Traveling

Ways To Keep Your Allergies At Bay While Travelling

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Whether you’re going on vacation with your family or you’re being sent away on a business trip, traveling can be stressful. With all the preparation, packing and scrambling to catch your ride, you’ll finally have a chance to relax when you reach your destination.

Just when you thought the hard part was over, allergies have decided to make their appearance. Here are a few ways to keep your allergies at bay while traveling.

Consult Your Doctor

Before you set out on your trip, consult with your doctor first. They’ll give you advice on how you can keep your allergies from flaring up. Also, don’t forget to ask them if they have connections to other primary care physicians or medical facilities in the area. This makes it easier to get the care you need in case an emergency happens.

Make Sure You’ve Packed Your Medication

Although allergies will eventually go away on their own, certain medication can make this happen quicker. Some of these medications include Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin.

In some cases, the doctor may have prescribed one of these medications to you. However, if you were not prescribed, you’ll need to ask the doctor if it’s okay to take it. Taking medication without consultation from Premier Allergy can make your allergies worse.

Ask for Hypoallergenic Pillows

When you arrive to your hotel room, be sure to check the pillows you have. If they have feathers or fuzz in them, it’s in your best interest to request the hotel for pillows that are hypoallergenic. Pillows are actually one of the most common allergy triggers.

Depending on the material they’re made out of, they can trap a lot of dirt, dust and dander. In fact, this is why some people have asthma attacks in the middle of the night. Allergies is a leading cause for triggering asthma.

Keep The Windows Shut at Night

It may be tempting to keep the windows open at night and fall asleep to the white noise, it’s in your best interest that you keep them shut. Most allergens come from outside and float around in the air you’re breathing in.

In fact, the amount of allergens in the air is drastically increased during the night. Keeping the window closed will keep your hotel room as allergen-free as possible.

Request to be Put in a Non-Smoking Area

Cigarette smoke is not only a trigger for allergies, it’s also one of the main causes for an asthma attack. If your hotel has a reputation for having smokers, try and see if you can be put in an area where smoking is prohibited.

Unfortunately, allergies can happen at any time regardless of where you are. However, that doesn’t mean they have to ruin your trip. By taking preventative measures, your allergies will be almost non-existent. For more information on how to control your allergies, contact Premier Allergy today. We’ll give you tips on what you can do to prevent an allergy attack

2020 Travel Trends

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With the start of a new decade comes a litany of changes. In regards to travel, there are a series of new trends that many travelers should make themselves aware of. For the new year, here are some of the trends that you should be keeping an eye on.

Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming a huge aspect for many luxury travel experiences. Airlines and hotels alike are getting increasingly acclimated to being environmentally friendly. Green travel is becoming more and more popular, and while there are areas of improvement identified, steps in the right direction are being taken.

For example, Marriott has sworn off using single-use plastic toiletries and Dubai has banned the use of single-use plastic by the end of 2020. Green traveling is bound to only grow more and more. hen it comes to larger experiences, carbon neutral and zero-waste will quickly become standard in the industry. It is clear that for 2020 and beyond, luxurious will not mean wasteful. For further information on particular travel trends that may impact you, you can visit Robert Butchike for expert information.

Vegan Hotels

Another big travel trend that you are bound to see in 2020 and into the future is Vegan Hotels. The Vegan Society claims that eight million human lives and greenhouse gases would be reduced by two thirds if the entire world adhered to a meat free diet by the year 2050. With an increasing number of people shunning animal and meat products, there have come an increase in the demand for hotels that cater to such diets.

A survey that was conducted by Sainsbury’s in the summer of 2019 had actually predicted that approximately 25 percent of those from Great Britian would either be vegan or vegetarian by the year 2025. This significant change will result in major hotel chains and other companies adapting in kind.

“Flight Shame”

This trend was actually perpetuated by popular teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Flight shame is a concept that prompts travelers to think about not only how often they are flying but where they are flying too. All of this is related to what would be perceived as a positive change for the environment.

As a result of this, there is likely to be more people in this new decade resorting to trains instead of planes for travel. There has already been an increase in demand for the usage of trains. TGV Lyria, a European train operator, is anticipating a higher demand with a 30 percent increase in services from Paris to other areas such as Switzerland.

