What to pack for your tropical vacation

Congratulations! You have decided on an adventure to the Republic of Panama (or perhaps another tropical location)! You have even booked your tickets and pulled out your suitcase. But now, you are stumped. What exactly should you pack? You may be wondering what you will do if you forget something or run out of something. Well, here is some advice for the general traveler and tips for people visiting specific areas.

Essential needs for all travelers
Cash. Panama utilizes the US dollar, but calls it the Balboa. Outside of Panama City small bills ($20 and under) are greatly appreciated. Many towns do not have banks or ATMs and credit cards are rarely accepted at the smaller markets. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and some restaurants in Panama City. Travelers’ checks are best avoided in rural areas as they are rarely encountered and may confuse the vendor (especially if your Spanish is limited). ATMs will typically charge a $5 fee for you to access for international account (even just to check your balance).

As in traveling most places, it is not recommended that you carry large amounts of cash. Tourists are often regarded as people with money, thus making you a potential target for someone looking to steal. Divide your cash, credit cards, and identification between your bag(s) and pocket(s) so you do not lose everything in the event of a mugging or theft.

Passport. Be sure to photocopy the main page of your passport and carry a copy in your wallet and have an extra in your luggage.

VISA. Tourists will purchase a VISA at the airport, if needed, for $5. Keep this with your passport as you will need to present it when you leave the country. The VISA is typically good for 90 days, but at times (or for visitors from some countries) is only good for 30 days. A fee will be charged if you over-stay your VISA.

Necessary items for all travelers
Light-weight and quick-drying clothing, including pants, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, 1-2 long-sleeved shirts for sun/insects, socks, underwear, pajamas. Include a medium-weight sweatshirt, flannel shirt, or windbreaker jacket for chilly nights in the Interior of the country or over-air conditioned restaurants or stores. A baseball cap may help with the sun or some insects.

Swimsuit

Sandals or flip-flops

Good walking shoes/hiking boots (even if just walking around Panama City, you will appreciate good, comfortable footwear)

Light-weight and quick-drying towel (hotel rooms outside of Panama City often will not have towels. If you forgot yours, ask the receptionist or owner and they may have some to provide)

Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
*Sanitary napkins are available most everywhere, but Tampons are only available in major grocery stores
*Contact solution is not readily available
 *Biodegradable soaps are suggested for use in rural areas as there often is not a water-treatment facility
*Sun screen is necessary at the beach, but also in the rainforest (the sun can be intense even through the clouds) or city
*Consider bring medication for yeast infections and/or athletic's foot, if prone, as it may not be readily available in all areas

Insect repellent

Umbrella, which will work very well for protecting you camera as you take a picture and keeping you dry as you stroll around.

Spanish dictionary. Even if you have ample experience speaking the language, you never know what you may have to look up!

Any medications, including epi-pens and prescriptions (see below for details on pharmacies)

Flashlight (especially if visiting rural areas where there is no or unreliable electricity)

Reusable container for carrying water (especially if visiting rural areas)

Plastic bags. Keep your camera, wallet, and other variable items dry at all times!

Desirable items for all travelers
Basic First Aid kit, including band-aids, suave, ibuprofen, hand sanitizer, etc.

A roll of toilet paper as many bathrooms, particularly in rural areas, will not be stocked.

Blanket (fleece or light-weight, compactable sleeping bag) if traveling to rural areas or if chilled easily.

Camera. Remember your extra memory cards or film and batteries (consider bringing rechargeable batteries as there is no recycling of such in Panama).

Binoculars

Dry-box or waterproof bag to keep camera, computers, MP3 players, etc. out of the humidity

Travel guide for Panama, which will include general information and phone numbers for any location you may end up. Several are available and include Lonely Planet, Moon, Frommer’s, and National Geographic Traveler.

Book or magazine for reading (especially if traveling on the bus)

Items for the beach go-er
Beach towel

Swimsuit

Coral-safe sunscreen

Snorkeling gear: You can usually rent a mask and fins for $10-$15/day near the major beach areas.

Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be very thick in the evening hours. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on the potential threats of mosquito-borne viruses or diseases.

Beach on the Pacific Ocean (photo by Julie Ray)

Items for the rainforest-hiker
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

In the rainy season consider investing in a pair of knee-high rubber boots. Boots are available for rent from some tourism companies or are sold in most small and large markets and cost under $15. Wear two pairs of socks to protect your feet from blisters, but walk with ease on the muddy rainforest trails. Consider leaving your boots with the local people if you do not want them for later use – they likely will be grateful for the useful gift.

Light-weight, long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from insects, spines, and sun

Insect repellent

Rain poncho (in place of a rain jacket as it allows for better ventilation and for you to tuck things underneath quickly)

Umbrella

Cloud forest in central Panama (photo by Julie Ray)

Items for the city-dweller
Clothes for visiting a variety of restaurants, night clubs, casinos, museum, etc.

Good walking shoes for daytime excursions

Map of the city (available at most hotels)

Sunscreen

Umbrella

View of Panama City (photo by Melissa Miller)

Items for the children
Activities for bus or car rides

All necessary medications (and directions for appropriate doses, if needed)

Identification on the child, preferably in English and Spanish, in the event they become separated from you.

Basic First Aid Kit

Stroller (if desired – these are not easily rented)

Diapers, if special type is required. Diapers are readily available in small and large markets (in most small markets you can purchase them individually, if desired), but selection will be limited.

What if you forget something?
Albrook Mall, located near the national bus terminal in Panama City, has a wide variety of stores where you can buy just about anything. There is a grocery store (Super 99), electronics store, outdoor store, and several general department-type stores. In the parking lot you will see Panafoto, a camera and electronics store, and Novey, a home improvement store.

Pharmacies (farmacia) are found throughout the country and can provide general medications. Prescriptions are needed for more specific medications. Many of the pharmacists are quite knowledgeable about their products and may be able to provide suggestions for local clinics, if you need to obtain a prescription.

Major grocery store chains include Super 99, El Rey, and Machetazo. You will find a mixture of local and American foods (including some vegetarian and vegan options), toiletries, and other general needs at any of these stores. Riba Smith, located in Panama City, has a variety of vegan and vegetation foods. Rural areas will have ‘Mini Supers’ (M/S) where you can pick up the basics.

Other things to keep in mind
Weather. The rainy season is typically April through mid-December and the dry season is typically mid-December through the end of March. Showers can be encountered even during the dry season. If you are visiting a cloud forest or rainforest, be prepared for rain any time of the year.

Consider packing in a duffel bag instead of suitcase. Duffel bags fit better onto buses or regional airplanes and are easier to carry if you must walk in order to reach your hotel or destination. Consider bring a smaller bag that you can use for shorter excursions during your trip.

If you will be traveling on a regional flight within Panama, pack lightly. The small planes do not allow for much luggage. Alternatively, ask your hotel (if flying to a destination and then returning to the area of the hotel) if you can leave the bulk of your luggage in storage and carry only what you need.

Buses may charge an extra dollar or so if you have a large amount of luggage or oversized bags. This will vary by bus and destination. Drivers will continue to stop for passengers, including children heading to nearby schools, so plan on the bus remaining pretty full as you travel to your destination.

Electrical outlets in Panama (and Costa Rica) are US-style with two flat prongs (some may have the third, round prong opening). Adaptors are available in major chain stores and some small, independently-owned markets. I would recommend bringing an adapter for three-to-two prongs plugs and for visitors using other types of outlets.

 This packing list can be applied to vacations in other tropical areas. Please note that prices are estimated for Panama and some tips may not apply.

 Prices are subject to change or vary between peak and non-peak vacation times.

Did I forget anything? If you can think of something that should be on the packing list, please send me an email at natricine3@yahoo.com and I can post a follow-up article!