I’m one of those people that gets an idea in my mind and never really forgets about it til’ I’ve done it. Now I’d heard quite a few people talk about how great Panama is (It’s a city! It’s tropical! It’s not Miami!) and I’ve had it sticky-noted in my brain as a potential spot to visit for a while now. So when me and my girlfriend Giulia decided we needed a vacation, I went ahead and suggested Panama – and she was 100% down. Three weeks later and off we went – Panama City for a few days, then flying to the secluded island of Bocas Del Toro for a few more. This wonderful country really exceeded my expectations in so many ways – practically everyone we met was a transplant from another country who fell in love with the place and moved there, so that should say something. One of these transplants was old friend of Giulia’s from highschool, who now lives in Panama half the year – he showed us around and took us to all the hotspots, which is in my opinion priceless when traveling (thanks Malakai!). There were too many highlights to count, but a few worth noting definitely be our entire surreal stay at Red Frog Beach Resort, waking up to breakfast at The Hard Rock Megopolis after a long night of partying, exploring the old city of Casco Viejo, and seeing wild dolphins (not once but twice!).

Favourite spots + images from the trip below

Places: Tantalo Hotel/Kitchen/Roofbar (basically like Panama City’s version of The Drake Hotel, Casa Blanca Restaurante, Polo Beach, Leaf Eater’s Cafe (the cutest vegan spot right on the water with incredible ginger iced tea), Isla Zapatilla, Bocas Lick It (two super cute girls/nutella oreo banana cheesecake popsicles!), Taqueria Mordida de Burro.