The trip was amazing! Everyone was so nice. And Haley and Sandy did SUCH a great job planning it, and then keeping it going smoothly. There was the perfect amount of activity time and down time. Panama was beautiful - both the city and the islands. Our host on the boat was incredible and the first mate was an incredible cook. I already signed up for another GLT trip.
My trip to Panama with GLT was so much fun! Getting to stay in old town Panama and explore that area was so cool, lots of adorable little streets and churches and squares to explore. Living on a catamaran sailing among the San Blas islands was paradise. I wish I could have stayed forever. Beautiful islands, amazingly welcoming indigenous communities, gorgeous reefs and waters. I could go on and on about how special it was but really you just have to go see it yourself! And no better way than with GLT trips! I’ve always loved meeting new friends and the trips are always well organized and thought out. This was my 3rd GLT trip and I know I’ll be going on more.
Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence was truly an unforgettable adventure—equal parts breathtaking scenery and unexpected plot twists!
To start with the positives, Panama itself is a marvel. The diversity in its landscapes and the warm, kind-hearted locals made the journey all the more special. The San Blas Islands, in particular, were an oasis of natural beauty that took my breath away. And the food? Absolute perfection. Each meal was a highlight in its own right—flavors that danced on the palate and reminded me why traveling is such a joy. I came away enriched, having learned so much and experienced the splendor of this incredible country. I’ll absolutely be back to explore more of what Panama has to offer.
That said, the trip wasn’t without its hurdles, and I think future travelers should know what to expect. As a solo traveler, I found the price steep, especially when factoring in the shared boat accommodations, which lacked the private bathroom perk enjoyed by shared accommodations. There was a fair amount of misinformation and mismanagement that, at times, overshadowed the joy of the experience.
One major misstep was the "leisure bike ride," which turned into a grueling 4-hour, 12+ mile journey with steep inclines, no bathroom breaks, and inadequate preparation for water, gear, or attire. Leisure? Not quite. Painful? Absolutely. This ordeal left a lasting impression for the remainder of the trip —and not in a good way.
The ride to San Blas was another misadventure, with a roadside accident leaving us stranded for seven hours. Communication was sparse, and basic necessities like food and water were left to the travelers to figure out. A quick trip to fetch supplies could have alleviated a lot of stress in this situation.
Additionally, the logistics of the two boats were puzzling. They were anchored far apart for much of the trip, causing segregation and discomfort. Being asked to spend an hour on the other boat (away from my belongings), leading into 4 actual hour without proper notice led to some avoidable mishaps, including a sunburn when I didn’t have my rash guard on hand.
Despite these challenges, I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to have been part of such a unique journey. Panama's natural beauty and warm hospitality shone through, reminding me why I love to travel in the first place. With some improvements in planning and communication, this trip could easily transform into an exceptional experience.
By Carrie L for Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence on Mar 09, 2025
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References
I really had no idea what I was in store for when I booked this trip. Egypt is on most of our “bucket lists,” so expectations were high. Before leaving, GLT makes everything seamless. Booking is easy, communication lines are open and responses are prompt. I also found the Facebook Group to be particularly helpful with the expertise of people who have either traveled to Egypt or have gone on GLT trips. The itinerary is thoughtfully curated to allow time for rest if you want (you won’t want, trust me!) or you can choose to go on other excursions. As soon as you land you’re met by an agent who guides you through customs and gets you in transportation to the hotel.
When we arrived at the hotel it was close to 2a. Enter Yasser, our guide. He welcomed us with his warm smile even though it was early morning. We were impressed. I remember getting the feeling we were in good hands, but that was only the beginning. From day one you could tell Yasser was full of knowledge. He answered every question with love and passion. We were mesmerized by the stories he told us and we quickly became family. Everywhere we went Yasser knew someone. After a quick hello and a hug, Yasser’s friends would be on their way, but not before yelling things like, “you have the best guide” and “that’s my teacher. You’re very lucky!” As I write this, I can’t help but to smile. Yasser made this trip memorable.
I felt extremely safe and loved the opportunity to meet new people and socialize. If you’re on the fence and thinking about going on this trip, don’t think! You’ll leave in awe of this magical country and you’ll leave with a new extended family member with the name of Yasser. You won’t be sorry.