Love Good Coffee? United Airlines Will Be Serving illy!

United Airlines Serving illy Coffee

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big coffee fan. So I was happy to hear that United Airlines will be serving premium Italian coffee illycafè in its United Clubs at the company’s hubs in the continental US starting next month and across all flights next summer.

As a professional travel blogger I fly a lot these days, and most of my award miles are through Star Alliance & United Airlines.

Improving the flying experience by serving great coffee is a small but important change I wholeheartedly welcome.

United reached out to me because they wanted to share how and why they are upgrading their coffee brand to illy — and the thoughtful journey to this new partner.

Enjoying Great Coffee in the Sky

Why illy Coffee?

Choosing the famous Italian coffee brand illy wasn’t random either. They actually won out over 16 other candidates in blind taste tests conducted on the ground and in the air with both customers and employees.

Did you know that the lack of humidity in airplanes causes passengers to lose their sense of taste by about 30%? It’s true!

So if you prefer strong flavorful coffee like me, you’ll enjoy illy.

United will be serving the brand’s signature scuro dark roast as well as espresso brewed from Arabica beans purchased directly from growers in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa.

Airline competition is fierce these days. It’s nice to see an airline listening to customers and employees in order to improve customer satisfaction.

Serving better coffee on board is one small change that United is making to stand out from its competitors. I’m looking forward to this one! ★

Watch Video: United Airlines Coffee Taste Test

READ NEXT: Key West’s Crazy Street Festival

Have you ever tried illy coffee before?

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

from Expert Vagabond http://ift.tt/1LJeiJk

The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Iceland

With only 300,000 people, Iceland has the atmosphere of a small town everywhere you go. I could rave all day about Iceland—it’s natural wonders are truly something to behold—from massive glaciers and bubbling lava to picturesque fjords and waterfalls.

Iceland is one of the safer destinations I have traveled solo, and that is why I highly recommend it to solo female travelers, and especially travelers taking their first solo trip!

Here’s my solo female traveler’s guide to Iceland!

– Where to Stay –

If you’re looking for some top-notch hotels in Reykjavik, make sure to check out the downtown area- the closer you are to the main street ‘Laugavegur’, the better!

For more budget-conscious travelers, reasonable accommodation is not that far away either—try Airbnb or budget hostels in the residential areas just south of Laugavegur, or west in the Vesturbaer district.

Once out of the city, accommodation becomes a lot more scarce. You may find some hostels, inns and farmhouses online, but be sure to book in advance—Iceland is enjoying a tourist boom right now and it’s not uncommon for beds to be booked up!

– What to See –

Iceland has so many things to do and see, so it is east to fill up a 3 day, 5 day or week-long itinerary! If you have some time, my biggest recommendation would be to drive Iceland’s Golden Circle so you can see the diversity of sights Iceland has to offer.

Iceland is a land of fire and ice—and it’s the natural sights that will leave you breathless. Renting a car is the easiest and most efficient way to explore outside of the city, so if you are able to, do it!

Check out the Lake Myvatn and the bubbling mud pits in the north, or the stunning waterfalls and glacier lagoon of the south. Another beautiful area to explore is the West Fjords, in the northernmost part of the country- green valleys and snow-capped peaks make this a truly beautiful region.

Some other highlights include horseback riding, glacier hiking, and swimming in Iceland’s natural geothermal hot springs.

If you don’t have a car, it’s fairly easy to book a day trip from Reykjavik.

– Food in Iceland –

For centuries, Icelandic food was based on a diet of meat, dairy and fermented goods. If you’re brave, you should try local delicacies like rotten shark, sour milk, sheep head and testicles.

In Reykjavik, there are plenty of top-notch, tasty restaurants—just be aware that these come at a price! To save on the bucks, shop at grocery stores and prepare food in your accommodation’s kitchen, if one is available.

Before you go, be sure to try a traditional Icelandic hot dog—Iceland’s answer to fast food. A special blend of lamb, pork and beef, the Icelandic version is served with remoulade, fried onions and brown sauce.

– Getting Around Iceland –

Roads in Iceland tend to be a bit underdeveloped in places, and most people rely on cars to get from A to B.Public transportation is solely dominated by intercity or long-distance buses.

Reykjavik downtown is fairly small, easily navigable on foot or by bus.

When you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away from Reykjavik, the simplest way to the city center is the Flybus. For an extra cost you can get them to drive you directly to your hotel!