Luxury Bunks

Moving on from the archaic twin beds, a new trend for hotels are bunks that have options for both friends and family. Luxury bunks are quickly becoming a popular commodity in many hotels across the world.

For example, Life House has three hotels in Miami with a fourth planning to open in Miami Beach in 2020. Inside the property, there are two pairs of double beds stacked side by side as if it as a spacious sleeper train. In addition, you will be seeing more hotels with single bunks over double beds to enhance the experience. You can visit Robert Butchike for more expert information on trends such as these

Alamo Associates Discuss How to Pick the Right Travel Rewards Card For You

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While no credit card is perfect, there’s some out there that will meet your needs the best. With that said, though, there are some things you need to look for before you apply for a card. This is even more true for travel reward cards. Since there’s so many options, it’s a good idea to get a professional’s opinion, like Alamo Associates. With that said, here are 5 things to consider when you’re trying to pick the right travel rewards card for you.

Look for Sign-Up Bonuses

For starters, try looking for sign-up bonuses. Most of the time, cards will require you to hit a certain spending amount before they’ll give you the sign up bonus. With that said, though, some cards will give a much higher bonus than others. Once you hit the threshold, you’ll be able to take advantage of the bonus. Some might only offer some points, while others might give you a few free nights or a free flight. Make sure you look at the bonus before signing up.

Fee Amounts

You’ll also want to pay attention to fee amounts. Not only does this include annual fees, but also things like international fees or fees on purchases. While the international fees won’t matter if you don’t plan on travelling out of the country, you’ll still want to look at the fees on purchases. Some cards will require you to pay a fee for certain purchases, while others will only require you to pay when you do things like buy stuff online or going to an ATM.

Various Category Earnings

Most reward cards will give you a certain amount of points for every dollar you spend, but the really good cards will give you extra bonuses for certain categories. Some will offer these bonuses if you shop at certain retailers, while others will give them for shopping in certain categories, like gasoline or groceries. Since every card company is different, you’ll want to make sure you look at what kinds of bonuses each one offers.

Travel Reward Type

You’ll also want to decide the travel reward type you want. With so many reward options, you want to make sure you choose a card that has one you’ll use the most. Some of the more common ones are: hotel rewards, airline rewards and general travel rewards. Since all of those reward categories are pretty self explanatory, you’ll want to decide which one will benefit you the most. Keep in mind, some will only offer 1 reward, while others will offer multiple types.

Special Perks

Finally, pay attention to the special perks that come with the travel cards you’re considering. The majority of rewards cards will have some kind of special perks, but some are going to be better than others. Since it can be anything from having higher status to free nights, you’ll want to see all perks the card is offering.

Now that you have an idea of what you want, you’ll be able to talk with professionals like Alamo Associates to help you find the best one. Looking at all the information and having a better understanding will help you find the best card for your needs without getting stuck with a card that isn’t the right fit for you

How Climate Change Has Influenced Travel Trends

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Climate change is the catastrophic effects taking place in certain parts of the world that include a rise in temperature and an increase in natural disasters. Since it’s overlooked, it looks like climate change will have a negative impact on travel. The effects are already being witnessed in the Pacific where people from the Solomon Islands had to leave their homes after rising waters flooded their villages. Find out the five ways climate change will affect air travel and tourism, and learn some useful tips from Rusty Tweed.

Increased Turbulence

The devastating long-term effects of climate change will have a negative impact on aviation. According to a study from the University of Reading, in-flight injuries will only increase due to turbulence. Air turbulence has tripled around the world, no matter the season or time of year. It could even worsen as climate change continues. 

The study has also indicated that more needs to be done to improve turbulence so passengers feel safer while in the air. For example, Boeing is currently testing laser technology that allows pilots to detect turbulence up to 16km away. This means pilots have one minute to react and prevent their passengers from experiencing a bumpy ride. 

Increased Delays & Cancellations

Since hot air is thin it makes it difficult for airplanes to have enough lift for takeoff. The increase in temperatures can lead to even more delays and cancellations. Several airlines have established regulations on the external conditions for their flight. 

