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Passport and Visa Requirement
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
If you are a citizen from any other country we suggest you check the Visa website to see if a visa is needed.
Currency & Credit Card Payments
Euro is the currency in Spain. There's no limit to the amount of cash you can bring with you to Spain. However, you'll need to make a declaration at customs if you're traveling with more than €10,000 cash, including traveler's checks). Your bank will sell you euros at a competitive rate, though you'll pay a commission fee.
Language
The Netherlands (Holland) - Speaking the Language. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which is spoken by nearly everyone in the Netherlands – approximately 90% of the population.
The Netherlands is Top English-Speaking Country. The Dutch have overtaken Sweden as the most proficient English speakers in the world outside the Anglosphere.
Water
99.5% of the public tap water in Spain is considered potable (safe to drink) according to Ministerio de Sanidad that is responsible for the quality of the water. ... The analysis showed that drinking water had improved since the last report by OCU on drinking water in 2006.
Time
Central European Summer Time is the Time zone in Spain, (GMT+2).
Spain has two time zones and observes daylight saving time. Spain mainly uses Central European Time (GMT+01:00) and Central European Summer Time (GMT+02:00) in Peninsular Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and plazas de soberanía.
Electric Plugs
For Spain there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
If you are traveling from the USA or Canada you will need a voltage converter, not just an adaptor.
Type C
Also known as the Europlug, this plug has two round pins that are 4–4.8 mm wide and spaced 19 mm apart. Type C plugs fit into sockets that conform to these dimensions, as well as Type E, F, J, K, or N sockets. 
Type F
Also known as the Schuko plug, this plug has two round pins that are 4.8 mm in diameter and spaced 19 mm apart. Type F plugs also have two earth clips on the side.
You can purchase one on Amazon here - Travel Converter
Weather
Spain has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. Here you can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. It is no surprise, then, that this is one of the warmest parts of Europe. ... Winters are mild and in summer temperatures rarely exceed 25ºC.
Spain, one of the warmest countries in Europe: Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate, with dry summers, and pretty constant temperatures during the winter. ... In the higher areas of the country, the climate gets rougher, and snow is frequent from the beginning of winter to the end of spring.
January is the coldest month in Madrid and most of Spain, so make sure to pack extra layers if you visit then versus in December or February.
Spanish winters are generally cold and dry, but milder than in neighboring European countries. Spain in the spring and fall is generally temperate and ranges from warm to cool, though at times summer and winter can encroach upon the other seasons, turning four seasons into what may sometimes feel like two.
What to Pack for Your Spain Vacation
Clothes. Pack lots of casual, lightweight clothes plus a few cardigans and a jacket. In the summer, the temperature in most of Spain is scorching hot and dry during the day then breezy and slightly cool at night. Given that, you will want to pack mostly shorts, summer dresses, skirts, tank tops, and short-sleeve tops. Cropped, loose trousers, lightweight denim, and a skirt will work for the bottom selections, with a handful of shirts to mix and match in light breathable fabrics like cotton and linen (you should have some casual choices mixed with ones that can be dressed up)
What should I wear in Spain?
* Men can wear shorts and T shirts at the beach, with flip flops, if they want to
* Women can wear shorts and T shirts also at the beach
* If one goes for lunch or dinner at a fancy restaurant, the men should wear shirts or polo shirts and long pants
* Women can wear fancy casuals.
Important Local Customs
The culture of Spain is based on a variety of historical influences, primarily based on pre-Roman Celtic and Iberian culture. Other ancient peoples such as Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Greeks also had some influence.
SPAIN: Fiestas and Traditions. Best known among Spain's folkloristic traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. You will find bullfights indeed throughout the country, the most popular event perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta.
* Double cheek kissing. In Spain, people greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on each cheek.
* Coffee. Spain has a strong coffee culture, and it is not uncommon to drink four or five cups of coffee a day at all hours of the day
* Beer and wine
* Bar litter
* Late lunches and dinners
* Nightlife
* Siesta
* Personal space.