– What to Pack –

Besides the general food and camera, be sure to pack a map and a GPS.

Although you can’t really get lost on the Ring Road around Iceland—it’s the country’s only highway, after all—maps can reveal distances, road quality, and where to find the next gas station.

Be sure pack warm clothes—windproof jackets, fleece sweaters, hiking boots, wool socks, thermal pants, beanie and gloves—regardless if you’re traveling in the summer or winter, as the weather notoriously changes rapidly and often!

READ NEXT: What to Pack for a Week in Iceland

– When To Go –

The best time to go, weather-wise, is during the summer months. The days are long and temperatures are relatively warm.

Shops and museums are open longer than in winter, and there are more festivals than during the rest of the year. Rain and wind is still common in Iceland so be sure to bring your outdoor gear.

If you want to avoid the crowds, try the cusp months— September, October, April or May— though it will be much colder and darker. Iceland in winter can be quite beautiful, however, coated in ice!

READ NEXT: Why Your First Solo Trip Should Be to Iceland

 

Related Articles

What to Pack for a Week in Iceland

Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure in Iceland

The Ultimate Guide to Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle

How to Make the Most of an Iceland Stopover

A Luxurious Stay at the Ion Hotel in Iceland

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing in Iceland

Check out these Iceland-travel essentials!

The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Iceland is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/1MQHAK2

Dealing with Fights while Traveling as a Couple

Fights are an inevitable part of any relationship.  No couple is perfect and no couple is without their own issues.  Stress, unfortunately, is an impetus for fighting.

While traveling, you’ll undoubtedly be placed in stressful situations as unexpected scenarios arise and you and your better half are tasked at working as a team to find a solution.  Don’t be naive and think, “We will never fight when we are traveling.  Everything will be so perfect, why would we fight?”.

Whatever it is that you tend to fight about as a couple at home, expect to fight about the same things while traveling.

So don’t worry about things that are out of your hands, rather focus on things you have control over.  Stay conscious, and focus on positive resolutions that provide a reasonable outcome to any fight, argument, or disagreement that arises.

Accept that fights will happen, even on the road, and follow these steps to dealing with fights while traveling as a couple!

1. Stay Conscious

Most of the fights we have had on the road are due to an increased stress level.  It’s a lot easier to snap at the one you love when you’re about to miss a flight or you’ve just had your bikes stolen.

Take a deep breath (or 10) and stay conscious.  Everything will be fine.

2. Alone Time

As a kid you probably fought with your best friend, right?  You also probably spent every waking moment with your best friend, right?  Things don’t change just because your best friend is now the opposite sex and someone you’re dating.

If you spend too much time with someone you’re more susceptible to fighting.  Minuscule, tedious things will start to get on your nerves for no reason at all.

So spend time apart.  Maybe it’s you going to the gym or playing basketball while she goes to yoga. Maybe it’s a beer by yourself at a sports bar while she gets her nails done.  Or maybe she’s drinking the beer and you’re getting the pedicure?

Whatever it is, spend some time apart. Missing each other is nice.

3. Act of Love

Treat the person you love exactly like that.  For a relationship to be successful, and to properly handle fights while traveling, it is imperative you treat your significant other with love and respect.  You may have won him/her, but never stop courting.  Never lose the romance and those butterflies in your stomach.

4. Be OK with Being Wrong

…even when you know for certain that you’re right

There will be that one time out of a million where he/she laughs and admits that he/she is wrong but most times our egos get in the way and we attach our sense of identity to a particular position we hold.  If your position is seen as being “wrong,” you take personal attack.

Stop being so infantile, detach your sense of identity from your convictions and be ok with being wrong…even when you know 100% for sure you’re right.  Is being right really worth the fight?

Funny enough, if you’re not combative and you let the topic go, your significant other might do some thinking and acknowledge you were right.  Either way, it really doesn’t matter.

5. Be Mindful of One Another’s Emotions

If you notice your significant other is stressed, homesick, or just plain out of character, either give him/her space or console him/her.  You ought to know what is generally the best solution, depending on your mate.

6. Don’t Fight in Public

There are a few things everyone hates while traveling.  The first is probably a crying baby on an airplane and the second is probably a fighting couple.  Public places aren’t a forum for you to interview for the Jerry Springer show.  Find a private place to sort out your matter.

