If you have an appreciation or love for the Spanish culture, then learning the history behind the town and ruins of Portobelo Panama will make your trip worthwhile before you visit. Originally discovered by the Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, in 1502 on his route to discovering America, he gave the town the name of Puerto Bella meaning beautiful port. However, it was not founded until 1597 by Francisco Velarde y Mercado.

Portobelo Panama continued on the path of being taken over by and attacked by pirates. This was due to annual fairs being held for several days or months in the town as a central connection for other cities to exchange merchandise, resulting in a large amount of gold being gathered. Even holding the fairs every year instead of often brought piracy and a famous one in particular named Captain Henry Morgan. After recovering from a torturous capture by the Captain and his crew, the town encountered countless other attacks which eventually led to the decline of the city and what is now considered a historical monument only with a few residents left.

The history has not detoured but seems to lure more visitors and tourists from all over who still find beauty in Portobelo Panama. Spanish forts, walls and old cannons can still be seen today symbolizing the forms of protection against some of the pirate attacks. Paths stretching to other cities for entry and exit ways to the annual trades can also be seen in Portobelo Panama.

One thing that keeps Portobelo Panama unified with the rest of the cities in Panama is the festival held every year to celebrate the miracles of a statue called Black Christ. It was called this supposedly due to the dark wood from which the statue is made. History says that the statue was found by seamen who had a rough sails during severe storms and only after discarding the statue were their ships stable on the waters. The statue then appeared back in the bay of Portobelo ending a health epidemic that started after the statue left. Others say the statue seemed to reappear countless times to the city every time it was removed as to make Portobelo its home.

Portobelo Panama: Pirates, Gold, Treasure is a post from: AA Panama

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People all over the world are finally discovering the advantages of taking a cruise vacation. For one, all of the planning is done for you. You get to travel to multiple destinations without having to worry about finding transportation or hotels. That is because the boat itself is your means of transportation AND it is your hotel!

Still, a lot of great cruise deals will oftentimes get lost in the shuffle. Many people will see a few of the old standby destinations at a great bargain and instantly jump at them. And there is nothing wrong with taking your umpteenth trip to the Bahamas. If you like it there then by all means go for it. If you’ve never been you should give it a shot.

But part of the appeal of a cruise is that it can take you to strange and exotic places without stressing you too much on the details. A cruise can be a fantastic adventure to places you never dreamed about visiting, and maybe some places you’ve never even heard of before! Here are a few suggestions for bargain deals on cruises to places that are a little bit off the beaten path.

1. Alaska

When most people think about a cruise they think about fun in the Caribbean sun. An Alaskan cruise is not usually at the top of the list. But touring Alaska by boat can be an unforgettable and gorgeous experience. The landscapes and wildlife that you encounter are like nothing else in the world.

Princess Cruises offers a five day cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage. That is the little area between the southernmost Alaskan islands and the mainland. The trip leaves from Vancouver, Canada and after a day at sea it docks for an afternoon in Juneau.

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and it is also the state’s third largest city. Hiking trails through temperate rain forests are easily accessible from downtown. There are also many museums and other cultural hotspots in the city. The next destination on the way back is the small city of Ketchikan. It is a huge fishing area and a great place to sea orca and humpback whales.

Although an Alaskan vacation might not facilitate too much sunbathing time, it has more than enough cultural and wildlife-viewing opportunities to make up for it.

2. European Rivers

Another oft-overlooked option for a cruise is to take a trip down a river instead of out to sea. Railways and rental cars aren’t the only way to tour Europe. Now you can do it by boat!

Avalon Waterways runs a 10-day trip that begins in Paris and sails down the Seine River, down to Lyon and the Rhone River, and eventually out into the Mediterranean Sea and over to the city of Nice, France. This is an unbelievable tour that hits a total of 11 French cities in 11 days and 10 nights. Seeing all that countryside on a traditional trip would be nearly impossible in such a short span of time, but it is leisurely and enjoyable when taken in from the deck of your cruise ship.

3. Panama Canal

Seeing one ocean is enough for most people. But the more adventurous types might want a cruise vacation where they get to see large parts of the two biggest oceans on the planet in the same trip.

Celebrity Cruises runs a 14-day trip that leaves from San Juan, Puerto Rico, travels through the Panama Canal, and then all the way up the western coast of Mexico and back to San Diego. Along the way it ports at Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This is a huge fishing port and it is an unbelievable place for fresh seafood. From there it is up the coast with stops in Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas.

If you want to go on a tropical cruise vacation but you can’t decide on which ocean to sail in, experience two of them by crossing through the Panama Canal!

