Travel Information
After receiving your registration, our travel agency, Achieve Incentives & Meetings will send you a welcome packet in the mail. A member of the Year-end International Team will contact you to go over important information, and answer any questions that you might have.
Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance, as this will protect you in the event of any unforeseen and unexpected circumstances that may arise before and during your travels. You will be traveling during a very busy holiday season, and it is common to have winter storms in many parts of the globe.
Travel Documents
Guests traveling to Panama are required to carry a valid passport with one blank page for entry stamping. Passports need to be valid for at least three months from your arrival date. For more information regarding passport requirements, U.S. citizens can visit http://www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain details regarding current passport requirements. It is your responsibility to determine and fulfill the passport and visa requirements applicable to your travel situation. We encourage you to contact your respective government to obtain details regarding current passport requirements.
Traveling into Panama with Minors
Passports are required. Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor. Very strict regulations govern travel by minors into Panama. If a child under 18 years of age is traveling with you and he/she is not your own child, you will need to have a notarized letter with you giving you permission to travel to Panama with the child. The letter must be signed by both parents. If a child is traveling with only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent not traveling. If traveling with only one parent and the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof.
Arrival time (into Panama)
Please arrange your flights so that you arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) on Monday, November 30th. The resort is located approximately 40 minutes from the Tocumen International Airport (PTY). There will be an optional orientation session on Monday, November 30th, at 6:00 pm, prior to dinner. The US Thanksgiving Day holiday is Thursday, November 26th, the week immediately preceding our 11th Annual Year-end Vacation. We highly recommend that you arrange your flights as far in advance as possible.
Ground Transfers
Private round-trip transportation on November 30th and December 6th will be provided between the Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Westin Playa Bonita. The resort is located approximately 40 minutes from Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Departure time (from Westin Playa Bonita)
Our last session will be on Saturday evening December 5th and we will offer an optional Farewell Breakfast on Sunday, December 6th between 7:00 am and 10:00 am. You are free to schedule your return flights at your discretion.
Cash/Currency
Currency is the Balboa. The Westin Playa Bonita accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Climate and Attire
In December the temperatures in Panama City, Panama, average 82 degrees during the day to 78 degrees at night. Dress in course sessions is casual and comfortable. We recommend a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned places.
For dinner you are welcome to dress in a fashion that suits you. However, the resort requests no bathing suits in the lobby or dining rooms. Depending upon the restaurant you select, casual or smart casual (sundresses for ladies, Tommy Bahama type shirts and slacks for men) is recommended.
Electricity
Local voltage is between 110 and 120 volts AC and plugs are identical to the U.S. standard. Most European appliances utilize 220 volts and would require both a converter and plug adapter.
Phone Service & Internet
We suggest you check with your cell phone service provider to see if your service plan extends to Panama. Please be advised that additional roaming charges may apply. Wireless high speed internet access is also complimentary in each guest room and public areas throughout the property.
Time Zone
Panama City, Panama, is in Eastern Standard Time.