Now please realize that we aren’t perfect.  We have an incredibly healthy and loving relationship, but we also fight about some stupid stuff sometimes.  We do, however, do our best at applying the 6 aforementioned tips and generally our disagreements are quickly resolved and we are back to kissing and joking with one another.

If you have any other tips for how you handle fights while traveling, feel free to share in the comments.  We would love to hear from you!

READ NEXT: 6 Reasons to Plan a Romantic Getaway to the Gili Islands

 

Read More

Top Romantic Getaways in Italy for Couples

10 Essential Tips for Couples Moving Abroad

Ten Itinerary Planning Tips for a Trip to Europe

Top 10 Weekend Getaways in Europe

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

Check out these couples’ essentials!

Dealing with Fights while Traveling as a Couple is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/1l0ukcY

The Ultimate Guide to Portland in a Weekend

Portland continues its awesome trend as a hip and hipster-friendly town. With a plethora of mouth-watering restaurants and gorgeous sights, you can easily spend a few weekends in Stumptown and still not see it all. A well-planned weekend will take you through the all the highlights this beautiful city has to offer!

Here is my ultimate guide to Portland in a weekend!

 – Stay at The Nines – 

A stay at The Nines is a classy, sophisticated experience- with luxurious decor and a sleek, modern interior, it’ll take your breath away. Owned by the Starwood Luxury Collection, it’s famed for its world-class service and prime location, just off of Pioneer Square.

Dine in-house in the Urban Farmer Steakhouse or enjoy a cloudless evening at the rooftop bar, Departure.

– Breakfast at Mother’s Bistro –

Enjoy the delicious, homemade favorites at Mother’s Bistro. You’ll find kitchen classics like crunchy Belgian waffles, portobello scrambles, and homemade biscuits topped with usage gravy.

Mother’s Bistro opened in 2000 as a small 90-seat restaurant, the child of chef Lisa Schroeder, who first envisioned a menu full of timeless dishes made by mothers.

Join the rest of the brunch-goers at this popular restaurant or come back later for the slow-cooked pot roast and crab cakes!

– Stroll the Japanese Gardens –

Located in the scenic West Hills of Portland, the Japanese Garden is a quiet, intimate space to get away from it all. Spanning 5.5 acres, the garden features five separate garden styles, a tea house, bubbling streams and wooden walkways.

Wandering through the small bridges and beds of iris is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. Try to come in autumn, when the garden plays host to moon-viewing nights with live music, tea and sake.

– Visit Powell’s City of Books –

Powell’s City of Books is the largest used bookstore in the world, and continues to one of the most successful bookshops in the nation.

Though “city” is a misnomer, the building is massive— it takes up an entire city block— and they even provide their own store map to navigate through the aisles and genres. Check the schedule for evening literary events and readings!

– Coffee at Stumptown –

A staple of Portland, Stumptown Coffee started from humble origins on Southeast Division Street and quickly expanded throughout town and even up to Seattle.

Stumptown is well-known for coffee varietals and direct trade- and delicious cold brew! The atmosphere tends to be work-centered, so bring your mac or order your grounds to go.

– Shop at Union Way –

Located just across from Powell’s Books, Union Way is a modern arcade that connects the West End with the Pearl District.

The alleyway is home to several shops and boutiques, including Danner, the local boot brand, high-end Will Leather Goods, and Spruce Apothecary. Recently installed in summer 2013, the shopping area is also home to Little T Baker pastries and Quin candies.

– Dinner at Pok Pok –

Pok Pok is a Portland classic that emerged from a food cart and now even has an offshoot in New York. The food is Thai with a modern, sophisticated twist, perfected by award-winning chef Andy Ricker.

Inside, the darkly furnished interior gives off an intimate, pub-like vibe. You absolutely must try the delicately grilled chicken legs, house-made curries and mouth-watering soups.

– Blue Star Donuts –

Blue Star Donuts, a short walk away from Union Way, specializes in gourmet donuts and coffee. You’ll definitely hear about the battle of the donut and whether Voodoo or Blue Star is better. If you want the best tasting donuts- head to Blue Star!

Local favorites include blueberry with bourbon and basil, lemon poppyseed, bananas Foster and–a Northwest delight–maple bacon.

– Take a Brewery Tour –

With more than 60 breweries in Portland, there is ample opportunity to try some of the best IPAS, sours and lagers the Northwest has to offer. It’s impossible to sample them all, but you can get a glimpse by joining a beer tour.