According to the New York Times, American Airlines spokesperson Ross Feinstein said that airplanes aren’t supposed to take off or land when they hit an excess of 118F. Back in 2017, American Airlines canceled over a dozen flights since it was too hot for takeoff. 

Longer Flights

The Nature Climate Change journal revealed in 2015 that these hotter temperatures will also contribute to longer flights. This increase is one minute of flight time which means airplanes will spend 300,000 hours going through billions of gallons of jet fuel. The increase in flight duration and jet fuel will only contribute to the global warming crisis. 

The biggest factor affecting flight duration is upper wind circulation, as noted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute of Massachusetts. Scientist Kris Karnauskas revealed that when carbon dioxide and the temperature rises, the circulation will change as well, affecting your flight. 

More Weight Restrictions

It’s difficult for meteorologists or pilots to predict or track turbulence in the skies since it’s not present to the naked eye or radar. This solution to tracking turbulence is focusing on other constraints such as the weight of the airplane. To prevent turbulence, airplanes have to flight even higher without anything weighing them down. This could have an effect on the amount of luggage and passengers in a given flight. That means passengers could be faced with even stricter weight conditions at luggage check-in. 

Flying & Tourism Will Change

Passengers may also see an increase when booking their airline tickets. Due to the increase of cancellations, delays, and turbulence, airlines are expected to pay $500 million annually. With the increase in fuel and turbulence, passengers will pay more for their flights. The rising cost of air travel will deter travelers and have an effect on the tourism industry across the globe. 

That means your travel plans could change. Tourism in certain parts of the world could be cut off due to the effects of climate change. For example, the Zika virus originated in the Americas from mosquitoes that carried the virus from another climate. Your dreams of traveling to Rio could be impacted by this danger. 

According to Rusty Tweed, solar and wind power is the best way for airlines and the tourism industry to work with nature. It’s important for travelers to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, LED light bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Working with nature can prevent bigger problems from happening and impacting people’s everyday lives.

Colby Lee Burke Hilton Head

Colby Lee Burke Hilton Head Resident Invites Families To Vacation Together

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Colby Lee Burke, Hilton Head resident believes that Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for families to vacation together. In a recent interview he said the following:

“There’s plenty of activities to do when you arrive on the island. There’s watersports activities, tours, and plenty of spas that you can visit to relax at. There’s something out there for everyone if you look hard enough.”

You can read the full interview by visiting:
https://warlockasyluminternationalnews.com/2019/01/17/interview-with-colby-lee-burke-on-travel-and-the-hilton-head-island-in-south-carolina/

Wood-Harris

3 Best Family-Friendly Beaches In LA

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Families either living in or visiting Los Angeles often look for the best places to take their families. They want to take advantage of the city’s world famous beaches for walking, swimming, or surfing. But some of these beaches are either too crowded or adult-oriented for the average family. Here are a few beaches that would be perfect for kids and parents of all ages and interests.

Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica State Beach is a perfect option for families in southern California. It is one of the state’s best beaches to take small children. The beach stretches almost the entire length of the town of Santa Monica. Wood Harris believes that Santa Monica is a prominent town with a wide variety of restaurants and shops all throughout town.

It is a great place to enjoy many sunny days and perfect temperatures all year. But perhaps the most attractive and well-known part of the Santa Monica State Beach is the pier. This pier is famous for its rides, food, and other attractions. The pier extends out over the Pacific Ocean with a wide expanse of views. It can provide hours of countless enjoyment for children of all ages.

Surfrider Beach

Surfrider Beach is a great family beach for a number of different reasons. One primary reason is its close proximity to many of the coast’s most prominent urban areas. Surfrider Beach can provide a wide array of potential trips that an individual can go on after their beach visit.

The other is the beach’s legendary waves. These waves crash at tall heights throughout the year but particularly in winter. This beach is therefore perfect for those who view a trip to the beach as a reason to surf. Waves are adventurous but not so punishing that kids and their parents cannot have a good time surfing.

El Porto Beach

This beach is an attraction because of both the coastline and the associated amenities. El Porto Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. It has pristine sand, tall waves, and a sandy breach break that is nearly unparalleled in the rest of California. In addition, there are several other amenities that are often not swallowed up by a large number of adult tourists.

These amenities include a boardwalk, tennis courts, and open areas to sit and eat. All of these areas are open to the public. The beach is also in close proximity to many of the shops, dining areas, and destinations in towns like Manhattan Beach. A family could spend the morning at El Porto Beach and have enough time to stop in for a meal at restaurants in several famous Los Angeles area towns.

Los Angeles has an abundance of things to do. Individuals could spend weeks or even months exploring everything that the city has to offer. One of the first of these amenities that most families should try is a family-friendly beach. A family-friendly beach can turn a Los Angeles vacation into a sporting or recreational trip to remember.

Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk

How to Avoid Holiday Travel Scams When Booking This Year

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Traveling for the holidays can be exciting. The family is looking forward to festivities, food, and a stress-free time. Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk, a traveling expert, has done extensive research when it comes to traveling. However, there are times when the stress-free part is not included. This is due to holiday scams. We see them headlining the news and in the newspaper. When it comes time to book your trip, you are diligently watching for the lowest prices and bundled deals for the holiday season. Unfortunately, you also have to be on the lookout for scams. Nowadays, Booking and reservations are done online and scammers know this.

There have been reports of a data breach for major airlines. So, airline travelers are the most targeted. Specifically, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada are high on the list when it comes to data breaches meaning identify and fraud is likely. Stephen Stepaniuk gives a few tips on what to look for and how to avoid them for the holiday season in 2018.

Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk

What should you look for?

There are three different ways scammers can attack:

1) Account Takeover

An account takeover is when an unknown individual gains access to the users’ login and password information to steal financial data.

2) URL-Jacking

URL jacking is a when you are looking for a confirmation email after you have booked your trip or made the reservation, but the site was fraudulent. The scammer now has access to your personal and financial information.

3) Fake Sites

Fake sites are self-explanatory. These sites look like real travel agencies, but they are not. They are disguised to allow a real customer to complete the booking process in order to steal financial information.

How can you avoid holiday travel scams?

• Having a credible security scanner on your company is important. Norton is a great anti-virus software used to fight against hackers infiltrating your computer or phone.

• Allow your web browser to let you know which sites are secure, and which are not secure.

• Make sure you look at the website that you are booking on. Do a quick Google search if you need to, so you are sure you’re on the right website before you proceed. If you are using a third-party website such as Google Flights or Trivago, check the spelling to ensure you are on the right site. Remember to look for the ‘HTTPS’ before the websites URL.

• Stephen Stepaniuk says If you find a site that has an incredible deal on travel and accommodations, research the site before you type in your credit card number. Verify the company by checking the Better Business Bureau and look at reviews. Ask friends and family or your community about the company.

• Do not use a debit card if you can avoid. A reloadable card from your local grocery store can work on sites as well. If you have a credit card issued through an airline, use it. Debit cards have more access attached to them than credit cards do. Credit cards also go through a process before funds are debited meaning you can reverse the charges if you were scammed.

With debit cards, the money is gone immediately.you’re Do not wait for an email. Phone calls can be a hassle at times, but during the holiday season, it is important to call the company you just booked with or made reservations with to confirm. If they do not have your named listed then it’s time to put your card on hold and run a scan on your computer. This is something you do not want to deal with when you arrive.

• If the charge did not go through on the site, there was not a declined page, you were not able to ensure the purchase and there was not a “freezing point” – internet cut out for a second – then Stephen Andrew Stepaniuksays do not enter your card number again. Some scammers will call or email you to have you enter your information again because something happened on their end. Nothing happened on their end; end the call and call the company yourself.

Staying safe during the holidays does not only mean physically but staying safe financial. Keep identity stealers at bay by having an anti-virus and malware on your computer, carefully look at websites, research third-party companies if you are considering a travel deal and avoid using a debit card if you can. If a debit card is the only option, check your statement immediately and double check with the company.