4. The Canary Islands

If you like the idea of spending long days at sea then you might consider a cruise of the Canary Islands. Royal Caribbean International runs 13-day repositioning cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico that spend six whole days at sea before arriving for a three-day tour of the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.

These repositioning trips are a great deal because many of the cruise lines are already taking their boats from the Caribbean where they tour in the winter to the Mediterranean for the summertime. There is no real point in sailing across an ocean without passengers so they offer really great bargains. This trip also travels to Cadiz before docking in Barcelona, Spain.

5. The Galapagos Islands

Charles Darwin was so inspired by what he saw on the Galapagos Islands that it partially inspired his landmark study of human evolution “The Origin of Species.” Kurt Vonnegut was so inspired by Darwin’s work that he wrote the science fiction novel “Galapagos,” which explores the inherent sorrow that comes from being a member of a species with an abnormally large brain.

Clearly, these islands are a magical place. Animals have evolved there in dramatic and exciting ways because they have been cut off for millennia from contact with other landmasses. Celebrity Cruises runs a 10-day cruise out of Quito, Ecuador so that you can explore these one-of-a-kind islands for yourself. Who knows what they will inspire in you.

World travel is about different things for different people. Some people desire a vacation simply to get away from the office and to relax for a few weeks. There is nothing wrong with that.

But other individuals travel because they sea it as a way to open their minds to new people, places and ideas. For them, vacation is both a physical and a spiritual journey. If you find yourself in this latter group then you might consider taking a cruise to one of these oft-overlooked locations. You never know what you might find there.

Five Cruise Destinations You May Have Overlooked is a post from: AA Panama

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So the holidays are around the corner and you are thinking about going away but you might be afraid that you will leave something behind, but here are some guidelines as to what you should take with you when travelling.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance for over 50′s is a very good idea should you be planning a trip in the near future. So regardless of whether you are over 50, 60, 70 or even 80 you will still need to look around for a travel insurance policy for your age group to ensure you don’t over pay! Get a friend or family member to give a second opinion, just to make sure you aren’t paying more than you should.

Some popular destinations:

Many people forget that we have a great selection of things to see and do right here in the UK and here are some noteworthy places to visit (home and abroad), if you haven’t already.

Stonehenge

A true marvel and one of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge is a must see destination for Britons, but be sure to take you travel insurance for over 60′s along with you when you go to take in the atmosphere these stone giants exude.

Andalucia

One of the most beautiful and relaxing parts of Spain sits at the southern tip of the country and is guaranteed to leave you rejuvenated and refreshed after a visit. Be sure to take your travel insurance for over 70′s policy with you when you go, because it’s always good to be properly prepared.

Some other advice

If you are flying to your destination remember that to avoid swollen ankles you will need to exercise while on the flight. Ask your air host/hostess for some advice as they will know exactly what to do. This also applies if you are driving to your destination, you will need to stop regularly and walk around a little, stretch your legs, this will get blood circulating and that will result in you being more comfortable.

Summer Destinations and Travel Tips For Over 50′s, 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s is a post from: AA Panama

Take a moment and think of your next vacation. Is it a tropical beach. Beach environments are perfect for outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas on selecting the best tropical beaches to visit.

There are a lot of tropical beaches out there but how do you know which beach is best for your holiday? What if you want to set off to a romantic tropical resort and end up at a backpacker party beach?

For starters, pick what type of tropical holiday suits you. Do you want an active vacation, great diving, a luxurious island resort, an off the beaten track beach or will just any island do for you?

Next, decide where you want to visit. Do you want your tropical holiday to be comfortable like home or somewhere very different? Are all inclusive resorts your thing or small beach bungalows for a few dollars a night?

Next, decide how much your budget will be. This will decide how far you can travel or if you stay in luxury or budget accommodation. Asia and Central American are excellent for beaches that cater to both luxury and budget travelers.

Find a bunch of recommendations for different regions. Look to regions like Asia with Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Central America and the Caribbean or Greece and the Mediterranean.

Research your beaches. What is the food like? Is there good diving? How much does it cost? Who does it cater to? Is it easy to get too? Check out sites like Best Tropical Beach for ideas.

With your list narrowed down, make a decision. What tropical beach or island offers most of the activities you want to do and which best suits your budget?

So now you have picked your tropical beach, start booking flights and accommodation. Make the trip and enjoy it rather than sitting here dreaming about it.