Brewvana, a brewery tour company, invites up to 14 guests to spend an evening imbibing at favorite pubs. Pick a neighborhood and go wild!

You can head to southeast for local staples like Base Camp Brewing Co., The Commons and Migration Brewing, or wheel over to the Pearl District for classics like Deschutes Brewery and Rogue Distillery. Each tour includes a pen and postcard, a pilsner glass to take home, and a palate-cleansing pretzel necklace.

Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try BrewCycle, which gives small groups of 8-15 a unique trip on a giant wooden pedal-powered vehicle. Pedal your way through four city center breweries during happy hour.

– Sushi at Bamboo –

Bamboo Sushi is one of the first sustainable sushi joints in the country. Their vibe is stylish and chic, the food phenomenal.

With three sleek locations across town and mouth-watering dishes, it’s no wonder that they remain one of the most popular places to impress a date.

The menu includes chargrilled shishito peppers, mackerel drizzled in red chile oil, braised short ribs, and of course top-grade sashimi. Top it all off with one of their signature cocktails or impressive choice of sake.

– Sunset at St. John’s Bridge –

In a city of bridges (there are 12), the winner of Portland’s most beautiful bridge contest is always under dispute. It’s hard to argue with citizens of the St. John’s neighborhood, however.

Head over in late afternoon and you’ll see what I mean. The bridge’s regal structure is reminiscent of Gothic Cathedrals, towering over 400 feet at its tallest.

But it’s at sunset that the bridge really sings for its supper—lofty arches suspended beautifully over the undulating Willamette River and the dogwoods of Cathedral Park. Don’t forget your camera!

– Day Trip to Waterfalls –

East of Portland is the stunning Columbia River Gorge, home to many beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls. Multnomah Falls is by far the local and visitor’s favorite.

This two-tiered cascade plunges 620 feet and is photo worthy all year long. A bit less crowded, but no less accessible is Wahclella Falls, an easy one-mile hike with pretty views of wildflowers and Tanner Creek.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, try Lower Oneonta Falls–hikers have to traverse an infamous log jam and an icy creek to find the 100 foot falls.

Be sure to bring your good boots and a rain jacket!

READ NEXT: Spontaneous Weekend Getaway in Portland: Day 1

 

Read More

Spontaneous Weekend Getaway in Portland: Day 1

Spontaneous Weekend Getaway in Portland: Day 2

Spontaneous Weekend Getaway in Portland: Day 3

Shop my Portland-inspired look!

The Ultimate Guide to Portland in a Weekend is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/1Rd3OJs

Express Your Travel Style with OtterBox (+ a Giveaway!)

As someone that travels nearly 9 months out of the year, it’s so important that I keep my smartphone protected while I’m on the go, and keeping it stylish is just a bonus!

OtterBox’s range of products offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for stylish, sleek protection, double the battery life, or something else, I’ve always found what I needed with OtterBox.

I’m excited to announce their newest line of Symmetry cases- and all the different styles they have to offer- because they are perfect for the traveler on the go, and add a little wanderlust and color to your everyday routine.

So… I’m giving away a Symmetry case to FIVE lucky winners so you can express your travel style with OtterBox!

Sleek Protection + Style

As an OtterBox Brand Ambassador, I bring my cases along on all my travels to show just how protective they are, and how I incorporate them in my everyday style. The Symmetry cases offer drop protection and a one-piece design that’s super pocketable, plus they are easy to take on and off.

Along with the new colors and clear options, the line of fashion-forward graphics created by world-renowned designers caught my eye.

Here are some of my favorite iPhone cases by OtterBox that inspire my travel style!

 

Brazil

Brazilian Pop by Nina Garcia – Symmetry Series Graphics Case

 Bahamas

Boardwalk – Symmetry Series Case

Milan

Under My Skin by Nina Garcia – Symmetry Series Graphics Case

NYC

Pinstripe – Symmetry Series Graphics Case

Paris

Perfected Angle by Nina Garcia – Symmetry Series Graphics Case

Costa Rica

Gumballs by Fiona Howard – Symmetry Series Graphics Case

Enter for Your Chance to Win!

Simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below with Facebook or your email address. Each action in the giveaway puts your name in the hat! The first action is mandatory to enter to win, but the rest will give you extra entries. You can also tweet each day throughout the campaign to earn more entries.

