Panama City, Panama

After nearly 10 years of construction, the Panama Canal expansion has opened. Giant cruise ships—like the Caribbean Princess—can now pass through via the 180-foot-wide locks. Princess is one of the first lines to take advantage of this, with six sailings in 2017. On land, a sleek W Hotel will open downtown, and a new boutique property, La Concordia—where rooms have private balconies and claw-foot bathtubs—is near completion in historic Casco Viejo. For an introduction to Panama City, book a tour with Black Tomato. They can arrange private helicopter rides or sailings around Gatun Lake. Best of all, Panama uses the U.S. dollar, making shopping easy. —Melanie Lieberman