Best of Panama:

This year for Winter Break my parents and I decided to go to Panama for a change of scenery after our original plans of a vacation in Antigua were messed up by airline confusion. After spending a week in Panama, here are some of the highlights including things to do, advice, and pictures.

My family and I ended up staying in Santa Clara, a town 2 hours away from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean side of the country, at the Sheraton Biajo Resort. While the resort was beautiful, the long drive between the airport on the other side of was a major downside. It wasn't until we talked to other guests that we found out that there was an airport ten minutes away. If staying in Santa Clara or Biajo Beach, I would recommend looking into that airport. However, it seems that the airport currently only has flights to and from Canada.

Panama City, Panama

• Modern City 
• Restaurants
• Market- A fantastic American eatery located a five minute walk from several hotels including Le Merdian and the Intercontential.
• I highly suggest just walking around your hotel downstairs and asking the hotel staff where to go! Best way to experience a new destination is through those that live there!

• Old Quarter:
• The old quarter of Panama City is a mix of old city culture with modern amenities and construction. While most parts of the Old Quarter are safe to walk around in at night, our tour guide advised us to stay in the Modern City. 

• Panama Canal
• Fantastic tourist attraction located at the Mariflores Locks outside of Panama City. 
• Connects Atlantic Ocean/Carribean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The Canal host three locks, one at each ocean entrance and one between. 

Santa Clara, Panama 

• We stayed at the Sheraton Biajo Beach Resort located two hours away from Panama City, and the airport. I highly recommend visiting this resort, but try to get on a flight that into an airport closer to the resort as the airport in Panama City was too far away. 

 It was very nice to get spend some time with my family while not worrying about school work. However, as I'm now back at school with a busy schedule, I can't wait to get back to the beach for spring break.