The hotel industry in the Caribbean has been booming, with new hotels coming on the scene every week. Not only are new hotels being built in tourist hot spots like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but developers are also building in smaller islands like Dominican and St. Martin. 

Here are 15 Caribbean hotels that are either newly opened or will be opened in 2020.

Eclipse at Half Moon – Jamaica

The opening of Eclipse at Half Moon is the most exciting hotel opening in recent years and will be located in Montego Bay. There will be 57 rooms and located on the coast. 

The hotel will be opened on March 1st, 2020. 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla – Mexico 

Mexico has been seeing an abundance of new hotels popping up but Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla will bring something different to the table. The hotel will have a co-working space, rooftop pool and will be in close proximity to prime shopping in Cancun. 

The Morgan – St. Maarten

This luxury hotel will have 124 rooms and suites, a rooftop deck, an infinity pool and access to Maho and Simpson Bay beaches. 

The Morgan will start taking reservations in February. 

Planet Hollywood Cancun – Mexico 

Another opening in Cancun, Planet Hollywood will be making its debut this spring. There will be 648 rooms and the decor is inspired by movies. 

Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

This location is the first-ever Exclusive Collection hotel by Club Med to open in the Caribbean. 

Located in the serene area of Miches, the hotel has 335 rooms and opened last month. 

Radisson Aruba – Aruba

Radisson left Aruba four years ago but is now making a comeback this year. The hotel will have 208 suites, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. 

Noni Beach, a St Thomas Resort – St. Thomas

This hotel will be opening in late 2020 but is the most anticipated opening on the island in years. Noni Beach will be a boutique hotel will 94 rooms. 

Paradisus Playa Mujeres – Mexico 

Opening this summer in Cancun is this mega hotel with 498 rooms, 10 dining areas, a fitness center, and a spa. 

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Dominican Republic 

This Punta Cana resort will have 500 suites and a water park located in the Macao area of the city. The hotel will have an emphasis on being family-friendly and all-inclusive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau – The Bahamas

The Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to be a major addition to Nassau and will be opening this year. 

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski – Dominica

Dominica’s brand new luxury hotel opened at the end of 2019, drawing more interest to this under-the-radar island. The hotel has 151 rooms and is located near Cabrits National Park. 

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf – St. Barth

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is the highly anticipated luxurious Hotel Barriere. The hotel will have 23 rooms in the heart of St Barth. 

Hammock Cove – Antigua

The recently opened Hammock Cove is a boutique all-inclusive, with all the rooms having their own private plunge pools. 

Secrets – St. Martin

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is this all-inclusive hotel with 258 rooms and located on Anse Marcel. It is the first brand-new resort to open in Saint Martin and is anticipated to increase tourism to the island. 

Alaia Belize – Belize

Alaia will be opening towards the latter part of 2020 and will have a spa, art gallery, rooftop pool, and dive shop. 

Pantone has announced it’s color of the year for 2020 and it’s evoking major wanderlust. 2019’s color was coral and next year’s is also giving ocean vibes. 

Classic Blue has been declared Pantone’s Color of the year for 2020 and according to Pantone, the “solid and dependable blue hue” was inspired by our need for calm and clarity and “re-centers our thoughts.”

As humans, we are a lot happier around blue waters which, by the way, is scientifically proven to provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation. 

You can spend your 2020 catching Pantone’s color of the year around the world, by visiting these destinations bursting with classic blue. 

Coral Bay – Australia 

Coral Bay is part of the Ningaloo Reef which stretches 1.7 million acres.       

The amazing thing about Coral Bay is you can see the contrast of the deep blue seafloor to the lighter blue of the edge of the Coral Bay of Western Australia. 

Great Blue Hole – Belize

When visiting this area, you can scuba dive or snorkel in the hole to see the blue up close and personal. 

The hole is 136 feet deep and is surrounded by lighter waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

Havana – Cuba

Walking through Old Havana, you will be able to spot classic blue everywhere. From buildings to cars, Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 is in plain sight. 

Yellowknife – Canada

If you want to experience the Northern Lights, this area in the Northwest Territories of Canada is an ideal location. 

Make your way to Yellowknife between mid-November to the beginning of April to see the classic blue sky. 