Mobile Phones
Movistar is the most popular mobile operator in Spain, although in 2017 Vodafone ranked as providing the best 4G/LTE coverage servicing 96.5% of the country. Orange's networks cover 91.7% of the country while Movistar and Yoigo cover 89%.
The best SIM Card in Spain for your trip is Orange Tu Mundo Prepaid SIM Card. Cost: €23. Pros: The number one option for Cheapos. Great coverage.
Movistar Prepaid SIM Card. Cost: €19. Pros: Wide coverage in Spain. ...
Lycamobile SIM Card. Cost: Bundles start at €5. Pros: Affordable for international calls and data.
Internet Service
You will need a landline installed in order to use the internet at home. However, there are some Spanish internet and telecoms providers, such as Orange, that offer 4G coverage at home. This enables you to connect to the internet without a landline at speeds of up to 300Mb. The cost is around €40 a month.
The most common speed in Spain is 10 Mbit/s as it is the default offer from Movistar, the main broadband supplier in the country.
Free WiFi in Spain can be a solution to remain connected, as it is obviously free. Public WiFi in Spain are accessible only in main cities like Madrid or Barcelona. WiFi cafes are easier to find although not all coffee shops provide WiFi. However, more and more cafes in Spain are equipped with WiFi nowadays.
Shopping
Dirt cheap to buy in Spain, as are olives. You can buy extra virgin olive oil, which is the best to buy, at any Spanish supermarket for a much lower price than you can buy in the US. You can purchase some in a plastic bottle or in a tin, so keep this in mind when you need to pack it.
Portal del Angel is your spot for cheap shopping in Barcelona. ... You'll find all the deals at major clothes shopping chains like Pull and Bear, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Springfield, Benetton, H&M, Bershka, Mango, and more. It's also a cool place to find local shoe shops, mobile phone retailers, and even the Disney Store.
Great Souvenirs to Buy in Spain
Here are the things you can only buy in Spain.
1. Flamenco guitars. The Conde family are master guitar craftsmen who have been creating instruments for over a century in Spain
2. Caganers
3. Wineskin
4. Blue wine
5. Flamenco clothing
6. Jamón
7. Abanicos
8. Bullfighting poster.
Local Foods
Spain's most common food is the tortilla de patata, or potato omelet, according to Fodor's. Other gastronomical delicacies include seafood paella, chorizo sausage, gazpacho soup and tapas. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, typically consisting of a soup or salad course followed by a main entree and a small dessert.
Paella Valenciana. Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused. Authentic paella originates from the region around Valencia, and comes in two varieties: Paella Valenciana, with rabbit and chicken; and seafood paella.
Common Spanish dishes:
These 8 dishes -- from seafood and meat to rice and pastries -- are essential meals when you travel to Spain.
1. Paella Valenciana. Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused
2. Patatas bravas
3. Gazpacho
4. Pimientos de Padron
5. Fideuà
6. Jamón
7. Tortilla
8. Churros
Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!
Passport and Visa Requirement
The Netherlands is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
If you are a citizen from any other country we suggest you check the Visa website to see if a visa is needed.
Currency & Credit Card Payments
The Netherlands is one of 19 countries in the European Union that's adopted the euro as its official currency.
Major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations.
Language
The Netherlands (Holland) - Speaking the Language. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which is spoken by nearly everyone in the Netherlands – approximately 90% of the population.
The Netherlands is Top English-Speaking Country. The Dutch have overtaken Sweden as the most proficient English speakers in the world outside the Anglosphere.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink. The Netherlands (and especially Amsterdam which has the best water in the country) has the safest and cleanest tap water in Europe.
Time
The Netherlands Time zone is in the Central European Time Zone, (GMT+2). Central European Standard Time ( CET ) is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+1 ). Netherlands is 6 hours ahead of New York, NY, USA.