How to Choose a Tropical Beach Holiday is a post from: AA Panama

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The 2009 data is in and we’re digging into the detail. We’ve looked at prices for real estate in over 300 master planned communities in Costa Rica, Belize, Panama and Nicaragua that target the international buyer. Here are the top line results:

Top 10 most expensive master planned communities in the region – ranked by median price/sqft ($) for single family homes and condos:
The Four Seasons Papagayo Peninsula, Papagayo – $652 Las Olas, Dominical – $592 Placencia Residences, Belize, Placencia – $547 Tamarindo Preserve, Tamarindo – $535 The Palms at Playa Flamingo – $502 Jade Condo Resort Residences & Beach Club, Quepos/Manuel Antonio -$488 Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower, Panama City – $483 Los Faros de Panama, Panama City – $463 Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, Costa Rica, Herradura – $450 Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica, Flamingo – $430

Costa Rica holds 6 of the top 10 spots in the 2009 PriceRank. Panama has 2 developments in the top 10 and Belize has 1. Nicaragua, the most ‘emerging’ of the markets has none.

Let’s turn to the cheapest. For the most affordable properties in the region, you’re looking at a serviced lot or home-site within a master planned community. We’ve gathered that information below:

The 10 cheapest master planned communities in the region – ranked by median price ($) for serviced lots.
Camino Del Rio, Belize, Belmopan – $20,000 Lomas de Santa Rosa, Tamarindo – $21,200 Club Alegria, Nicaragua, Granada – $21,500 Better in Belize, Belize, Belmopan – $23,000 Prana del Sol, Nicaragua, Tola – $25,000 Rancho Las Lomas, Costa Rica, Parrita – $26,500 Villa Davina, Panama, David- $28,400 Casa Llanta, Nicaragua, South of San Juan del Sur – $30,000 Congo Hills, Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur – $30,000 Rancho Los Suenos, Panama, Espave – $31,000

This is the turn for Nicaragua real estate to shine. 4 of the 10 cheapest master planned communities offering lots can be found here, reflecting the emerging ‘early in’ nature of the market. Stay tuned for more data that tells the story of international property in Central America.

The 10 Most Expensive and Most Affordable Master Planned Communities in Central America is a post from: AA Panama

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Many vacationers come to experience the unrivaled Florida golf vacations on the manicured greens of some of Florida’s leading courses. There is a blend of over 1100 public and private membership golf courses throughout Florida. Given the massive recognition of golf throughout the state, it comes as no surprise to find that golf vacation packages are available to suit all tastes and budgets. Tee Times USA is the world head in custom golf vacations and advanced tee time reservations in Florida. You can choose from more than 300 Florida golf courses and from hundreds of resorts, condominiums and hotels.

Florida golf vacations are particularly popular in winter when guests from the East Coast escape south to enjoy warm weather. The Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island features a course that incorporates the natural backdrop of the island, including sand dunes, palm trees and oaks. Great scenery and great weather is just a couple of reasons why visitors worldwide prefer Florida Golf Vacations for their weekend getaways. This extend of the Atlantic coast is lined with championship Florida Golf greens that are open to the public. Florida golf vacations initiate at the northern border of Florida and go on to the end of the Florida Keys.

Golf vacations and holidays in this state will offer exceptional challenges, including live alligators and other beasts of the unknown. Everyone knows Orlando has the world’s best theme parks, from the magic of Walt Disney World Resort and the thrills of Universal Studios, to the pleasure of Sea World. But Orlando is also home to some of North America’s best golf courses. Palm Beach is home to a number of top-notch golf courses mostly for the rich and famous. Panama City is also an excellent place to play golf on some of the most beautiful courses. With an average temperature of around 78 degrees, weather rarely interferes with year-round play. As the temperature decreases so do the prices of golf and lodging making Panama City a wonderful vacation bargain. No matter what the season, Panama City is one of the best places in Florida to play golf. Golf packages cost about $74 at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista to about $130 at Disney’s Mongnolia and Palm Course. There is single day as well as multi day package available. Such places offer complete entertainment during the golf vacation.

Florida Golf Vacations is a post from: AA Panama

We are going to take a quick look at top Asian destinations for health travel. This will give you a brief overview of what is available and will provide a starting point for deeper research.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, which has been allowed to maintain a high degree of autonomy in all internal matters such as economics and culture. The SAR carries forward its standards for medical treatment from its century-long tenure as a British Crown Colony. It has 12 private hospitals accredited by the UK’s QHA Trent, with several having dual accreditation with JCI. Costs are quite low, being maintained at 20-23% of US costs as a matter of government policy. A medical-government alliance has begun a concerted effort to grow the role of Medical Tourism in Hong Kong. At present about 7% of patient beds are filled by medical tourists, a percentage which is growing rapidly. No visas are required for stays up to 180 days.