Jodhpur – India

Jodhpur, the old town of Rajasthani, is painted in various shades of blue. Explore the streets of Jodhpur to find endless buildings painted in classic blue. 

Positano – Italy 

Blue and white are the main colors found in this beach town. Head to Fornillo or Marina Grande beaches to relax and take in the beautiful deep blues around you. 

Trinity Sergius Lavra – Russia 

Drive an hour outside of Moscow and head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinity Sergius Lavra. 

The onion domes of the main church are painted in classic blue with gold stars. You can spot other shades of deep blue on over 50 buildings throughout the monastery. 

Santorini – Greece

Santorini is probably the most you’ll spot Pantone’s color of the year for 2020. From the doors to the roofs to the Aegean Sea — classic blue just pops differently here. 

All-inclusive resorts are a great option if you are looking for a way to relax on vacation without the thought of budgets and spending. With meals and sometimes drinks and activities included in your nightly rate, you’re only worry is sleeping past breakfast.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji

A pioneer in eco-tourism, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji was one of the world’s first eco-luxury hotels.  This is also the ultimate all-inclusive resort for families with children. With an onsite kids’ club and dedicated nanny for the length of your stay, you can enjoy some peace and quiet in paradise.

RELATED: The Most Stunning Resorts In Antigua

Fiesta Americana Cozumel

Fiesta Americana Cozumel is an all-inclusive hotel surrounded by flowering plants and the incredible tropical jungle. With a movie room, a spa, a seaside pool, a restaurant, and a private beach, this resort has nailed the art of feeling intimate with all the amenities that travelers expect.

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, St. Lucia

This stunning island oasis, includes meals, drinks, and access to paddleboards and snorkeling gear in their all-inclusive deals. According to their website, they provide live, but unobtrusive, music every night during dinner. Their meals are always prepared fresh, the menu changes daily, and the restaurant has one of the best views on the island.

The Singular Patagonia, Chile

This all-inclusive option includes all meals, use of the beautiful spa and daily excursions that might include glacier viewing or horseback riding. Located at the starting point to a variety of expeditions in Puerto Natales, Puerto Bories, and Torres Del Paine National Park, this resort serves up some of the most stunning views in the world.

RELATED: Don’t Miss This New Private-Island Resort Opening In Belize Next Year

Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

Guests stay in private bungalows and rates include all meals, afternoon tea, beverages, and a fascinating Tea Experience tour. This is the ideal setting for trekking and biking against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, lakes, winding roads, and waterfalls.

Belizean Dreams, Belize

Located in Hopkins, Belize, a former fishing village, this resort offers all-inclusive packages that include zip-lining, cave tubing, and visits to Mayan ruins. The resort is the only locally owned and managed resort in Hopkins, so a visit here means supporting the local community.

Belize may be a tiny country but there are lots to do to fuel your curiosity and adventurous side. This Central American nation is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and food, making it an interesting vacation destination. Although the official language is English, many of the locals speak Spanish, Kriol, Maya, or Garifuna. 

Of course while in Belize, relaxing at the beach and eating great food is a must, but here are five attractions that will have you on your toes.

Visit Mayan Ruins

Caracol, located on the border of Belize is great for a less crowded Mayan ruins experience. You will be able to climb the highest pyramid and take in amazing views of nearby Guatemala. 

To get to Caracol, it is recommended to hire a tour guide or rent a 4×4.

Another ruin to visit is Altun Ha, located 30 miles from Belize City. The stone Mayan structures will draw you in and you’ll even be able to climb to the top of the 54 ft. tall central temple.

Lastly, visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, located near San Ignacio, one of the prime places to stay in Belize. These ruins are one of the top attractions in the country and are accessible by taking a bus and walking or hiring a taxi. 

Head To A Monkey Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary is located close to Belize City and contrary to its name, has howler monkeys. Tours are available or you can rent a car to visit the sanctuary. 

The preservation of the sanctuary is the work of eight villages that come together to protect the howler monkeys so they can live in their natural habitat.

Experience The World’s Most Sacred Cave

According to National Geographic, Actun Tunichil Muknal is the #1 sacred cave in the world. 

All visitors have to be accompanied by a licensed tour guide and prices aren’t cheap, but it’s totally worth it. The tours are about 8-hours long and will cost around $100 per person. 