5 lucky readers will win a case of their choice from the Symmetry Series Graphics Case or Symmetry Series Case collections!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends 12/11/15 at 11:59 pm PT – Winner will be announced 12/12/15!

This giveaway is in partnership with OtterBox. If you have any questions about OtterBox cases, please comment below. I’m always happy to answer questions!

Express Your Travel Style with OtterBox (+ a Giveaway!) is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/1XlSXlq

The Ultimate Panama City Travel Guide

This summer, I had the opportunity to explore the best of Panama from coast to coast, and I was impressed!

Though sometimes overlooked as a Central America destination, there truly is something for everyone in Panama, whether you come for world-famous shopping, the pristine islands of San Blas or for a stroll through the historic Casco Viejo district.

This Panama City travel guide is filled with travel tips to help you plan an incredible trip!

• What to Expect

• Getting Around

• Where to Stay

• What to Do

• Where to Eat

What to Expect in Panama City

• Language: Like most of Latin America, Spanish is the primary language in Panama City, but because of its legacy as a vital international trade connection, you will also find that there is a multicultural expat population that speaks English too.
• Currency: Unusually for a sovereign state, Panama actually has two official currencies, with the US Dollar sharing official status with Panamanian Balboa, and these are pegged at a one-to-one rate, with dollars used for paper money, and Panama mainly producing its own coins.
• Credit Cards and Banks: In Panama City itself, a good majority of retailers will accept credit cards, particularly tourist businesses, while ATMs are common around the city.
• Climate: Temperatures in Panama City are quite stable throughout the year, with hot days that often rise to thirty three degrees Celsius, and rarely dropping below eighteen degrees. The dry season is fairly short, running from December to April, with the remainder of the year experiences a fair amount of rain.

Getting Around Panama City

The transportation situation in the city has improved significantly over recent years, with a new metro subway system which opened in 2014, and some of the old buses being replaced by new city buses. The first line of the metro runs north to south under the city, and is relatively cheap and affordable, with fares at around 35 cents.

Buses in the city are divided into the local routes with lots of stops that offer fares of 25 cents, or the main corridor buses that run a quicker service along the main north to south and east to west corridor, with fares a little higher at $1.25.

Taxis are also plentiful and affordable in the city, with fares set by the government that depend on the distance that you will be covering, with even the longest journeys around the city only costing around five dollars.

Where to Stay in Panama City

Even if you’re not staying at a 5-star resort, visit the hotel bar for a delicious cocktail!

Budget Accommodation in Panama City

• El Litoral – A short drive outside the city, this rustic seaside B&B is a wonderful retreat from the bustle of Panama City, with cottage style accommodation and charming rooms with large double beds. The location is also used as a retreat for holistic therapies and offers classes in yoga and Pilates too. Rooms are available from $75 per night.
• The Balboa Inn – Located near the Reserva Cerro Ancon, this B&B is ideal for those looking to stay close enough to the city center without being amidst the hustle and bustle. A nice garden and terrace provides a pleasant place to relax, while it also has a warm welcome from the owners. Rooms from $70.

• Hostel Villa Vento Surf – Offering dorm beds for very competitive prices, this is a hostel that comes with some nice added bonuses such as a swimming pool area and free wireless internet. The hostel has a friendly atmosphere and some great social areas to unwind too. Beds in the dorms from $12.

• Helpful Tip:

  Check AirBnB for guest room and apartment availability!

  The Best of Panama City Accommodation

• American Trade Hotel – This classy hotel is bursting with traditional charm, and has some beautifully decorated rooms with lovely comfortable beds, and large bathrooms with stylish deep baths. A swimming pool provides a nice spot to cool off, while the free wireless internet is a nice modern touch.
• Waldorf Astoria – A tower hotel which has the distinctive logo on the wall can be seen from much of the city, and the rooms here are sumptuously decorated, with lovely large bathrooms. The hotel even has a dedicated driver in the lobby who can take you to nearby locations, while the bar offers some lovely drinks and is a great spot to unwind.
• Las Clementinas – With its sea views and beautiful architecture, this hotel is a lovely place to stay, while the rooms are nice with some nice artwork and plenty of space to allow you to relax. The location is excellent for this city’s night life and restaurants, while the air conditioning is welcome and the nice terrace area is a great place to unwind.

What to Do in Panama City

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or beach bum, there’s something here for everyone!

