I loved Panama. The city is loud and shiny. The islands are slow and salty. People mix Afro Caribbean, Indigenous and Spanish roots. Food smells of fried plantain and fresh fish. Most travellers enjoy the lively street music in Casco Viejo. For some, this will be amazing.
The climate is hot and humid with a clear wet season. Pack light clothes. Internet in Panama City is fast enough for video calls. Many cafes and coworking spaces have reliable wifi. Out on islands or in the mountains it can be spotty.
Cost of living is easy on the wallet outside the city and a bit pricier in fancy neighborhoods. Things to do are endless. Surfing, snorkeling, hiking in Boquete, salsa nights. I once joined a beach volleyball game in Bocas and met remote workers from four countries. That felt real.
There is a growing nomad community. Weekly meetups and coliving spots make it simple to make friends. Arguably not the best if you crave cold weather, but for warmth and variety it works.