Snorkel With Sharks And Stingrays

Embark on a day trip snorkeling where you can swim amongst sharks and stingrays. Most tours will provide snorkel equipment as well as snacks, rum punch and access to the Marine Reserve.

Spend A Day At The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is unlike other zoos. All of the animal species living in the zoo are native to Belize and therefore living in their natural climate. 

The 45 species of animals housed at the Belize Zoo are not able to survive in the wild which resulted in them being orphaned by the zoo. 

The zoo does work to rehabilitate animals and they release them back into the wild once the animals are healthy enough. 

You can take a bus from Belize City going towards Benque and just request that the driver let you off at the Belize Zoo. 

If you are looking to escape the chill of the upcoming winter months, a trip to Belize may be just the relief you need. With their summer months running from late November through April, you could easily make this your year for the endless summer. Here is some Airbnb inspiration to fuel your wanderlust.

Casa Santa Maria On The Macal

According to airbnb.com, this 3,000 sq. foot jungle home and creative space provides an isolated, unique rainforest destination, which features a Santa Maria tree growing through the building. This is a remote, off-the-grid home, located in the Better in Belize Eco-Community. With room for up to eight guests, this house is a steal starting around $129 per night.

RELATED: Escape The Winter Chill In These Tropical Locations

Gorgeous 2nd Floor Beachfront Condo

This beachfront condo includes a private pool and views of the white sand beaches at your doorstep. There is also a private dock where you can hold your jet skis and a boat if you are looking for a bit of adventure. This stunning condo starts around $325 per night.

Oceanfront Bungalow

This oceanfront Bungalow is located in Placencia Village and is a less than a five-minute walk to all of the best bars and restaurants in the town.  This beautiful home offers lounge chairs on your private deck, a private furnished rooftop, and the Caribbean Sea just 70 feet away. Depending on your travel dates, this home starts around $139 per night.

Romantic Beachfront Retreat

Perfect for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway, this beachfront home has a shared pool and ocean views. According to the post, the unique architecture is designed to mimic the harmony between nature and humanity. You will be only a mile from great restaurants, bars, and shopping. The best part? This rental starts around $100 per night for up to two guests.

RELATED: Dive Into These Top 5 Snorkeling Sites Around The World

Beachfront Suite, Perfect Location In San Pedro

This beachfront loft is located in the heart of downtown San Pedro. This gorgeous one-bedroom apartment is built with Belizean wood and features customized, hand-carved furniture. With sleeping accommodations for up to four guests, you may want to think about extending your vacation with a price tag of just $95 per night.

Stylish Oceanfront Home And Pool

Located seaside just north of San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye, this boutique home is the perfect place to experience the tranquility and excitement of island living. According to airbnb.com, this oceanfront unit offers incredible sunrise views, lovely Caribbean breezes, and plenty of space to lounge and relax. This rental starts around $145 per night.

If you’ve always wanted to go to Belize, planning a trip for January 2020 will give you the chance to stay at a private-island resort. 

Ray Caye will be opening off the coast of Placencia and is located about 18 miles east of Placencia Village. 

What was once known as the Hatchet Cay Resort, will now be a 20-room resort with oceanfront villas, private pools, six new guest rooms, and six renovated waterfront cabanas. 

The resort released a statement saying the renovations will reflect “the unforgettable tropical experience of the island, highlighting the nightly visits from our friendly neighborhood Spotted Eagle Rays.”

According to Caribbean Journal, the renovations will also include “a new welcome center, a newly-built Great House (which includes four hotel rooms, an additional pool and an eatery, along with a new main pool and three new standalone cabanas.”

The private-island resort has been going through renovations since 2018 and will be the “first resort in the world to install a TESLA Powerwall system, allowing the resort to operate exclusively on solar energy,” states Caribbean Journal. 

In an effort to increase sustainability on the resort, all of the rooms are built using local hardwood and sustainable materials. 

You can spend your days lounging at the pool or staying fit at the gym and yoga studio or simply relax in your private outdoor space.

 There is also Moho Caye, a 12-acre island that is nearby and owned by Raye Caye which is ideal for a day trip aboard the resort’s 46-foot catamaran. 

End your days dining at one of the many restaurant options like La Bodega, the Lionfish Grill, Catch 831 eatery, and a provisions shop. 

This resort will be part of the Caribbean’s largest concentration of private-island destinations amongst others like Cayo Espanto and the Four Seasons Caye Chapel. 

Belize is a small country located on the eastern side of Central America. Known for its world-class scuba diving and Mayan sites, this beautiful nation is full of rich culture, friendly faces, and fascinating history.

History

According to travelbelize.org, the first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. As shown in archeological records, they established a number of settlements here. These include Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun. Belize has about 900 Mayan sites that you can still visit today.

RELATED: The Most Beautiful Airbnbs In Belize

Language

Belize is the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language that many locals speak. 

People

The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese. 

Weather

Belize has an annual average temperature of 84 degrees. You can enjoy some cool relief from the constant coastal breeze as well as some shade from the jungle and rainforest.

Transportation

Getting around Belize by horse is a common mode of transportation, and for a small nation, they have a well-planned highway and road system that connects all mainland towns, villages and attractions.

Nature

Belize has the first Jaguar reserve in the world, known as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary.

Attractions

The Great Blue Hole is the largest sinkhole in the world at around 984 feet across and 410 deep. It has become a world class destination for divers to explore the stunning coral formations and active marine life.

Food

Rice and beans are staples in Belize cuisine and you can expect to eat some form of them with every meal. Stew Chicken is another favorite. It consists of a mix of spices and tender chicken. Served with the rice and beans and a scoop of Belizean potato salad, stew chicken is enjoyed any time of day.

RELATED: Escape The Winter Chill In These Tropical Locations

Geography

The islands in Belize are called Cayes (pronounced “keys”) and total around 450 including those on the outer atolls.

Natural Disasters

The former capital Belize City was nearly entirely destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Following this destruction, the capital city was moved to Belmopan. With just over 12,000 inhabitants, Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the World.

Winter is coming, and for many of us, that means snow, below-freezing temperatures, and the need for a tropical escape. Here are a few destinations to plan for when that inevitable chill is too much to handle.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

With temperature rarely dipping below 70 degrees, winter is a great time to explore the islands of Hawaii. Enjoy the beaches, whale watching and island life vibes in Kailua-Kona, or opt for a bit more adventure with a hiking trip to nearby Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.

RELATED: These 7 New Airline Routes Will Be Flying To The Caribbean This Winter

Pensacola Beach, Florida

You don’t have to travel too far for a bit of sunshine and warmth this winter. Pensacola Beach in Florida has moderate temperatures in the winter months and plenty of outdoor activities to help you thaw out from the freezing temperatures back home.

Punta Gorda, Belize

Head to the southern part of Belize for 85-degree weather and stunning beaches that you will have mostly all to yourself. This finishing village is the perfect tropical getaway where you can enjoy fishing trips, lazy beach days, and waterfalls in Rio Blanco National Park.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos is a year-round destination for many tourists. Between December and April, you can expect to see gray whales and it’s also a great time to snorkel around the arch-shaped rock formation where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean.

RELATED: Southwest And Delta Airlines Are Having Huge Sales On Fall And Winter Travel

Aruba

With 80-degree temperatures and a location outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba is a reliable winter getaway that stays mostly dry during the season. Explore the boulders at Arikok National Park or simply sit on the beach and soak in the tropical rays.

Malibu, California

The endless summer makes its home in southern California with moderate temperatures well into the winter months. Expect plenty of sunshine and trips to the beach. Not to mention, you’ll have tons of options for entertainment just a short drive away in Los Angeles.

Since Karmia Berry launched  I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. in 2017, she has helped at least 30 African American 10th-grade high school students travel abroad.

With the goal to promote self-empowerment and an appreciation for cultural richness and diversity, the Brooklyn-based organization has coordinated international trips to Cuba, Belize, and most recently, Ghana for the “Year of the Return” campaign.

The acronym “C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.” connects to a self-affirmation used throughout the program to develop dreamers, believers, and achievers: Confident, Unique, Leading, Tenacious, Unstoppable, Regal, Educated, and Daring.

In an interview with Berry, she discussed what inspired the organization:

Travel Noire: What inspired you to launch I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.

Berry: I am an avid traveler. I’ve been traveling since I was very small because it was very important for my parents to expose me to other cultures through traveling abroad. What that did for me socially, intellectually, and also psychologically, I wanted to pass that on and pay it forward to young people.

