22 Sep Preparing for the Upcoming High Season in Panama
By Natalie Warner
The beginning of October is the time of year that seasons begin to slowly shift. Rainy season usually is in its last month. Friends (aka snowbirds) are gradually returning. Panamanian holidays are lingering around the corner. The area gets busy. This year is going to be a particularly busy year with the Pope visiting for World Youth Day. Busy can be fun, if you are prepared.
Book accommodations in advanced
This includes any rental cars or lodging accommodations you may need. It is not uncommon for car rental companies, especially around Coronado, to be booked out of cars come November/December. Book your reservation as soon as you know your travel plans.
Lodging arrangements are no exception. Houses and condos in the area tend to become sparse around the end of November. Looking for available places? Home Away, Airbnb, and Encuentra24 are popular sites to look for rentals.
Leave your house if you must. Be prepared for traffic
…on the beaches, on the roads. Wherever you are, expect a higher number of vehicles and people. Coronado and the beaches area is a frequent weekend spot for those who live in Panama City; the holidays are no exception. Add in snowbirds and tourists, and you have a lot more people in the area.
GPS apps like Waze or Google Maps can help you plan out your trip if you need to travel.
Get your shopping done ahead of time
See the above tip. This also means longer lines in stores. Grocery store lines can get long as weekends and holidays approach. Most locals try to get their shopping done at least a day or two before the holidays or before the city dwellers make their way to the area.
If you do have to go to the store during the rushes, going first thing in the morning may mean fewer people and quicker lines. El Rey in Coronado is open 24 hours, making it a convenient option to shop at any time of day.
Get ready to listen to music
Many seasoned snowbirds already know this. However, this may be a bit of a shock if you have yet to experience Panama. Loud music, whether in cars, homes, or both can be played of all hours of the day.
You may also hear live bands, karaoke (it really gets interesting as the day goes on and people have had more to drink), and fireworks.
Can’t take the noise? Calling the police is usually not very effective. Noise laws that exist are rarely enforced. It can be annoying and frustrating but if you can’t beat’m then….
Partake in the festivities
That’s right, join them! Try to embrace some of the culture. Attend parades and festivals. Learn about the various holidays in November including Día de los Muertos or Panama’s separation from Colombia. If you visit around December, then you’re likely to see muñecos.
Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones is always exciting. It is also provides an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Panama. This time of year can be a lot of fun, despite increased traffic with a little prepration.