BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Items & Apps to consider for your trip.
TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRICITY
1. Download Whatsapp Instant Messenger
Most people use this for communication in Panama. WhatsApp Messenger is a freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook. The allows the sending of text messages and voice calls, as well as video calls, images and other media, documents, and user location. What do all of these REALLY mean? You will be able to communicate locally and with friends and family back home who have the app during your stay. The app works on WIFI and data.
2. Consider purchasing a sim card while in country
This is most certainly not a requirement and we are torn about adding this to the list as we deeply value our time off the grid. However, if you do decide to purchase a chip to use while in Panama we recommend Mas Mobile as it works best at ROAM. The sim card or “chip” as it is often called here is cheap around $1USD and you should be able to recharge it for increments of 1-5$ at a time. We recommend getting a $3 or $5 dollar card for data for a week’s stay. There are directions on the card how to get the data uploaded to your phone. You can purchase the recharge cards, “recargas” in most convenience stores on Isla Colon and many supermarkets.
3. Electricity on site
We are 100% off the grid so we consider our electricity a valuable resource. We do have wifi but at times it will go out, ( if there are no lights there is no WIFI) There are safety lights in the rooms. Our restaurant, yoga classes, and hikes operate without electricity, so meals and programs continue as planned illuminated by candle light if need be. We have solar powered outdoor lighting throughout the property to guide you back to your accommodation at night. We supply a flashlight in each accommodation but we recommend keeping a flashlight or phone with you past sunset if getting in and out of a boat taxi!
4. Consider Limiting your Screen Time
This can be a deeply spiritual experience. You’ve done your work researching your trip why not fully live it! Perhaps consider bringing an old school battery powered alarm clock or watch to remove the smartphone temptation. We are yogis but we are also business owners and we deeply identify with the modern struggle to put tech down. Studies are showing excessive screen time can interrupt everything from sleep to creativity: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain. Consider using your trip as a way to detox from our overly plugged-in world.
LUGGAGE & BELONGINGS
Portable Luggage is a good idea. While you can bring whatever you like and someone will help you carry it; however, consider the boat shuttle you are taking. Due to water travel,water resistant fabric or hard shell suitcases are advised. Your roller bag will be off roading on our site as our paths are a mixture of wood, stone, and grass. In general, if you have a brand new or fancy luggage that you do not wish to bring out in nature we would recommend bringing an alternative. Before travel, we love going to the thrift store or second hand shop and purchasing the cheapest and ugliest bag possible. While this might seem contrary, its comical, inexpensive, and reduces any disappointment if your bag gets wet our dirty. You also get to have the joy of knowing your purchase is a form of much needed recycling. This leaves time and space for you to focus on your self-exploration and outer adventure and not on your luggage!
CLOTHING
Lightweight and breathable clothing which dries quickly is your best friend on an island, in the jungle, and in the rainforest. Traveling with comfortable clothing that brings you joy is advised, but perhaps, not your favorite clothing. Leather is never a good idea as it seems to mold the most quickly. Laundry services are available.
CLIMATE
Island in the Jungle
Although we are an island, we are home to abundant and bio-diverse wildlife. We have a plethora of frogs, both strawberry poison dart frogs and run-of- the- mill toads. We are home to toucans, sloths, white-faced monkeys, interesting insects, and more. The mosquito population ebbs and flows in accordance with rain. If you are prone to bites, we suggest bringing a natural bug repellent that contains lemongrass/citronella/cloves etc. We regularly replace the screens on the casas and we spray rooms daily with an essential oil repellent. We provide fans to keep air moving and insects from landing on you as you slumber. The chitres or “no see-ums” as they are called in the southern USA, are a sunrise and sunset occurrence. They feel like little itchy, bothersome mosquitoes that you can't see. They enjoy hovering along the mangrove and by the water. We sell coconut oil infused with mint to help keep these uncomfortable experiences to a minimum.
The island is never quite quiet. There is a constant hum of life all around you. The cacophony is both alluring and lulling. In the evening, one might hear the birds chirp and the insects sing while reflecting upon the deep silence of the water. Noise travels so from time to time you might even catch music coming from Bastimentos, but for the most part we are a quiet and peaceful island.
WEATHER
No matter the weather, you will get wet!! We live in the rainforest-jungle at the threshold of the sea… just saying: water, water, everywhere!! Flip flops or crocs are best for footwear (we actually think Crocs might be Panama’s National shoes!) A poncho or LIGHT rain gear is a good idea. Strong foul weather gear may leave you too hot and feeling foul!! We LOVE the rain as it nourishes the plants in our garden and helps to keep our water catchment system full. Taking time to relish in each day no matter the weather is all part of our daily practice here at ROAM and we invite you to celebrate, the sun, the rain, and all the surprises!
FOOD AND WATER
We pride ourselves on having no single-use plastic water bottles!! Bring your own bottle as we provide the water for you. We collect all water used so while it is a highly valued resource, your tap is triple filtered before coming out of the faucet!!! We then run the water through one more charcoal filter in the restaurant where you are welcome to refill your bottle or just use your tap. We practice water conservation daily. We will help you with water conservation techniques when you arrive and also provide literature on how to do so in all accommodations.
Each accommodation space has a refrigerator for you to keep all snacks, drinks, and leftovers. Food that is left out will encourage jungle friends to visit, perhaps ones you never wanted.
PACKING LIST
WHAT TO BRING:
A flashlight is a necessity! It gets dark quickly. You will definitely need a flashlight to walk to dinner and to your casa. It's also ideal to have one when getting in and out of a water taxi in the dark. Our pathways are lined with solar lights, but they charge with the sun, so on a cloudy day might not be very bright.
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
A beach towel - we also recommend either a pack towel or one which dries quickly
Bathing suits
Any Medication you might need/probiotics
Poncho/ light rain gear
Sunblock
Biodegradable toiletries. Everything we but on our bodies goes directly back to the earth. Please consider bringing only biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and conditioner. We provide a local, biodegradable body wash/ shampoo combo. Our hand and dish soap is biodegradable as well.
Hat - works to block the sun and the rain
Book or magazine - to enjoy should it rain
Musical instrument -should you be so inspired to share your gifts.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
Food wrapped in excessive plastic
Multiple bottles/cans/baggies to dispose of
Hair Dryer - these take up too much power on a solar grid, and are also futile in the jungle
Excessive Technology - humidity and your tech to do not get along. This is a wonderful opportunity to off the grid (literally) and only bring the technical necessities.
Leather - this molds at a fascinating rate.
Yoga mat or props ( unless you would like to use your own) We have a full studio of Mandka mats, blocks, straps, and blankets.