Electric Plugs
The Netherlands (Holland) uses two types of electrical plugs: Type C and Type F:
Type C
Also known as the Europlug, this plug has two round pins that are 4–4.8 mm wide and spaced 19 mm apart. Type C plugs fit into sockets that conform to these dimensions, as well as Type E, F, J, K, or N sockets.
Type F
Also known as the Schuko plug, this plug has two round pins that are 4.8 mm in diameter and spaced 19 mm apart. Type F plugs also have two earth clips on the side.
The Netherlands' standard voltage is 230 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. Some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
If you're traveling to the Netherlands, you can bring a European adapter from home or buy one at Schiphol. You may also need a voltage converter if your equipment doesn't run on 220 volts.
You can check the label on your devices to see if they can be used in every country in the world. If the label states "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz", you can use the device in the Netherlands with a power plug adapter.
You can purchase one on Amazon here - Travel Converter
Weather
The Netherlands enjoys a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate. This type of climate generally features mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation, such as rain, is common throughout the year, which means there is no dry season.
What to Pack for Your The Netherlands Vacation
My Complete The Netherlands Packing Checklist
What to wear in the Netherlands in summer
Important Local Customs
Meeting and Greeting
* The common greeting in the Netherlands is a handshake along with a nod of the head. This form of address is usually short.
* Among friends and family, it is common to greet one another by kissing on alternating cheeks three times.
* Take both your hands out of your pockets if you shake someone’s hand. It is rude to leave the left hand in your pocket while you shake with the right.
* The use of given names is usually reserved for close friends and relatives. One exception is among the youth, who will address each other by their given names.
* The most common way to address someone is with their first name, though sometimes people will address the older generation with their title followed by their last name.
* Common questions that accompany greetings are “Hoe gaat het?’’ (How are you?) or “Alles goed?” (Is everything alright?). These questions are usually only asked if the person genuinely wishes to know the answer.
Shopping
Great Souvenirs to Buy in Netherlands
* Tulips is a souvenir in Holland that is a must to buy! I mean, you simply cannot think of Holland without thinking of the beautiful tulips fields. All around the country you can buy tulip souvenirs. Tulip bulbs are a favorite souvenir, but also tulip seeds and different kinds of souvenirs with tulips painted on them
* The Netherlands (or Holland) may be a small country, but it's packed with world famous icons. Discover our bulb fields, windmills, cheese markets, wooden shoes, canals of Amsterdam, masterpieces of Old Masters, Delft Blue earthenware, innovative water-management and millions of bicycles.
Local Foods
Delicious & Famous Dutch Food
1. Haring 'Hollandse Nieuwe' Haring or 'Hollandse Nieuwe' (Dutch new herring) is probably the most famous Dutch food.
2. Stroopwafel.
3. Kroket.
4. Patat.
5. Poffertjes.
6. Bitterballen.
7. Drop.
8. Kaas.
Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!
Passport and Visa Requirement
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to the United Kingdom for a stay up to 6 months. A valid U.S. Passport is required.
If you are a citizen from any other country we suggest you check the Visa website to see if a visa is needed.
Currency & Credit Card Payments
Not all merchants accept credit cards in Europe so you will want to have some cash. In London the currency is in Pounds (£), in Amsterdam and Paris, it will be Euros (€). Bring a small amount of cash, around 50 or 100 pounds' worth, ideally purchased before your departure to London, since airport exchange rates are notoriously bad. You will, however, get a better exchange rate if you withdraw money from an ATM using a debit card.
You can exchange US Dollars at banks and exchange offices, but most if not all banks will be closed on weekends and holidays. It's easiest and usually cheapest to just use your ATM card at automated machines. Check with your bank first to see what kind of fees (if any) you will incur and ask for ways to avoid them (like using an affiliated bank's machine). Also be sure to let your bank know that you will be traveling abroad.
