A Week in Panama for under $1000

I visited Panama with the plan of taking a Spanish class for a week.  I booked the trip rather last minute (for me), but was pleased that I was still able to get everything for a decent price. A look at the graphic below shows the main purchases and how far in advance I booked each.

I went alone on this trip.  Although I’ve done it quite a few times in the past, solo travel really isn’t my thing.  A lot of people swear by it as the only way to travel.  For me, I find it very difficult.  The endless hours of silence are too much for me.  Granted, I am able to strike up a conversation with the hotel staff and waiters, but beyond that most people are traveling with their friends or family and aren’t too interested in meeting “me.”  In my opinion, the only upside to solo travel is the ability to do what I want when I want with no waiting for anyone, but that perk is not worth the tradeoffs of having someone with you for conversation and safety and to share some expenses.

My primary purpose of this trip was to take a Spanish class.  Unlike the class I took in Italy, I met no one at the language school.  After my lessons were over, I was back to my world of private silence.

I spent one day exploring the Panama Canal.  I did meet a few people on the trip where I was able to take a break from the silence.

How about you?  Do you like solo travel?  Please tell my why or why not.  If you like solo travel, how do you deal with the boredom and silence?  Please comment.

~Bella