In this episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," our hosts embark on an exciting journey through Panama City and Playa Coronado, all while keeping a keen eye on their budget. Jim and Rita's adventure begins in Panama City, where they managed to stay under budget thanks to affordable Airbnb rates and the convenience of local markets. Panama City offers a vibrant culture, accessible amenities, and a bustling urban environment that makes it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Panama City charmed Jim and Rita with its blend of modern conveniences and rich cultural experiences. They enjoyed exploring the Mercado and seafood market, which significantly cut down their food expenses. Despite the city's heat, the availability of cheap and quick Ubers made getting around easy and affordable. Rita particularly enjoyed the variety of experiences Panama City had to offer, from walking around Old Town, also known as Casa Viejo, to visiting the Miraflores Lock and the island of Tobago. The city’s two major malls, Albrook Mall and Multiplaza Mall, provided diverse shopping experiences catering to different budgets.
Panama City, Panama
However, their experience in Playa Coronado was quite different. Playa Coronado, located about an hour and a half southwest of Panama City, posed several challenges. High Airbnb costs and limited access to local markets made it difficult for Jim and Rita to stick to their budget. The lack of air conditioning and cleanliness issues in their accommodation further strained their stay. Despite these challenges, they managed to get a substantial refund from Airbnb, which helped them stay under budget.
Rita expressed her mixed feelings about Playa Coronado. Unlike Panama City, Playa Coronado felt more like an expat enclave with limited local cultural experiences. The eateries catered mostly to expats, and the beach experience was not as enjoyable as they had anticipated. However, for those looking for a quiet expat community with amenities like golf courses and a relaxed environment, Playa Coronado might be an ideal destination.
Playa Coronado, Panama
Jim and Rita's journey didn't end in Panama. They also explored San Miguel, a city that offered a warm and safe environment even during unexpected power outages. San Miguel stood out with its strong sense of community and vibrant local culture. Despite facing record heat, Jim and Rita found the city charming and almost considered buying a home there. The city's bustling markets, friendly locals, and lively atmosphere made it a memorable part of their travels.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Budgeting played a crucial role throughout their journey. Jim and Rita shared their strategies for managing expenses, from using high-yield savings accounts to taking advantage of travel perks like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. These perks not only made their travel smoother but also helped them save time and money. They highlighted the importance of planning and flexibility in travel, especially when dealing with unexpected challenges.
The episode also touched on the benefits of travel perks. Jim and Rita discussed how Global Entry and TSA PreCheck streamlined their re-entry into the US and made airport experiences more pleasant. They also praised airport lounges accessible through their American Express Platinum card, which provided comfort and cost-saving perks during layovers. These travel enhancements significantly improved their overall travel experience.
Looking ahead, Jim and Rita plan to share their slow travel insights at the International Living 2024 Ultimate Go Overseas Boot Camp in Las Vegas. They aim to inspire and educate fellow travelers on how to enjoy retirement travels while staying within budget. Their experiences offer valuable lessons on balancing adventure and frugality, making the most of travel perks, and navigating the challenges of living abroad.
In summary, this episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita" provides a comprehensive look at their budget-friendly travels through Panama City and Playa Coronado, along with their adventures in San Miguel. Their journey highlights the importance of strategic budgeting, the benefits of travel perks, and the joy of exploring new cultures. Whether you're planning a trip to Panama or looking for tips on affordable travel, Jim and Rita's experiences offer valuable insights to enhance your own travel adventures.
Follow the story of Jim and Rita, who sold their home to travel for the next few years here in this blog, and on the podcast "Travels With Jim and Rita", available on all major podcast platforms.