Language
It is Received Pronunciation, or RP, also sometimes called BBC English, or Queen's English, and it is the Standard British accent. ... The first is the cockney accent, which originated in East London, a predominantly working class area – but in fact it is widely spoken all over London and the south east of England.
Water
The short answer is yes—all mains tap water in the UK and Ireland is safe. This will come as a relief to those traveling on a budget, since bottled water is charged at a premium, especially in London. Filling up your water bottle from the tap is an easy way to cut costs.
Time
Time zone in London, UK is (GMT+1). London, UK is 5 hours ahead of New York, NY, USA.
Electric Plugs
In London the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
You can purchase one on Amazon here - Travel Converter
Weather
Modern London has the equable climate of South East England, with mild winters and temperate summers. The average daytime air temperature is 52 °F (11 °C), with 42 °F (5.5 °C) in January and 65 °F (18 °C) in July. Statistics show that the sun shines, however briefly, on five days out of six.
What to Pack for Your London Vacation
London Packing Checklist
Clothing
Shirts / t-shirts
Sweater / fleece for layering
Jeans / Pants
Underwear / socks
Shoes (bring a pair that is versatile so you can travel with just one or at most two pairs)
Swimwear (if needed, such as hotel has pool for instance)
More formal wear (if needed, such as planned fine dining or theatre experience)
Clothes (Cold Weather additional items)
Warm winter Coat
Gloves
Hat
Scarf
Additional Sweaters/ Fleece
Clothing (Warm Weather additional items)
Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops
Spring/Summer skirts/dresses
Capris / Shorts
Light jacket / sweater
Sandals
Sunglasses / hat
Reusable water bottle
Toiletries
Toothpaste / toothbrush
Deodorant/Fragrance
Moisturiser
Chapstick
Makeup
Sunscreen
Medications
Hygiene Products
Other __________________
Photography Gear
Camera
Tripod / selfie-stick
Memory cards
Spare batteries
Camera accessories
Electronics
Smartphone
Headphones
Travel adaptor
Extension lead
Laptop / tablet / e-reader
Cables
Other __________________
Luggage
Checked bag
Carry-on bag
Miscellaneous
Passport
Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
Travel towel (backpackers only)
Jewelery / watch
Travel journal / reading materials
Cards / games
Travel umbrella or poncho
Other ___________________
Important Local Customs
British people will shake hands on greeting old friends or acquaintances; female friends may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. In Britain, you can never say please, thank you, or sorry too often; to thank your host, a phone call or thank-you card does nicely
Shopping
Great Souvenirs to Buy in London
1. Tea - The English love their tea and there is nothing better than Tea to buy from London. Whittard and Twinings and Fortnum & Mason are two of the best brands. The best part is it’s easy to pack and carry.
2. An Oyster Card - An Oyster Card is quirky and exciting at the same time. It’s a great souvenir as they are only made in London and are being used more widely as time passes.
3. A Hat From Lock & Co. - This one is the oldest hat shop in the world and yes, history is involved. It is believed that Mad Hatter’s character was inspired by Lock & Co’s manager!
4. Harry Potter Merchandise - Potter fans, rejoice! If you wish to be taken through barriers to Hogwarts Express then head to the 9 3/4 and pick up Potter Merchandise.
5. London Gin - Well, if you are then here is a fact Londoners love their gin and there’s no better souvenir you would get.
6. Perfumes & Colognes - If you want to have the most exotic London shopping experience then take home perfumes and colognes as souvenirs.
7. Paddington Bear - If you are looking for cute gifts as take home from your London shopping experience then Paddington Bear is what you should get! The tales of Paddington Bear are iconic.
8. Teapot And Cups - As we said already, English love their tea and so do they love their cutlery, especially their teapot and cups and that is why you should get teapot and cups from London!
9. Art And Craft - This may not be the usual stuff but it is worth it! You can pick up an artwork while you are indulged in London shopping and admire it when you get back.