 
Brandon Oda

Where You Should Travel to This November

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While November is cold and dreary in much of the northern United States, there are many beautiful places where you can relax in sunny weather and comfortable temperatures. Destinations that are too warm during the summer months are ideal for a November visit. Also, it’s a great time to avoid crowds of families who vacation during the summer and school breaks. Brandon Oda, photographer and travel blogger, shares his top 4 hot spots for November travel.

Brandon Oda

1. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is at its best in the autumn. The blistering temperatures of summer have calmed to a pleasant warmth, and it’s possible to get outdoors and enjoy hiking and biking in the gorgeous desert surroundings. You should be able to get great deals on travel and hotel accommodations as well. Try the Little Paradise Hotel, an adults-only oasis with a gorgeous mountain view. For al fresco dining, make sure that you visit Spencer’s Restaurant at the Palm Springs Tennis Club. You’ll enjoy upscale comfort food in a relaxed setting.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s balmy November weather, gorgeous architecture, and vibrant local food scene make it a much sought-after destination. The locals are friendly and welcoming in keeping with traditional Southern hospitality. Take architectural tours of the beautifully preserved downtown. Take the whole family to the Wild Dunes Resort and choose from a wide variety of options including a four-diamond hotel and family vacation rentals. While you’re in Charleston, don’t leave without trying the fried chicken at Bertha’s Kitchen.

3. Hong Kong

If you’re looking for an exotic vacation destination for your fall travels, Hong Kong is an exciting city with much to offer. There is so much to do (and so much to eat) in Hong Kong, you should spend as much time there as you can. Travel to the Peak on the popular funicular railway and enjoy a stunning view of the skyscrapers and the bay beyond. Stay at the Hotel ICON and experience luxury in a gleaming glass building. Make sure that you have at least one meal of dim sum while you’re in the city. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to have it again.

4. Sicily, Italy

This oceanside destination has its low season in November, meaning that you’ll be able to get great deals on hotel accommodations. Sicily is a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy the bounty of the sea and try new kinds of seafood dishes. While you’re there, take a trip to Mount Etna, an active volcano located just outside Naples. Since it’s not a busy season, you will have an easy time reserving a room at one of the region’s famous villas. This will give you a wonderful alternative to traditional hotels. When you’re in Sicily, be sure to try cannoli. This pastry dessert with sweetened ricotta cheese has a unique crunch and creaminess.

Brandon Oda recommends all four of these destinations for your fall travel pleasure. Make sure to pack extra camera batteries and take plenty of photos of your amazing trip.

Kalu Yala Lawsuit Is A Rumor, Be A Part Of Their Study Abroad Program

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It is a rare occurrence that great ideas come to life. Only a few people get to achieve this success, and when it does happen, it’s not an easy climb.

Such is a story behind the sustainable village Kalu Yala, and its founder Jimmy Stice. In this post, we will be looking into the history of this community, the rumors spread by the media behind it, the truth about what Kalu Yala’s mission is, and why rumors of a Kalu Yala lawsuit are completely unfounded.

 

 

The Background Story of Kalu Yala

So, how did Kalu Yala came to be? How did it start? This idea came about when Jimmy previously worked as a land investor. He was interested in looking at properties in Central and South America. Being an earth-lover himself, he envisioned a community where all things came from nature and are powered by sustainable practices.

With the support of many investors and like-minded people, he was able to establish Kalu Yala, which became fully operational in 2007. He started the study abroad program within the village to encourage interns and other professionals looking for experience to learn and contribute to the development of the village.

Jimmy received a lot of attention from news and media outlets. He was even invited to speak at many conferences such as TED Talks to discuss his idea. Many marveled at his vision, thus he gained a lot of supporters for his Kalu Yala project.

The Rumors Behind Kalu Yala

After much attention from the news and other media companies, Jimmy began to become a victim of sensationalism.

There were articles published that talked about students leaving because of issues within the village. These rumors were not true, as most of the students who left did so because of personal reasons, and they were only a very small percentage, just like any other internship sites.

As if the attacks were not ending, there were other reports that mentioned that there was a Kalu Yala lawsuit. These allegations are false. There is no Kalu Yala lawsuit, and Jimmy does not face any charges for that matter. The media outlets placed a dramatized version of what the story is really all about and obscured the vision that Kalu Yala was built for.