India

India is a major player in Medical Tourism, greeting over a million medical tourists per year in 2010. Unlike many countries, India provides a wide range of medical services, with emphasis on heart surgery, joint replacement, bone marrow transplants, and other advanced procedures. At present, 10 major hospitals in India have received JCI accreditation, and the Indian government is actively encouraging international accreditation and improving medical infrastructure problems which currently hinder the rate of growth of Medical Tourism. Medical costs in India are among the lowest in the world at 10-20% of US rates. The most populous democracy in the world, India has a healthy economy and encompasses vast geographical and cultural diversity. Visas are required for entry, but are relatively easy to obtain.

Malaysia

Malaysia will soon welcome nearly a million medical tourists per year to its shores. The country is largely English-speaking, and medical facilities are subject to a strong internal accreditation organization, the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health. In addition to national accreditation, many of Malaysia’s better hospitals are also seeking international accreditation. Medical facilities are concentrated largely in Kuala Lumpur, perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Medical costs average about 25% of those in the US, depending on a somewhat erratic exchange value for the ringgit. Medical services are expanding from their initial focus on cosmetic surgery to procedures for more serious ailments.

Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines, consisting of thousands of beautiful tropical islands, has been growing as a destination for medical tourism by about 8% per year. There are tight cultural, economic, and political ties between the Philippines and the United States, which may increase the role of the Philippines as a Medical Tourism destination. A substantial proportion of American medical professionals have been trained in the Philippines, reflecting a solid tradition of medical training and culture. The Philippines government has set a goal of attracting about 750,000 medical tourists per year, a goal that seems soon within reach. Medical costs in the Philippines average about 20-25% of US prices.

Singapore

Singapore is considered to have the best health system in Asia, and one of the best in the world. Long an active destination for Medical Tourism (about a million medical tourists per year!), providing medical services to international patients is the primary goal of a multi-agency government-industry partnership. Medical Tourists come from across Asia as well as from around the world. Medical costs are not the lowest, averaging about one-third of US rates, but Singapore’s reputation as a clean, safe, cosmopolitan city-state where English is widely spoken makes the added expense worthwhile to many. A growing number of Singapore’s hospitals are receiving international accreditation, with more than a dozen JCI accreditations as of 2006. A constant tropical rainforest climate makes Singapore a delight at all times of the year.

Thailand

Thailand is perhaps the most active Medical Tourism destination, welcoming around two million medical tourists each year. One hospital alone treated over 50,000 US patients in 2005 at an average cost about 30% that of the US medical system. Nearly any medical procedure can be supplied somewhere in Thailand. Although many Thai physicians and nurses are US or UK trained and hold those professional certifications, the Thai government does not emphasize the role of international accreditation of their hospitals. However, a few of the best private hospitals have obtained JCI accreditation.

Top 6 Asian Health Travel Destinations is a post from: AA Panama

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Phoenix is a great place to spend a vacation and looking at some of the top tourist attractions you will soon see why. Phoenix may be a desert city but there is nothing wanting about this thriving metropolis or the attractions on offer for visitors. The city has grown rapidly from humble desert town origins, and indeed it is one of America’s fastest growing cities today. With a diverse community and a past rich in indigent culture, there is something on offer for the visitor no matter what their interests are and there is something for all of the family to enjoy.

Here are the top seven tourist attractions for Phoenix.

Arizona Science Center

With over 35 interactive exhibits, the Arizona Science Center provides an eye opening experience for all enquiring minds no matter how old they are. There is also a giant screen theater and a computerized planetarium offering great visual and educational films and experiences.

Desert Botanical Garden

With hundreds of different plants on display, you will be amazed at just how many different species of cactus there are as well as the multitude of displays that they create completely naturally. The Desert Botanical Garden is particularly impressive in the spring when the flowers are in bloom but you will find a wide range of events are arranged throughout the year for art and glass, cuisine, music and dancing.

Heard Museum

Bequeathed and initially funded by the Heard family, the Heard Museum focuses on the art and cultural history of the Native American people, and particularly the Indians of the Southwest. World renowned for the collection of the art of the Indian people, you will find basketwork, jewelry, textiles and a very large collection of Kachina dolls scattered throughout the numerous exhibition halls including ten outdoors.

Heritage Square

The focus of Heritage Square is the Rosson House together with seven other homes lovingly and painstakingly restored to their original state in the late 1800′s. In addition to a large number of exhibits showing Phoenix’s origins you will also find ample opportunity for eating, shopping and educational activities.