10. A House Of Commons Notebook - The Houses of Parliament shop sells items with the Government stamp!! If that’s not exciting, we don’t know what is and a super cool souvenir to take back from London.
Local Foods
The 10 Must Try Foods in London
1. English Breakfast
2. Fish & Chips
3. Pies
4. Sunday Roast
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
6. Roast Duck
7. Afternoon Tea
8. Gin & Tonic
9. Craft Beer
10. Vegan Cake
Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!
Passport and Visa Requirement
Poland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Poland for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay in Poland. You need to show sufficient funds and a return airline ticket
If you are a citizen from any other country we suggest you check the Visa website to see if a visa is needed.
Currency & Credit Card Payments
The Polish Zloty is the currency of Poland. Unfortunately, in most places, it is not possible to pay with Euro or US Dollars. Only some hotels and shopping malls might accept such currencies. For most visitors bringing cash in a major currency like EUR, USD or GBP and exchanging it at a "kantor" money changer is the best way to deal with money for their trip to Poland, usually much better than exchanging in their home countries and mostly better than using ATMs.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Poland, especially around tourist attractions. The most commonly used cards are Europay International, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. If you have a card from a less popular vendor, find out if they can be used in Poland before you go
Language
The official language of Poland, Polish is a Slavic language. Along with Czech and Slovak, it is a member of the West Slavic language group. Behind Russian, Polish is the second most commonly spoken of the Slavic languages
Its principal and official language is Polish. More than 38 million people speak Polish as a first language in Poland, which represents 97% of the population. Polish is considered a West Slavic language and belongs to the Indo-European language family.
Water
Polish tap water is officially regarded as safe for drinking, but as you will hardly ever see locals drinking from the tap, it's a good idea to follow suit and buy your water bottled – unless your living arrangements include a water filter. Most people boil ordinary tap water for tea and coffee.
Time
Poland is in the Central European Time Zone . Central European Standard Time ( CET ) is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+1 ). Poland is 6 hours ahead of New York, NY, USA
Electric PlugsFor Poland there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. Poland 
operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You need a voltage converter in Poland, when living in the United States of America! ... Also the frequency in Poland (50 Hz) differs from the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz). You should use a voltage converter which also changes the frequency, but these are hard to find.
You can purchase one on Amazon here - Travel Converter
Weather
Poland sees an average daily temperature of 19°C (around 65°F), warm and pleasant to get outside and enjoy the warmer days, seeing the sights of the city. The highs for the month reach all the way to 25°C (about 77°F) and the lows drop down to 12°C (about 54°F)
What to Pack for Your Polish Vacation
* Packing layers will give you the greatest flexibility in unpredictable weather. Under Armor t-shirts stay relatively dry and light.
* Base layer tops and thermal tights keep you warm in even the coldest weather, without taking up much luggage space.
* For men, crew neck base layer tops slip on unnoticed under a t-shirt or long sleeved pullover.
* Thermal shirts for women that provide excellent warmth without adding too much bulk.
* A warm, waterproof coat or jacket is essential during the winter. Don’t skimp on this.
* In May, June, July, August, September and October it will be warmer, although there can still be heavy rains (particularly between June and August) so pack a raincoat and travel umbrella.
* Go lightweight from April to September, and pack warmer materials during the other six months of the year.
* Sturdy zipper pockets on your shorts are also useful for protecting valuables.
* Pack a pair or two of jeans so that you’ve always got something warm, versatile, and comfortable.
* Jeans teamed with lighter layers for the summer – try camisoles, t-shirts and light knitwear – and warmer ones for the winter e.g. long-sleeved tops and a sweater.
* It pays to have good footwear to keep you comfortable and your feet in good condition.
* Make sure your socks protect your toes properly.
* During the summer, you might consider some lightweight, breathable walking shoes.
* Summer Accessories – If you’re travelling in high summer, a decent pair of shades will screen out harmful rays.
* The Weather+ app – gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip
* Wipes & hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer vending machines appear in Southern Poland.
