture with a thriving commercial and financial sector. Formerly dismissed as a center of drug trade, Panama City has rebuilt its reputation as a fantastic holiday destination with a sense of style drawn from five centuries of history. The city's modern skyline is constantly expanding, adding new skyscrapers to tower over the centuries-old Baroque and Spanish Colonial buildings that populate its older quarter, known as Casco Viejo. The district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, and its mix of architectural styles make a great introduction to the diverse cultural influences of Panama City. There are many beautiful buildings in Panama City, including the cathedral on Plaza de la Catedral, the presidential palace (called Palacio de las Garzasin honor of the herons that nest there), and the Church of San Jose.

Interesting museums like the Interoceanic Canal Museum, the Mi Pueblitos cultural museum, and the Museum of Religious Colonial Art, give visitors insight into the city's fascinating history, while scenic parks are great for

enjoying the perennially beautiful weather. Panama City has a diverse population with a number of American and Asian expat residents, which contributes to a lively nightlife, especially around Calle Uruguay. There are also plenty of good restaurants in Panama City, ranging from Spanish tapas and Italian pastas to local specialties like ceviche(fresh fish marinated in lemon or lime juice) and sancocho(vegetable stew). There are a number of cafes along Via Argentina, and the fish market near the Casco Viejo is the best place to try fresh seafood.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Experience life travel with those you love!

          

 

PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

PANAMA, “Heart of the Universe”

 

 

By Clay Larroy

 

Traveling is the kind of activity, which almost all the people love. For someone it is an opportunity to relax and abstract from everyday busy life. For others it is interesting to observe the way people of other cultures and mentality live. Some people consider it to be the best way to have fun and always try to visit as many clubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes as possible for their wallets and time limits. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Customs in Panama

A midday siesta is practiced in many South American countries, including Panama, due to the heat. Tourists in Panama will find that shops and businesses are often closed during these lunchtime hours and should conduct their daily business either before or after siesta. The penalties for using or dealing drugs in Panama are strict, with possession of even very small quantities punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment.

Duty Free in Panama

The following items may be brought into Panama duty free: 250 cigarettes (10 packs) or 250g of tobacco, five bottles of alcohol, and goods up to the value of PAB 2,000. Fruit, vegetables and animal products are prohibited.

Doing Business in Panama

Business in Panama is formal. Handshakes are appropriate with men on meeting and departing, but not usually with women. Use of titles is very important to Panamanians, as is punctuality. Many Panamanians take an

afternoon siesta, therefore business entertaining often takes place over dinner instead of lunch. Many Panamanian business people prefer to host visitors to dinner at home, where they will be treated as VIPs and given a gift. The appropriate reciprocation is to invite the host to dinner in return. Dress for business is fairly formal despite the climate; men wear lightweight suits and ties and women wear lightweight dresses and suits. Office opening hours vary but generally businesses are open from 8am to 12pm, then 2pm to 5pm or 6pm on weekdays, and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.

Communication in Panama

The international access code for Panama is +507. There are several internet service providers in Panama and internet cafes are widely available in Panama City. Free wifi is available in hotels, restaurants and other

establishments in tourist centered areas. Purchasing a local SIM card is a good alternative to using international roaming, as fees can be high.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Experience life by traveling with friends and family!

        

        

        

 

 

PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

By Clay Larroy

 

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Travel to Panama

Climate in Panama

Panama has a tropical climate, with temperatures staying constant all year round, ranging from averages of around 90°F (32°C) during the daytime to averages of about 70°F (21°C) after the sun sets. Humidity is generally high, especially during the rainy season, which is between mid-March and November. During the wet season rain comes almost daily, usually in the form of heavy but brief afternoon downpours. The best time to travel to Panama is in the dry season between December and mid-March.

Health Notes when travelling to Panama

Malaria is a concern in parts of Panama and travelers are advised to take malaria medication if visiting provinces east of the Panama Canal. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid and travelers should be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from infected areas and are recommended for visits to areas of mainland Panama east of the Canal Zone. Tap water should not be drunk in Panama unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and caution should be exercised with street food. Medical facilities are good in Panama City, but very limited outside of the capital. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended and all required medication should be taken along, in its original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.

Safety Notes when travelling to Panama

Most visits to Panama are trouble-free. Visitors should, however, be aware that there is a risk of street crime in Panama City and it is unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables in public. Visitors should be vigilant using

ATM cash machines in public places and beware of pickpockets and muggers in the main city shopping and tourist areas. There have been incidents of assault involving taxi drivers and armed hold-ups in restaurants. Use only
registered taxi companies and phone for a cab rather than hailing one in the street. Do not allow the taxi to pick up additional passengers and do not share a taxi with unknown passengers. Burglaries have recently been committed by organized gangs who use ruses to gain entry to properties, so be cautious. Travel to Darien province only by air with an organized group to recognized tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian police. Travelers are advised to avoid the border area with Colombia, as this is particularly dangerous. Avoid political demonstrations in Panama City, usually centered on Panama University and the main road known as the Transisthmica.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

 

Travel to experience life with those you love!