• Panama Canal – The canal is the main reason for the city being what it is today, and to see the ships go by in the canal is an impressive sight. You can reach the area by bus or by taxi, and there is also a visitor’s center at the Miraflores Locks with a great viewing platform and a museum showing off the history of the canal too.

• 

• Casco Viejo – The historic area of the city has seen a lot of development over recent years, but you can still see some historic traditional buildings, while there are also plenty of bars and restaurants here. Many of the city’s museums are located in this district, while the theaters here host some of the best operas and musical shows in the region.
• Panama Viejo – Panama City has not always been set in its current location, and back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the city was a target for pirates, and after the attack of Henry Morgan, the city elders eventually decided to leave behind the old city and move to the more secure site which you can see in Casco Viejo today.

• 

• Bio Museo – This colorful building is facing the Pacific Ocean near the end of the canal, and is designed to be a museum of biodiversity. There are eight exhibitions located within the museum itself, and the bold design is actually one that was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry.
• Stand Up Paddleboarding On The Chagres River – The Chagres is the largest of the rivers of Panama, and is a broad river that flows relatively slowly, meaning that the sport of stand up paddleboarding is a great way to see the scenery of the banks of the river.
• Take A Day Trip To The Gamboa Rainforest – A trip to Gamboa offers some fascinating insights into Panama and its history, as the town of Gamboa is a faded colonial gem that has houses and public buildings in various states of repair, while the rainforest is home to a massive range of birds and wildlife, with some lovely walking trails.

• 

• Monkey Island Boat Tour – This is an island on Gatun Lake which has a huge range of monkeys present, and this trip offers a view of a range of different species including capuchins, howler monkeys and even the sloths and toucans that also live on the island.
• Embera Indian Village Tour – The Embera are an indigenous tribe that live in the Panama rainforest, and this day trip from Panama City will offer a fascinating perspective on the country as it was before colonization, and you can enjoy musical performances and an introduction to the culture and traditions of the tribe. Overnight stays in the rainforest are also available.

Where to Eat in Panama City

Panama City has plenty of places to make your mouth water!

• Puerta de Tierra – This great steak house is located in the old town area, and while you can sit inside, the lovely patio is a great place to enjoy your food and to see the people of the city go by. You will also regularly find some good live bands performing here too.
• Nacion Sushi – So close to the ocean, it is no surprise that seafood is popular in Panama City, and this sushi restaurant is a stylish option in the Costa del Este district, and is nicely decorated while the food is well prepared and offers some tasty vegetarian options as well as the sashimi.
• Barrio Pizza – Located on the Avenida Central at the heart of the city, this pizza restaurant prepares their pizzas in the traditional way, with a good selection of toppings and the option to choose your own topping too. The restaurant is lively and displays some bold artwork giving the location a vibrant atmosphere.
• American Trade Hotel – Headed by chef Clara Icaza, The Dining Room is a hotel restaurant that serves good food throughout the day, but is particularly popular for its wonderful brunch options. The meat and fish for the dishes are sourced locally, and the food here is beautifully prepared.
• Donde Jose – One of the few restaurants in the city that has a waiting list, Donde Jose’s cuisine delivers Panamanian classics with a modern culinary twist, and every day a fixed menu of five main items and two desserts are prepared in two sittings, and each dish is lovingly decorated which makes it almost a shame to touch the food with your fork! 

– Panama’s Rooftop Bars –

With a tropical climate and a growing range of tower buildings in the city, Panama has seen a great growth in rooftop bars, and if you are looking to relax and socialize, then an open air bar with a view is definitely a great way to do it.

• Tantalo is a nice option in the historic Casco Viejo district, with Latin nights held on Wednesdays and a busy atmosphere on the weekends.
• The 1400 bar is a new addition with an urban theme that has become a popular place to party, while the Inedito Rooftop has the business district to one side and the ocean to the other.
• Another bar with ocean views is La Jirafa de Maria del Alma, which offers a great range of cocktails, and also has a Mexican restaurant if you have a taste for nachos or something more substantial with your drinks.

Back to Top

READ NEXT: Exploring the Best of Panama from Coast to Coast

 

Read More

Copa Airlines Business Class Fight Experience from LA to Panama City

The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking in Central America

Making Organic Chocolate in Bocas del Toro

Shop these Panama-inspired items!

The Ultimate Panama City Travel Guide is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/1LAfZst