Health and Grooming Items to Pack for Poland
* Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
* Tissues
* Antihistamine tablets
* Moisturiser
* Ear Plugs for light sleepers
Important Local Customs
Polish tap water is officially regarded as safe for drinking, but as you will hardly ever see locals drinking from the tap, it's a good idea to follow suit and buy your water bottled – unless your living arrangements include a water filter. Most people boil ordinary tap water for tea and coffee.
Etiquette and Customs
Meeting and Greeting
* A firm handshake with a smile, direct eye contact and the correct greeting depending on what part of the day it is should always be used.
* When addressing someone who is Polish it is best to use the prefix Pan for addressing males or Pani for females. This should be accompanied by the surname of the person.
* Greetings are generally civil yet polite.
* Good morning or afternoon is “dzien dobry” and good evening is “dobry wieczor”.
Shopping
Shopping in Poland will never disappoint you as it is the land of bargains and unique handcrafted items. With large shopping malls Poland focusing the trending fashion to small eateries and craftsmen selling their goods to the people, you will enjoy everything about the Polish culture. Poland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think “flea markets”. Still, it has a lot to offer to shoppers and vintage enthusiasts, with flea markets located in nearly all major cities.
Great Souvenirs to Buy in Poland
* Amber jewelry - In Polish folk medicine, amber was a very popular remedy for various illnesses. The most popular gift is silver jewelry with amber.
* Decorative Easter Eggs - folkloric easter eggs are real works of art. Patterns depend on the region of Poland, and they can be painted, scratched, stuck, or waxed. As a souvenir from Poland, we recommend wooden Easter eggs that will survive the journey
* Pottery and Ceramics - It’s simply beautiful, and it works well as tableware or kitchen decor. Ceramics have been produced there since the beginning of the 19th century, and still, every product is hand-decorated with characteristic patterns.
* Polish old-school gadgets - Polish design from the 60s, 70s, and 80s is still very popular. We recommend buying a mug used in a milk bar, a T-shirt with a Polish word or an artistic poster.
* Wooden carvings - In Poland, you can buy beautiful wooden toys for children, Christmas decorations, or a nice gadget. Look for the figurines carved by hand. Some favorites are wooden birds and angels from Kraków.
Local Foods
The top 10 foods you have to eat in Poland
1. Bigos—Polish Hunter's Stew.
2. Pierogi is one of the most traditional Polish dishes.
3. Pickled cucumbers are great sandwiches, as a side dish or on its own.
4. Sour rye soup.
5. Cottage cheese with spring onion
6. Herrings in cream
7. Polish bread comes in many shapes and forms.
8. Smalec (Lard)
9. Sheep Cheese
10. Sausage
Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!
Panama lies at the center of the world, it's the last part of a natural land-bridge between the North and South American continents. The Panama Canal is just the start of this singles adventure vacation. Explore dense rainforests with abundant wildlife, raft pristine rivers, zip among the mountains, enjoy fabulous duty-free shopping and relax on beautiful beaches.
Panama City bustles as a thriving commercial hub where modern skyscrapers and architect Frank Gehry's Biodiversity Museum share sightlines with 18th-century architecture. It is a very multicultural place, with large populations from many different parts of the world. Spanish is spoken by most, and many speak some form of English. On the streets Panamanians are for the most part extremely friendly and helpful and would love to give you some advice. There's great shopping, from high-end stores in the malls around Paitilla and in the banking district around Via Espana, to veritable bargains around La Central (Central Avenue, now turned into a pedestrian walkway) and the Los Pueblos outdoor mall.
The jungles of Panama's lowland rainforests harbor a sweltering tropical ecosystem. East of the canal, the Darien covers an untouched expanse of pristine forest, pure rivers, and intricate ecosystems. The Chiriqui Highlands and the Valle de Anton nurture dense cloud forests. Along the Pacific Coast where the mouths of rivers meet the ocean, extensive mangrove forests and swamps provide rich breeding grounds for marine wildlife.
