Fearless Traveler - Panama's ecolodges are fine choices for families

By: By K.C. Summers | SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON POST
Published: November 23, 2008

Q. My wife and I want to take our children and grandchildren to Panama. Are there any good places for families to stay and any special places to visit other than the canal?

A. There's a lot more to Panama than its famous canal, although as one of the candidates for eighth wonder of the modern world, it is definitely worth a visit. About 14,000 ships a year make the delicate maneuver through its three sets of locks between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. At the visitors center in Miraflores you can learn about the locks system, pressure valves, tow ships and more, and watch transiting vessels in action.

But don't stop there. The country is an up-and-coming eco-destination known for its great natural beauty and bountiful wildlife, and it is much less a tourist destination than, say, Costa Rica. Your family can take a jungle cruise or go white-water rafting, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, birding, surfing or sport fishing. If you're not feeling adventurous, you can chill on one of the many white-sand beaches. And of course there is always that tropical-rain-forest staple, zip-lining under the nearest tree canopy.

Consider staying at an ecolodge that combines adventure excursions with family-friendly amenities. Gamboa Rainforest Resort (877-800-1690, www.gamboaresort.com), for example, has swimming pools, a butterfly farm, reptile displays and more, and runs its own jungle cruise.

For more information on Panama: Panama Tourist Bureau, www.visitpanama.com.

Q. Next year's World Canals Conference is in Serbia, and we need help planning some sightseeing while we're there. Perhaps a riverboat ride on the Danube or hiking in one of the national parks? Can you recommend a travel agent who is familiar with the country?

A. A canal conference sounds kind of dry (sorry), but the landscape of Serbia is anything but. To whet your appetite, check out the stunning photography on the Web site of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, www.serbia.travel. Jelena Cukic Matic, the press counselor at the Embassy of Serbia in Washington, says that you are on the right track with a Danube cruise and national-park hikes but also recommends checking out the night life in Belgrade and visiting one of the country's ethnic villages, such as Sirogojno.

For help planning your trip, try Danny Travel (800-565-8553, www.dannytravel.com)or Kutrubes Travel (800-878-8566, www.kutrubestravel.com). Both specialize in travel to the Balkans.