Many opt not to travel due to money. But there are ways to travel to Panama boutique hotels without breaking the bank. If you have been thinking about the perfect getaway, traveling during the off season is a great time. By making plans and thinking ahead, you can have the perfect vacation that fits within your budget. From planning and budget setting, to transportation tips and earning during your travels, use these tips to plan your perfect fall or winter vacation.

Planning and Setting a Budget

The first priority you should have when preparing for a trip is to plan and set a budget. Ideally, look to see what your budget would look like first. Next, plan out how you can save over a month or two before your travels so you have most of the funds upfront to pay for them. To help you get to your goal faster, find things you can cut, such as dinners out, daily stops for coffee, or subscription services that you can cancel. Next, take your newly created budget to decide what you would like to do on your trip. While you can plan for spontaneity, think about what things you would like to do on your trip and include them in your budget.

Transportation

Once you know when you would like to travel, begin to look into how you are going to get there. For your flight, usually flight prices are less expensive in the middle of the week. If you fly with a regular airline and have accumulated miles, you can stay with your same airline to continue adding to your points. If you do not have a specific airline you fly with, look at flights from all. You can look them up individually, or use a third-party service that will look for the least expensive flights for you. Be open to different times of day as you might be able to get an inexpensive flight early in the morning or late at night. You can also save on baggage fees by limiting your items to a carry-on, or only if traveling with a group, share checked luggage for items such as shoes.

Earn During Your Travels

When traveling, there are often times you can take advantage of earning money on your trip. Even though it was noted to have much of your money saved for your travels, put the expenses of your trip on a credit card that allows you to earn points. Then, pay the card off after your travels so you do not accumulate debt or interests, but can take advantage of the points. Make sure you inform your credit card company that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account due to unusual activity. If your card does not have points or cash back opportunities, review NerdWallet’s best travel credit cards of 2017.

To help you find the perfect place to travel on a budget, take advantage of the Garden of Eden’s 2017 pricing reduction. By booking through our website, you can find some of the best rates for your fall and winter travels. You can contact us at +507-6967-0187 or email us today at gardenofeden.bocas@gmail.com for assistance booking your stay.

Vacation is the best time to unwind and take a break from the normal day-to-day stresses. It is important to get out of your normal element to give you some time to recharge. One of the most important ways to do this is to disconnect and actually relax! While it might sound easy, you may also find yourself checking work emails, making calls, responding to texts, etc. Learn more about tips for disconnecting during your travels, best places to relax, and choosing relaxing Bocas del Toro hotels to stay in during your travels.

Tips for Disconnecting

In the Daily Infographic’s 15 terrifying statistics on your cellphone addiction, the average person checks their mobile device up to 110 times per day. They also state that 50 percent of people don’t feel comfortable leaving their house without their smartphone and 44 percent check emails for work each day while on vacation. That’s not a vacation! To help you disconnect, take it slow. Start using your smartphone or tablet less and less in the days leading up to your trip. Next, make sure your coworkers know you will be out and get assignments done ahead of time. Find someone to be your backup and include them in your out-of-office email, noting that you will not be responding to email. And don’t!

Best Places to Relax in Bocas del Toro

The beach is one of the most relaxing places to go to refresh. In Bocas del Toro, there are so many crystal-clear shorelines to grab a chair, umbrella and cool drink to just listen to the waves hit the shore. Make sure you take time to visit Playa Istmito that is known for its super clear waters. There is also Playa La Y-Griega that is a small beach that many go to for relaxing and unwinding. It also has smaller waves for those looking to just walk around in the water without intense waves. You can also look into water-side yoga sessions. They are a great way to start and end your day.

Relaxing Accommodations

When staying in a hotel, make sure you choose accommodations that offer plenty of opportunities to relax. This would include locations that offer activities that do not involve digital devices to help you get away from your normal busy element. Next, look for locations that offer yoga or places near or on the beach. You can also find a hotel that are off the grid which will help you completely disconnect all together and just enjoy nature in its beauty.

For accommodations that hit all of the relaxing amenities mentioned above, book your trip with the Garden of Eden. We are an of the grid tropical oasis. You will love the personal experience and attention you will receive on our private island in Bocas del Toro. We will help you relax and explore, with activities such as surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, yoga, and more. You can also enjoy local cuisine at our restaurant at Garden of Eden. To book your trip, call us at +507-6967-0187 or email gardenofeden.bocas@gmail.com.

If you are looking for a tropical oasis to have your wedding, there is no better place than Bocas del Toro. Tucked away in a northern archipelago region of Panama, your wedding will not only be filled with gorgeous landscapes, but plenty to do outdoors for you and your guests. Plus, much of the area has remained untouched, leaving it in its natural state. Learn more about the benefits of choosing Bocas del Toro hotels for your wedding, ways to plan your trip with a group, and honeymoon ideas after the wedding.

Benefits

When choosing a destination wedding to a place like Bocas del Toro, you are creating an experience beyond just a traditional wedding. It leaves no room to dwell on matters at the home and you can fully experience the trip. It is also an experience that is memorable for your guests because they are often reunions for those close to you. It is incredible for different groups of a couple’s friends and family to come together for a great experience. For Bocas del Toro in particular, you will love traveling to a tropical place in the Caribbean. It is a great place for a wedding with its warm temperatures. September is a dry month, and a great one if you are open to choosing a date.