        

 

PANAMA, “HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”

By Clay Larroy

 

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Panama

Covering a land-bridge which links North and South America, the Republic of Panama is best known for its 40-mile (65km) shipping canal, which is cut along a gap between mountains, linking the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The country is largely unexplored by tourists; only a few hardy adventurers, researchers, and spirited travelers have had the joy of discovering its amazing diversity of flora and fauna, secluded beaches, tropical beauty and historic treasures. The name Panama means 'abundance of fish and butterflies', in an indigenous language, which gives a good indication of the wild wonders to be found here beyond the fascinating capital,

Panama City.

Panama has a significant history stretching back thousands of years, from its eight indigenous peoples (including the colorful Kunas of the San Blas Islands) to its turbulent colonial occupation. Spanish forts still stand guard on the coastline, overlooking the blue waters once patrolled by famous pirates like Henry Morgan. Despite some cultural interest, however, it is the natural beauty of the isthmus that offers the most for visitors. Around 30 percent of Panama is made up of 15 national parks and forest reserves, and 10 wildlife sanctuaries, like the incredible Parque Nacional Darién, just a short drive from Panama City, which is arguably the most magnificent wilderness area in Central America.

 Archipelagos of about 1,500 offshore islands, their white soft beaches lapped by crystal clear waters, sport virgin rainforest and are an untouched paradise for diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, water sports and sunbathing. Those 'in the know' can be forgiven for keeping the delights of Panama a secret from the flood of modern tourism, because this has preserved the beauty and atmosphere of this overlooked part of the world where the sun nearly always shines and it is possible to swim in two oceans in a single morning.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to experience memories that will last a lifetime!

        

        

 

COSTA RICA, “THE JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA”

By Clay Larroy

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Overview of San Jose Costa Rica

San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, loses many tourists to the beauty of the country's jungles and beaches. But those who venture to the urban heart of Costa Rica will find a lively city of more than 300,000 people that offers the

best selection of shops, restaurants and nightlife in Costa Rica. San Jose is a modern city, but tourists will want to head to pretty areas like Barria Amon and the bustling Mercado Central for a sense of the city's culture and history. A number of museums dedicated to gold mining, pre-Colombian
jade, contemporary art and insects will teach visitors of all ages about Central America, and the large selection of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine will give you the energy to see them all.

Although there are plenty of things to see and do in San Jose, the city's location in the middle of the country makes it ideally situated as a base to explore the natural attractions of central Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park, Fortuna, and the Tilarán mountain range are all within three to four hours' drive of the city. Public transport in Costa Rica also uses San Jose as a hub, making it a convenient stop on any holiday.

Getting around in San Jose Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Driving conditions in Costa Rica are known for being difficult. The road network is under-maintained in places and known to get muddy in the rainy season. Car rentals are, however, available. Mini-van taxis can be arranged through most hotels. Taxi cabs are also readily available; official taxis are red with a sign on the roof and a yellow triangle on the side. Taking unregistered taxis is not advisable. Passengers should ensure that the meter is switched on at the beginning of the journey; if there is no meter, a fare should be negotiated before setting off.

Various bus services run throughout the city, but the system can be confusing for foreigners. Some buses can be booked ahead of time although many operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Buses are the cheapest form of transport in Costa Rica but can be slow and overcrowded. INCOFER, the national railway carrier, runs several railway lines although these are not as extensive or frequently used as other modes of transport. A specialized tourist line runs from San Jose to Cartago.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

 

COSTA RICA, “THE JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA”

By Clay Larroy

 

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Attractions in Northwest Costa Rica

 

Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano National Park is situated in what is known as 'the Energetic Heart of Costa Rica'. At its center is the 5,356 foot (1,633m) Volcán Arenal, a typically cone-shaped volcano despite being highly active, with some huge eruptions and larva flows that killed thousands of people in 1968. Although perpetually active the degree of activity is unpredictable, ranging from rumbling and ground shaking to a smoldering red glow best visible at night.

Sometimes visitors are treated to a fiery display of red-hot rocks being thrown into the air. The park has some good trails that go through forests, passing through the area that was flattened in the 1968 eruption, or across lava fields, but fences are in place to stop people from venturing too far up the dangerous slopes. There is also a good chance of seeing some of the wildlife in the forest. The Visitor Centre has video displays of the volcano's more exciting activity. It is not possible to stay overnight in the park or visit it after dark unless on one of the night tours from Fortuna.

Address: Seven miles (12km) from Fortuna

Fortuna

Fortuna is the nearest village to the spectacular Volcán Arenal. While the volcano is the main reason for visiting the area, there is a lot more on offer. The town has uninterrupted views of the volcano and provides a comfortable but touristy base for visiting the national park and other attractions in the area. There are many tour operators in town offering night trips to see the red-hot volcanic activity from up close. Other tours combine luxurious soak in the hot springs while taking in the astounding show of bright red larva coursing down the slopes. You don't need a guide to enter the park and hike in the area but you must have a guide to visit at night. Trips to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and the Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, are also popular excursions, as is horse riding to the nearby waterfalls (take swim suits for the lovely pools!).

