Choose a destination and purchase flight tickets to Panama around six months in advance to ensure avoiding higher holiday fares. Many travelers choose to stay in Panama City or Colon, which offer a large variety of hotels and restaurants.
Obtain a passport by applying for one at your local post office. If you have a passport, make sure it is current. Passports must be renewed every 10 years.
Purchase travelers checks from your bank or a currency exchange to ensure your funds are protected from theft. The currency in Panama is the Panamanian balboa, but American dollars or travelers checks are widely accepted by most merchants. One American dollar equals one Panamanian balboa.
Pack a couple pairs of jeans if you want to avoid looking like a tourist and avoid sunburn. While the climate may be warm, many of the locals choose to protect their legs from the hot UV rays the Panama sun dishes out.
Pack and always apply a high SPF sunscreen while vacationing in Panama. The average UV index in most parts of Panama is around 10.
Exchange some of your larger bills for smaller bills and nickels before your flight. Most taxis will not take bills larger than $10, and buses typically only take nickels.
Research various travel websites or pick up a travel guide for Panama from a local bookstore. The holiday months of December and January are known as Carnival Season in Panama City. The Executive Hotel offers an informative guide to Panama for no cost, which can be found at Panama-information.executivehotel-panama.com.
