As a birthday gift to myself, I decided to fly to Panama for a scuba diving adventure. With a direct flight from Denver costing about $600, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate. Although solo travel can be nerve-wracking, Panama quickly put me at ease with its stunning skyline and welcoming vibe.

I took precautions to ensure my safety: I used Uber for transportation, chose a reputable diving shop through PADI and Google reviews, and booked a private Airbnb with a live-in host. Packing light helped me blend in as a local, and keeping digital copies of my documents provided peace of mind.