Close to Fortuna is Lake Arenal, a picturesque lake offering watersports, fishing and stunning scenery. There are also some rivers close by: the Pena Blancas River is great for relaxing river cruises, and, for the more adventurous, the Rio Toro river boasts some impressive white water rafting through deep gorges and big rapids (class 3 - 4).

Monteverde

Monteverde is a small community scattered along several kilometers of road that leads to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. It was founded by North American Quakers in 1951, having bought over 1,000 hectares

(2,471 acres) of land for their dairy farming. Today they are an integral part of the Costa Rican society and are known especially for their distinctive cheese that is sold throughout the country. In 1972 about 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) were added to their land, which became the famous cloud forest reserve that has become so popular among visitors today. The village of Santa Elena is the closest settlement to the reserve and has a cloud forest reserve of its own, although much less visited.

Monteverde has a number of other attractions, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Serpentarium, a cheese factory and a number of art galleries. CASEM Handicrafts Cooperative, made up of 140 local artisans, sells handmade

goods and the profits go towards supporting the local community. There is also the Hummingbird Gallery near the entrance to the reserve that has feeders attracting several species of hummingbird, providing some excellent photo opportunities. Several nature and hiking trails allow visitors to amble through coffee and banana plantations or up onto the hilltops for views of the cloud forest. On a clear day, you might get a chance to spy Arenal Volcano, and lots of birds and wildlife.

Liberia

Located 135 miles (220km) northwest of San Jose, Liberia is not so much a tourist destination as a convenient travel hub and gateway to the stunning beaches of Northwest Costa Rica. Liberia is often called 'la ciudad blanca'

(the white city) because of the pale gravel used to make its roads and the prevalence of white colonial buildings. The small city does offer some colonial-era architecture charm in the form of pretty homes and churches, but one of its main attractions is the nearby Rio Negro Hot Spring.

In fact, most of its prime attractions are located just outside of Liberia; it is ideally situated as a base to explore some of the stunning national parks in Costa Rica, including Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Santa Rosa National

Park.

Home to Costa Rica's second largest international airport, many tourists travel through Liberia on their Costa Rica holiday. As it receives so many tourists and is ideally situated for exciting excursions into the Costa Rican

countryside, Liberia is home to many great tour companies who offer a variety of trips and activities for travelers. You could easily spend a whole holiday in Liberia if you use it as a base for day trips out into the surrounding areas.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!

        

        

 

 

COSTA RICA, “THE JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA”

By Clay Larroy

 

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

 

Overview of Northwest Costa Rica

The Northwestern region of Costa Rica is renowned for its dramatic contrast in topography. Mountain ranges, volcanoes, lakes, rivers and fertile plains support numerous varieties of bird and wildlife, and each offers different types of activities. This variety of things to see and do is a big draw for the region and visitors come to hike, kayak, horse ride, fish and climb, among other things. The two Cordilleras, or mountain ranges, are very different from each other. The Cordillera Tilarán has rolling mountains that used to be covered in cloud forests; those remaining are protected reserves of which the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most popular with visitors, offering nature trails, horse riding and canopy tours.

The Cordillera de Guanacaste is a rugged and impressive string of volcanoes, some protected within national parks. Between the ranges are Lake Arenal and the nearby active Arenal Volcano and surrounding hot springs. Further north, in the tropical humidity of the lowland plains, lies the remote wildlife refuge of Caño Negro, a vast wetlands area that is one of the best places in the Americas to see river wildlife, including numerous birds, mammals and reptiles. The fertile plains are dotted with a mixture of agricultural fields, cattle ranches and expanses of protected areas serviced by a maze of streams and rivers

 

Attractions in Northwest Costa Rica

Things to see and do in Northwest Costa Rica revolve mainly around exploring the stunning variety of natural landscapes and a number of world-class wildlife refuges and national parks. The region is scenically spectacular with volcanoes, forests, lakes, rivers and fertile lowlands, interspersed with small villages. Fortuna and Liberia are both good bases from which to explore the numerous attractions of Northwest Costa Rica, and the Monteverde community is an attraction in itself. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most famous attractions of Costa Rica and many visitors travel to the country primarily to experience this magical, misty forest world. The other well-known park in the region is the Arenal Volcano National Park which attracts visitors from all over the globe with its visibly active volcano. In both parks there are a variety of hikes and activities to be enjoyed.

Although these two reserves are deservedly world-renowned, there are many other wildlife refuges and national parks in the Northwest. Santa Rosa National Park is an important sea turtle nesting area and a wonderful place to see Costa Rican animals in their natural habitat. The Bolanos Island National Wildlife Refuge is an island where a variety of seabirds, including pelicans, nest, and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White Cliffs National Wildlife Refuge and Junquillal Bay National Wildlife Refuge are two more popular wilderness areas.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to experience life!