Lessons from a Disappointing Panama Surf Trip: The Realities of Unplanned Travel

This image captures the essence of our Panama trip—a mix of frustration and valuable lessons.

We've learned that not every destination will captivate us, and winging it doesn't always yield the best results. Our usual approach favors flexibility, skipping advance reservations for spontaneity and freedom.

This trip proved otherwise.

We booked accommodations months ahead for a relaxing surf getaway on an island near prime breaks, deciding on Panama flights only after securing it. Three days before departure, we received an email canceling our stay—details in our upcoming Morro Negrito Surf Camp Review.

Undeterred, we pivoted to another beach town for laid-back surfing.

Research revealed our dates coincided with a major Panamanian holiday. Hotels and surf camps warned of crowds from November 3rd to 6th; our flight home was November 5th.

Confident, we arrived with tentative options in San Carlos and Playa Venao. In San Carlos, post-red-eye flight and bus ride, those spots were booked past November 2nd. Exhausted, we spent our first day Skyping, emailing, and hunting for the final nights.

Our temporary lodging fell short. Flat ocean conditions, $60/night rate, and three days without running water—restaurants closed, toilets improvised like porta-potties.

Our host, a welcoming San Diego expat hippie, provided some relief.

After two days of futile searches amid holiday chaos, we cut our losses. Exhausted and joyless, we prioritized rest over more screen time on vacation.

Without time limits, we'd have bused to Costa Rica. Instead, valuing time over sunk costs, we changed flights early.

Home offered 70°F weather, quality waves, daytime surfing (rare for us weekdays), friends, and craved Mexican food—ironically, amid Spanish immersion.

Though disappointed, it was the right call amid adversity.

This costly lesson: Research holidays before booking. It's not my first oversight, but it will be the last.

For staycation inspiration from our return, check our How to Take a Staycation post.