Traveling with a Group

When traveling for a wedding, there are some tips that the couple can share and plan for to help the entire group. A great way to save money and spend time with family is through large rentals, such as a house or large space. In the days that the group spends together, it is helpful for the couple to plan optional activities for those interested in specific group events. However, make it known that none has to be mandatory. Some enjoy an itinerary while others prefer to spend some time on their own. For events with groups, be sure to put together information on how people can get from where they are staying to the various locations where wedding events will be. The more the couple can plan for logistics, the smoother things will be. With many places in Bocas del Toro being remote, print off copies in case there is no cell phone service. For more tips, check out Travel + Leisure’s nine tips for traveling with a big group.

Honeymoon Ideas

Many couples get married on an island then stay there for a few weeks to relax and celebrate. Bocas del Toro is the perfect location as it is filled with a variety of activities. Whether you want to relax, agenda-free, or explore the beauty of the island, you can do it all. For those who enjoy adventures, the area is filled with unspoiled coral reefs. It is perfect to explore through snorkeling or deep-sea diving.

To help you plan your wedding in Bocas del Toro, read more about how to plan a destination wedding in Panama. One of the places you should consider hosting your special day is Garden of Eden. Call us at 507-6967-0187 or email us at gardenofeden.bocas@gmail.com to see how we can help make your wedding memorable.

Many with children put off traveling because they are unsure how their kids may handle being in a new place. While certain points can be stressful, there are plenty of things that can be done for families to travel and help their kids explore the world! Traveling is exciting and a different experience, especially to tropical places. When it comes to traveling with small children, there are a few ways to make a trip successful. Learn more about how to pack for a long trip, how to handle long plane or car rides with children and what to consider when looking for places to stay in Bocas del Toro.

Packing Tips

When it comes to traveling with small children, proper packing is key. In the month leading up to your trip, begin taking notes on your child’s every day needs and what you would need to take with you. Think about what you would need for the plane to keep them as relaxed as possible, how to keep them happy when waiting and what they will need during your stay. When finalizing your packing, make sure you have plenty of clothes both with you in checked baggage and in your checked bags. Even if your children are potty-trained, it may not hurt to bring pull-ups to have them wear. In many instances, there may not be bathrooms available. Next, make sure to bring plenty of snacks. Avoid snacks that are filled with sugar, but ones that will keep them full.

Handling Long Plane and Car Rides

Prior to getting on an airplane, make sure you are fully prepared and ready to go by having boarding passes either printed or saved on your phone. It never hurts to have copies printed though in the event of a computer failure at the airport. Depending on the airline you are flying with, make sure to check in as early as possible. If your kids are a little older, be sure to talk to them about the airport and flying experience. While it can be an exhausting and tasking experience, if maintaining a positive outlook on it, it may help it to not be a stressful experience for kids. For long airplane rides, make sure your children have plenty of activities or things to watch. Set up a tablet with movies and games to keep them entertained. Don’t be afraid to spend the $10 or $15 on the Wi-Fi. In this case, it can be worth it! The same applies for long car rides. Helping to keep your children comfortable and calm will help to make it an easy experience for everyone. For more, be sure to read these 20 tips for traveling with children from Rough Guides.

What to Consider When Choosing Bocas del Toro Accommodations

By preparing ahead and packing all essential items, you can really open yourself up to a variety of places to stay when traveling. Bocas del Toro is a beautiful place to travel to and one that will create a memorable family vacation. When looking for places to stay, you will want to find somewhere that provides plenty of options for your family to have fun. The area offers surfing, snorkeling, diving, and more. In addition, you will want to find beaches that you and your family can set up shop for the day!

As you are looking to finalize your vacation plans to Bocas del Toro, the Garden of Eden is a wonderful place for your family to stay. We offer a wide array of amenities to make it a memorable trip. Contact the Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro, Panama today.

When you think of the perfect vacation, have you ever considered renting an island? Many do not even realize they have this option, which happens to be a great way to travel. Whether you are traveling with a group or are looking for a perfect getaway for two, there is much you can benefit from when renting an island for your travels. Learn about the benefits of renting an island from Bocas del Toro resorts, ways it is great for traveling with family and friends, or how you can utilize this to your advantage for a work retreat with employees.

Benefits of Renting an Island

As you travel to a hotel into a large city, there is quite a bit of time working out the logistics. Where will you park? How long will the lines be for checking in, dining out, etc.? What activities would you like to participate in that you will have to make reservations for and work around? When renting an island for your travels, you will eliminate all of those common traveling hassles. It will be quality time that you can spend relaxing and concentrating on the activities you would like to participate in.

Family and Friends

Spending a vacation on an island is a great activity with family or friends. First, if you will be getting married and are looking for alternative ways to wow your guests and relax, consider an island for your wedding. It will accommodate your friends and family and be the perfect place to continue on into your honeymoon. In addition, an island is also a great way to reconnect with friends. With today’s busy society, it is harder and harder to spend time with friends. Take a week and spend time with friends. It is a great opportunity for friends and spouses to connect and spend quality time together. Last, an island is perfect for family reunion vacations. You will have the entire space to yourselves to relax, reconnect and explore.

Work Retreats

Many employers are looking for engaging activities that will help build a stronger bond amongst their team. One of the ways to accomplish this is through a work retreat to an island. It is an efficient use of funds as you will have the entire space to plan out team building events. Having employees get out of their natural setting and take on additional challenges, such as taking a hike through the forest where they have to help each other or relax on a level that helps everyone get more comfortable with each other. Be sure to check out these other 15 team building activities for the workplace in the days leading up to your island retreat.

As you are looking for the perfect getaway, rent an island through the Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro. Tucked away in the Caribbean, you can rent an entire private retreat for a variety of settings. In addition, we can provide eco-retreats for you and your travel mates that include everything from yoga and underwater exploration to beach BBQs. Learn more about eco retreat packages from Garden of Eden to see how we can make your trip memorable.