Panama Stopover Program: Steal My Itinerary + Budget

I try to be as transparent as possible about my travels, including sharing how much things cost. Quitting one’s job and traveling full time sounds appealing but it’s not feasible for most people (me included) and comes with its own problems. As such, I aim to show that while travel is a privilege, it can be attainable for people with a busy career, on a budget and even with a “weak passport” as Panama is visa-free for Jamaicans. Thus, here’s what I did with a 3 night stopover in Panama + how much it costed me in September 2024. Feel free to steal my itinerary and use my budget as a guide.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle4 Comments

48 Hours in Panama City

Panama owes me nothing! The idea of visiting Panama on a stopover entered my head in 2022 after I flew to Peru with Copa Airlines, Panama’s flagship carrier. Copa has a stopover program which allows tourists in transit to spend up to seven days in Panama for the price of one ticket. Perfect, right? Well, I finally made use of this exciting deal en route to Medellín, Colombia and had the time of my life. Here’s how this trip went. Feel free to steal my Panama City 2 Day itinerary!

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Visiting the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a manmade 82 km waterway which cuts across the isthmus of Panama to connect the world’s two largest oceans. This engineering marvel serves as an important conduit for global maritime trade, earning it a spot on ASCE’s list of Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Thousands of Caribbean people, including Jamaicans, were instrumental to the construction of the Panama Canal and even lost their lives as a result. As such, visiting the Panama Canal is a dream come true for me, allowing me to pay homage to my Caribbean ancestors. With that said, let’s talk about the history of the Canal and how to plan a visit in 2024 & beyond.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle10 Comments

How to Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel

By time you’re reading this, I’m celebrating my 29th birthday in a foreign country. While vacations are a time to unwind, explore new places and create lasting memories, what they don’t tell you about travel is that falling ill on vacation can derail a perfect holiday. Whether you’re traveling to a tropical paradise, a bustling city, or a serene countryside, it’s important to take steps to protect your health. Below is my comprehensive guide on how to avoid getting sick during vacation, covering everything from vaccinations to hydration and then some.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

River Rendezvous at Tapioca Getaway, St. Mary

The best adventures are spontaneous ones. With summer coming to a close and finally having a mutual day-off with my partner, we decided that a river trip was a must. Deciding on Tapioca was easy because they answered the phone on my first try, and pleasantly confirmed that walk-ins were indeed welcome! Even better, Tapioca was super easy to find along the Junction main road (A3) in St. Mary. Here’s how this adventure went + why you should add Tapioca Getaway to your Jamaican bucket list.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle15 Comments

Enduring British Legacy in Jamaican Culture

My beautiful island nation of Jamaica is home to a colourful past and several ethnic groups which have shaped its rich diverse culture. A significant part of our cultural fabric is woven from colonialism, particularly the legacy left by the British. After the expulsion of the Spaniards in Jamaica, Britain ruled Jamaica for three centuries. As such, British legacy in Jamaica is profound, shaping various aspects of life including cuisine, language, architecture, education and governance. Today let’s talk about the enduring influence of Britain in Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle14 Comments

4 More Jamaican Stereotypes Debunked!

While Jamaica is renowned for its captivating culture, stunning landscapes, and influential contributions to music and sports, the island is often subject to a myriad of stereotypes that fail to capture its true essence. These stereotypes can be both limiting and misleading, distorting the rich diversity and complexity of Jamaican society. In this article, we debunk four more common Jamaican stereotypes. If you missed part one, read it here.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle23 Comments

4 Jamaican Stereotypes Debunked!

My vibrant island nation of Jamaica is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, excellent athletes and influential music. However, like many places, Jamaica is often subject to stereotypes which paint a narrow and inaccurate picture of its people and way of life. Today, let’s debunk four stereotypes that Jamaicans are particularly tired of hearing. If you ever hear any of these stereotypes about Jamaica and Jamaicans being uttered, kindly refer to this article.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

30 Things That Make Me Happy

I’m a day late for this WordPress prompt but I’ve been meaning to write a post outside of my usual Friday series which I’m proud to announce has been running for 62 consecutive weeks. This prompt is perfect as I try to remain optimistic despite life’s challenges. Most days will not be extraordinary so it’s important to find joy in one’s daily routine. Ordinary days make it easier to appreciate the extraordinary ones, so here are 30 regular things which make me happy + a mid-year check-in post.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

4 Unique Craft Liquors to Try in Jamaica

When most people think of Jamaica, they picture pristine beaches, reggae music, and perhaps a glass of rum punch. However, there’s another exciting element to Jamaica’s beverage scene that’s gaining momentum: craft liquors. From innovative craft beers to a unique vodka made from yellow yam, Jamaica’s craft liquor industry offers a fresh, authentic taste of the island’s culture and creativity. Here’s why you should explore some of these remarkable Jamaican craft liquors.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments