Panama

In a world focused on urbanization, often at the cost of its natural environment, Panama does a great job of balancing the preservation of its wilderness with the sprawl of its dazzling blue coastline and shimmering skyscrapers. Spend time at the beautiful Westin Playa Bonita, outside of Panama City just enough to offer sanctuary, but to still allow for quick trips into one of Central America’s largest and most interesting cities. Then, venture into the rainforest. Gamboa now seems frozen in time; it is the best-preserved of all the towns of the old Panama Canal Company. A pleasant community of broad, curving streets, old wooden canal houses and leafy walks, Gamboa feels remote, no doubt due to the fact that it is surrounded by exuberant tropical nature. You can ride an aerial tram over the rain forest, navigate through rivers, and see Panama’s rich biodiversity firsthand. From $1,499 per person based on double occupancy.

Take a 5-night trip to Panama and see the remarkable Panama Canal. Start in Panama City, seeing the historic side of this former colonial town. From there, travel to the Panama Canal and see how this intricate system of canals ferries huge ships from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Next, travel to the Gamboa Rainforest for a look at the wildlife and birds. Finally, before transiting through Panama City on your way home, take a trip upriver to the Embera Indigenous Village to learn how the locals live in the jungle, Starting from $1880, including air, with weekly departures.