This Stunning Seaside City Revealed As Must-Visit Destination For 2026

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We at Travel Off Path hate to be the bearer of dangerous information. Don’t fear, no one died…

The loss to grieve is Costa Rica’s luster, a spot the place Pura Vida now looks like a advertising slogan; subsequently, vacationers have ventured into the neighboring territory of fully reworked El Salvador and even lesser-known Honduras for sun-drenched shores, immaculate nature, and fewer touristy experiences.

But there’s one iconic metropolis extra famend for its groundbreaking canal than it’s for a shocking shoreline and engaging tradition.

A brand new insightful report revealing 2026’s trendiest locations named Panama City as a must-visit vacation spot.

As somebody who had the pleasure visiting of Panama for the primary time this yr, let me let you know it boasts excess of spectacular logistical loopholes for cargo ships.

It’s probably the most spectacular cities I’ve explored in current reminiscence. Not solely is Panama City a world-class metropolis, it’s a gateway to nearly unknown seashores, residence to a captivating Old Town harking back to Havana, and anchored by an infinite skyline that might make Dubai blush.

The World’s Most Underrated Metropolis

Unless you are getting stem cell remedy to skirt FDA rules or wish to dip into your IRA early, chances are high you have not actually thought-about visiting Panama City earlier than.

Even my tour information mainly mentioned, “People don’t really come here for tourism,” earlier than including, “They come for real estate and medical care.”

That blew my thoughts being such a culturally wealthy, historic, vibrant, and resort-laden vacation spot.

As you possible know, Panama City sits on a slim isthmus (no, that’s not Mike Tyson saying ‘Christmas’), a sliver of land that’s made the Panama Canal well-known for many years.

As cool because it was to see the canal first-hand on a guided tour, it is all the opposite delights I skilled that is been etched in my thoughts since I left.

There’s no denying Panama City’s skyline exudes Miami-meets-Dubai, nevertheless it’s really a metropolis you may wish to flip again the clock and spend as a lot time in Old Town as potential (referred to as Casco Viejo).

We’re speaking timeless cathedrals, colourful facades, storied buildings reworked into luxe resorts (like where I stayed), and no scarcity of sensational meals and conventional cafes, together with the “champagne of coffee” — an absolute must-try at Geisha Experience.

Panama City is actually an underrated metropolis the place there’s by no means a uninteresting second, and feels fully secure and welcoming in any respect hours — many locals even communicate fluent English.

With new Copa Airlines flights, Panama’s flagship service, it is simpler to achieve than ever!

Panama Flaunts Its Caribbean Side

Word on the road is Panama is able to change into a full-fledged trip vacation spot, whether or not you are into bustling cities or attractive seashores.

Panama’s Caribbean aspect is way lesser identified than close by locales. Even Panama’s picture-perfect San Blas Islands with sugary white sand and crystal clear water go largely under-hyped within the shadow of its neighbors.

On my journey, I used to be inspired to go to a textbook off-path seashore city, although it should not be underrated…

Portobelo, initially named by our “founder” (wink, wink) Christopher Columbus, ought to be on each vacationers’ radar.

Home to well-preserved ruins of Sixteenth-century Spanish strongholds, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and excursions to virtually untouched shores on the jungle’s edge, good for snorkeling, sloth-spotting, and feasting on the recent “catch of the day” from a tin-roof shack, I am unable to advocate squeezing in Portobelo sufficient, simply 2 hours from town.

Your greatest guess is reserving by way of Ancon Expeditions (ask for my buddy, Nico!)

Easy Access To Glamorous Resorts

While many Americans discover themselves in a hospital mattress for cheaper medical therapies than again residence, others have been lacking out on heavenly mattresses and crowd-free seashore loungers in a few of Latin America’s most missed resort hideaways.

With names like Westin, Dreams, and Riu, nope, we’re not speaking about Mexico — that is Panama’s coast, child.

Just half-hour from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the resort city of Playa Bonita, residence to aforementioned Dreams and Westin resorts.

But there is not any denying probably the most paradisal setting is the San Blas Islands dotting the Caribbean nearer to Costa Rica.