Pueblo Grande Museum

Discover the ruins of the original settles of the Valley of the Sun and the Hohokam Indians who carved the first canals and pathways across the land, many of which were followed by the white settlers in the late 1800′s. You will find in the museum the actual ruins of the 12th Century Hohokam settlement along with the remains of the original irrigation canals made to bring the Valley to life from the desert.

South Mountain Park

Phoenix is a city of firsts and no less than with South Mountain Park which is the world’s largest city park and a focus of activities for the whole area. You will find within the 15,000 acres of desert and arid country miles of trails for hiking, riding and mountain biking as well as many other activities catered for including rock climbing.

Phoenix Art Museum

With an enormous collection of European, Oriental and native art, the Phoenix Museum has something for all cultural and artistic tastes. There are more than 17,000 works of art on display in a museum which is itself an architectural work of interest providing scope for wide ranging exhibits and plenty of visitor interaction.

The Top Seven Tourist Attractions in Phoenix Arizona is a post from: AA Panama

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There is no such thing as a safe community, state, or country. In the best of communities, states, and countries, there will always be crime and criminals. Of more concern to you should be how great are your chances statistically of being one of the persons directly effected by crime and criminals in these communities, states, and countries. The same is true in international destinations. Some areas are more likely to have a lot of crime than others. Sometimes your feeling of safety is based more on external factors than on reality. Your perception of your safety may be more important to you than the facts.

For a middle class American living in the suburbs, the chance of a violent encounter directly effecting them is much less than someone living in the ghettos of Chicago or New York. So, you can not make a generalization of how safe the United States is when compared with another country. It depends on too many factors to make such a generalization. In North America we for the most part have the attitude that we will be safe in most areas of the country. After all, we have the police to protect us. At least that is what we think.

It is the appearance of safety from crime and criminals that makes us believe that we are safe. In reality, the job of the police is not generally one of keeping us protected from crime, but following up with an investigation of the crime after it has been committed, then searching for and prosecuting the criminal. The fact that they are visible in a community helps the perception of safety, but in reality may do little to actually make us safer.

Likewise the perception of safety or lack thereof in an international destination may be more important to you than the actual reality. In some countries in Latin America shopping centers, malls, and even stores have police or military personnel standing guard with assault rifles. This can make one feel that this must really be a crime ridden country if such personnel are required at the entrances and exits of malls. The reality, in most cases, is that these guards act as a deterrent to would be criminals. They generally do not have massacres like have occurred in some American malls. The perception and the reality of “safety” is totally different in the two cases.

There are sometimes specific dangers in specific countries and in certain areas of those countries. Don’t forget to check these out with local authorities (or even U.S. State Department Warning bulletins) before arriving. Stay out of areas that are noted for problems and go with “natives” as much as possible when first getting acquainted with a new area. Although you can become a statistic at any time, a few safety precautions can considerably lessen your risks.

Safety in International Destinations – How Does it Compare With the US? is a post from: AA Panama

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The summer is right around the corner, and thousands of Americans are planning vacations and trips. Traveling on a budget can be tricky, but it is not impossible. The key is to plan ahead, and try to the make the most out of what you have. Contact your credit card company beforehand to find out what kind of deals they have to offer. Many have rebate programs for travel expenses. If you are using a rental car, find out if your insurance covers you in case of an accident. You can save quite a bit by forgoing the car rental insurance policy.

The following is a list of tips and tricks to make your summer vacation the best ever.

1. Get a good deal on a hotel. Unless you are staying with friends or family, you will probably be in the market for a good hotel room. Normally, you can spend your entire budget on hotels and motels. I suggest trying a site like priceline.com. You can name your own price, and get some really great deals on rooms and car rentals.

2. Plan your trip out beforehand. Spend some time mapping out your trip, highlighting areas that you plan to visit. There will most likely be a few pit stops along the way. Planning ahead will help ensure that you have enough money to cover all of your activities. Don’t forget to factor in souvenirs and snacks.

3. Keep the kids entertained! Traveling with young ones can be a challenge. You want to have plenty of activities and toys to keep them occupied. Try looking at CouponChief.com for some great coupons for toys and travel gear. Don’t forget books and magazines as well. The trip will go faster, and you won’t have to field as many “are we there yet?” cries.

4. Don’t forget the tunes. Stock up on your families favorite CDs and tapes. Include a few titles for each family member to help keep the peace. Try a discount music store, or look for a coupon on an e-coupon site.

5. Be easy on the gas pedal. If you are driving, you may be concerned about the high gas prices. You can save a significant amount of your gas budget by planning ahead. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and that your car is in good working order. Staying at a constant speed will also help you save on your gas bill.

Tips for Summer Travel is a post from: AA Panama

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