The Truth About Kalu Yala

Despite the adversity of experiencing negative media exposure, Kalu Yala stands strong and still remains one of the top study abroad programs in Central America. Here are some of the great things that students can learn in Kalu Yala.

  1. Learning about sustainable engineering and construction

When homes are built from natural materials, and raw construction items remain eco-friendly, it leaves lesser carbon footprints. Additionally, it is easier to source these materials because they come from the immediate environment. These are sustainable construction practices that students can learn in the village. As they tread on in their future endeavors, they can apply these learnings in their profession.

  1. Learning about energy conservation

Energy conservation is one of the top concerns in the world today. More and more people are clamoring for change in the energy production sector, as our present sources are not sustainable and cause environmental problems as well. Students in Kalu Yala will be learning about ways to save energy through the use of watersheds, creating equipment that can source solar energy and wind energy turbines.

  1. Learning about culture preservation

There is a way to preserve one’s identity without the expense of continuous positive development. This is what Kalu Yala hopes to bring. Panama is a land filled with opportunities for growth, but the community still hopes to preserve the identity of the locals through their cuisine, language, and art. Kalu Yala students can learn about these cultural factors and understand how they can be integrated into community development.

Kalu Yala, in the native language, means “Sacred Village”. When we take time to appreciate what is sacred in life, such as nature, our environment, and the people important to us, we begin to realize that we can still grow without harming them.

This is what Kalu Yala is all about. It is about protecting the only world we live in but still paving the way to progress for the future generations.

4 Reasons to Visit Kalu Yala as a Traveler

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When you are a frequent traveler, you may be tired of visiting the cliche places that always pops up in people’s minds when they think of going to another country. Perhaps you have been there and done that. Perhaps you may want to visit a place that is considered enriching, and can make you feel like you want to take actionable steps to make the world a better place.

If all these apply to you, consider visiting Kalu Yala in Panama.

What is this place?

This remote village in Panama is not like any other–it is the brainchild of Jimmy Stice, a real estate investor who had a vision to build a city that is self-sustaining, modernized and yet eco-friendly. When you visit this village, you will get to learn things about Panama’s landscape and culture, appreciate wildlife and biodiversity, and understand how sustainable living can work.

In this post, we will be finding out reasons why you should consider visiting this special village.

1. It helps you become aware of the environment

When was the last time you traveled, and you actually gained insights on how you should care more for the planet? Sustainability is not only a hot topic existent in the media today, but it is also a relevant concern that we need to know about. Issues like global warming, climate change, pollution are getting more and more pronounced in the present years and seem to be increasing as time passes by. In visiting this village in Panama, you will have the opportunity to know about the effects of industrialization to our environment, and how we can minimize it by changing the system of how things work.

2. Exploring the ‘unexplored’ parts of Panama

When we think of Panama, we think of the beaches, the resorts and possibly the historical landscapes in the metropolitan area such as Panama City. What we don’t think of is the vast, virgin lands and mountains that remain to be explored by travelers. Visiting the remote village will give you the opportunity to find the biodiversity available in Panama such as the different sightings of land/water forms, plants, and animals you can see in its mountains.

3. Accessibility to the city and airport

As travelers, we want to maximize time during our trips. We want to see if a place is accessible from another, if there are options that can speed up the travel time that will allow us to have more experiences. Although this remote village is located in the mountains, it is surprisingly very accessible to Panama City and the airport by land. Apparently, it is close to the airport by only being 15-20 minutes away, and as close to Panama City by being 40-45 minutes away. In this case, camping at the village, and exploring the city is a feasible option.

4. Culinary Experience

Aside from sights and sounds within the village, you can also experience the different ‘tastes’ of Panama. Get to taste different preparations of meat, use of different vegetables and spices that is unique to the South American culture. The ingredients that are used to prepare food within the village are locally sourced, and techniques used to prepare the food are also self-sufficient. Enjoying a meal as a traveler in Panama is not only an exotic experience, but also a learning opportunity of how food can be prepared without harming the environment.

Any traveler who is up for a unique adventure won’t regret visiting this hidden gem in Panama.

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