Throughout Panama, ATMs are readily available except in the most isolated places – look for the red ‘sistema clave’ sign. Generally speaking, ATMs accept cards on most networks (Plus, Cirrus, MasterCard, Visa, Amex), though a charge is usually levied depending on your issuing bank. The amount that can be withdrawn at one time varies from bank to bank, though it is usually around US$500.
Tap water in Panama City is safe to drink, as is the water in most other parts of the country. However, you’re better off buying bottled water or purifying your own water in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Kuna Yala.
Electricity in Panama is 110 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. If you travel to Panama with a device that does not accept 110 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
As far as Internet Access, we recommend you leave your computers home! Most of the hotels have computers with internet access (for a fee) in the lobby. Wifi is very limited.
Remember to pack all your liquids in your suitcase or you must follow the TSA rules for carry-ons - 3-1-1 = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger
Bags One easily managed medium suitcase (bus to boat…) and 1 carry on bag. Some days you will be out all day so bring a small bag or knapsack that you can carry all day.
Leave your wallet at home - they make easy targets for pickpockets.
Clothes If you are planning on washing clothes as you go, be aware that launder mats can be tricky to find, but you can hand wash a few items (things like jeans can take forever to dry). Some of the hotels have laundry services—expect to pay a buck or two per item.
Water is another consideration when planning your wardrobe. Cloud and rainforests have little regard for phrases like “dry season.” It may not rain during your visit, but the saturating humidity dripping from the leaves and the spray from the inevitable waterfall will make you glad for quick-drying garments.
* 3-5 T-shirts, one or two long sleeved and to protect you from sunburn
* 1-2 dress shirts or blouses
* 3-4 pairs of shorts. One or two pairs of quick drying nylon and one or two pairs of dressy cotton shorts or tropical weight/length skirts.
* Active/sports swimsuit and a tanning suit You may also want a casual beach cover-up.1-2 pairs of long pants. Something casual that will work for cool nights.
* If you can find a pair you like, convertible pants (zip-off legs) can serve as shorts and long pants. ? 5-8 pairs of underwear
2-8 pairs of socks.
* Pajamas
* Jacket- Light, water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm on a cool evening or during a sudden downpour, yet can be stuffed away or worn loosely on a warm day
* Baseball cap or brimmed hat for the sun
* Sturdy shoes, tennis shoes with plenty of tread or hiking boots comfortable for walking
* Sandals or shoes you don't mind being wet in. (Have shoes to change into when these get wet)
* Toiletries
* Razor
* toothbrush with cover, and toothpaste - Travel-size
* shampoo and conditioner - Travel-size
* brush or comb
* antiperspirant
* tampons
* toilet paper
Documents
* Passport and a copy kept in a different location
* Money, credit/debit card – don’t forget to call the banks and let them know you are traveling
* Insurance card and contact information
Miscellaneous
* Insect repellant with DEET (diethyl-metatoluamide).
* Contact lenses and/or extra pair of sunglasses
* Sun block of at least 15 SPF - the tropical sun is strong
* Water bottle
* Camera – and charger – batteries – lots of film or extra memory cards
* Binoculars
* Flashlight with extra batteries
* Earplugs (for light sleepers)
* Plastic bags – for wet clothes
* Travel alarm clock
* Notebook for traveling thoughts and addresses
Personal Medications (Carry all your daily medications on the plane with you, just in case…)
* Pepto-bismol for diarrhea
* Throat lozenges
* Motion sickness medication
* Aspirin or other pain killer
* Antacid tablets
* Sunburn salve such as aloe vera gel
Otherwise get ready for the adventure to begin, for great memories and amazing new single travel friends!
Please feel free to contact us for further details, and any comments or concerns.
Sincerely your friends at,
Best Single Travel
877 848-7477
www.bestsingletravel.com
