Real-life family travel tips, cruise hacks, and points and miles guides from Sheila Hayes — helping families travel smarter, not harder, one trip at a time.
How to Get to the Black Sand Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico (Playa Negra) If you’re looking for one of the most unique beaches in Puerto Rico, Playa Negra in Vieques belongs at the top of your list. This isn’t a “park-and-walk” kind of beach—but that’s exactly why it still feels wild and untouched. When we decided to go, I had no idea how much of an adventure it would actually be. This isn’t the kind of beach where you pull into a paved lot, grab your towel, and walk 30 seconds to the water. It requires effort — and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable. The first glimpse of the black sand against the turquoise water stopped us in our tracks. It didn’t feel touristy. It felt earned. Below is the exact, step-by-step route we used to get there, plus tips so you don’t miss the trail (or ruin your shoes). Ready? Let’s go! Step 1: Fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico Start by booking a flight into San Juan (SJU). This is the easiest jumping-off point for getting ...
5 Days in Panama with Kids: Waterfalls, Monkeys & Culture You’ll Never Forget
Thinking about a family trip to Panama but not sure where to start?
This 5-day Panama itinerary is based on our real adventure — complete with monkeys on the Panama Canal, jungle hikes, and a visit with an Indigenous community. It’s the perfect mix of culture, nature, and kid-friendly adventure.
Let’s break down exactly how we did it — and how you can too.
✈️ Day 1: Arrival + Canal Views & Waterfront Dining
Flight lands? Don’t rush. Refuel.
We headed straight to Sabroso Panama on the Amador Causeway — a relaxed waterfront restaurant with amazing ceviche, breeze, and a view of ships waiting to enter the canal.
🛏️ That night, we stayed in the Casco Viejo district — full of charm, rooftop views, and walkable cobblestone streets. If you want boutique vibes with kid-friendly energy, this is the spot.
📍Kid-friendly tip: Grab ice cream from Granclement near Plaza Francia. You earned it.
🎣 Day 2: Fishing on the Panama Canal (Yes, Really)
Wildlife everywhere (monkeys, toucans, maybe even crocs)
🎣 Our son caught his first peacock bass — total highlight.
This is hands-on, screen-free, and unforgettable.
📍 Tip: Bring snacks, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. Most tours provide gear, but double-check.
🌿 Day 3: Jungle Adventure + Indigenous Emberá Community Visit
Get ready to go deep.
We took a guided day tour that included:
A waterfall hike through the jungle
A traditional dugout canoe ride downriver
A visit to an Emberá village, where we shared a meal, watched traditional dances, and learned about their way of life
🧡 This day was emotional, raw, beautiful — and so different from anything my son had experienced. He still talks about it.
📍Respectful tip: Bring a small cash donation or gift for the village, and ask permission before taking photos.
🍽️ Day 4: Coca-Cola Café + Panama Canal Visitor Center
Slow start? Totally fine.
We grabbed breakfast at the historic Café Coca-Cola — the oldest café in Panama City — before heading to Miraflores Visitor Center to see the Panama Canal in action.
🎥 There’s a 45-minute documentary that’s actually really well done, and you can watch giant ships pass through the locks from the viewing platform.
📍Don’t miss: The interactive exhibits inside — they’re surprisingly kid-friendly!
🏝️ Day 5: Day Trip to Taboga Island
We wrapped our trip with a ferry ride to Taboga Island — aka “The Island of Flowers.”
Just 30 minutes from Panama City by ferry, this peaceful little island has:
Swimmable beaches
Walkable streets with murals
Fresh seafood (and smoothies!)
🌊 It’s a chill, sand-between-your-toes way to decompress before flying home.
📍Pro tip: Ferries leave from Amador Causeway — book ahead online for better schedules.
🧭 Final Thoughts
This trip was more than just a vacation.
It was wildlife, wonder, connection, and culture — all within a short flight from the U.S.
If you’re a family who craves real adventure without overcomplicating things, Panama should be on your radar. You can do it without a guidebook, and you won’t need 10 days. Just 5 is enough to be unforgettable.