TN: Why do you focus on 10th-grade students?

Berry: Because that is a very vital time. They just completed their adjustment year coming into high school and are going to start preparing for their college prep courses. Allowing them to travel and explore other cultures really does spark ideas.

It motivates them, gives them self empowerment, builds confidence, and it improves test scores. It also improves cultural awareness and sensitivity. I felt 10th grade would be the best time.

TN: What do the students learn throughout this two-year program?

Berry: Our program starts off with the cultural series where we are preparing them for the country that we are traveling to. That means educating them on foreign currency to prepare them on how to convert the U.S. dollar to the country’s currency. We are learning foreign languages and a crash course on key phrases they can say while they’re traveling.

We also teach culinary and wellness classes where they are participating in a cooking class and learning about fashion.

We don’t want our young people to just hop on a plane and expose them to a new world without proper preparation.

TN: What do you envision for your organization 10 or 20 years from now?

Berry: We want to impact more high school students, of course. We want to create and uplift more global citizens, specifically our young brown and black kings and queens.

We want to create more opportunities where our young people are more culturally aware, and then one day, are going back into their leadership roles as educators, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and paying it forward as a humanitarian philanthropist.

TN: So, where are you all going next?

Berry: Great question! We have an annual fundraising gala to raise money so that our young people don’t have to pay the full amount to travel. During our gala, that happens every spring, we ask our guests to vote on where we should go next. I don’t have the answer just yet, but so far, we’ve traveled to the Caribbean, Central America, and Africa.

You can follow I Am Cultured’s adventures on Instagram.

Hey DMV! Are you looking to getaway for a few days this fall? Craving blue waters and white sands for a little recharge? Well, we’ve got you covered.

Several airlines have dropped prices on flights from Washington area airport BWI into Belize City, Belize. At the time of this post we found the lowest price to be $278 roundtrip via American Airlines.

This low price flight option seems to be available via Delta and United Airlines as well. It all depends on the dates that you choose. As of now, the date range for the deal spans mostly between September and October. You may be able to find options later into the year as well.

For this post, we searched 9/11-9/14. We were able to pull this deal using Google Flights. You can simply enter BWI as your departure and BZE as the destination. From there, scroll over to September and October. The lowest prices available at the time of your search will show up in green.

It appears that no matter which airline you choose, this will be a basic economy fare. Meaning there will be some restrictions under your ticket. You will want to carefully read your airlines rules as each one differs. The biggest takeaway is that you will likely not be able to select your seat prior to your day of travel and you won’t be able to make changes to the ticket once it is confirmed.

Related: Traveler Story: Discovering The Beauty Of Belize

The island offers delicious local cuisine, historic Mayan temples that details Belize’s rich history, world-famous dive sites, and there is even a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belize City.

Keep in mind once you get to Belize City, getting around is fairly easy if you’re looking to go to other islands such as Caye Caulker and San Pedro.  The water taxis are very efficient for travelers.

Hurry and grab your seat before it’s too late. After all, you can’t beat a price like this.

Looking for a little fun in the sun? Need some R&R in a tropical destination? Well, you’re in luck.

Delta Airlines just reduced prices on routes from Baltimore-Washington Airport to Belize City, Belize. The lowest price found is only $278 roundtrip.

This low price flight option is available for those who can travel between mid-September and mid-December. Some of the prices may vary between $278 and $289, depending on your dates. For our search we used 9/16-9/20.

To find and book your seat, it is easiest to use Google Flights. Once on the site simply scroll to the month that works best for you. Select a date range and boom, that’s it. The site will provide a link to finalize your purchase. Since this is a Delta flight, you will likely book through the airline website.

Keep in mind that this price is for a basic fare seat. This means:

• You cannot select your seat prior to travel.
• You can only bring one carry-on and one personal item.
• You cannot make changes to this ticket once it is confirmed. Nor is it eligible for upgrades.

Related: 5 Central American Destinations That Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

This is the perfect post-summer getaway. Belize City is one of those rare destinations that offers something for every kind of traveler. Literally everything from sun, sand, beaches, rainforests, and mountains,

The island offers delicious local cuisine, historic Mayan temples that details Belize’s rich history, world-famous dive sites, and there is even a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belize City.

Keep in mind once you get to Belize City, getting around is fairly easy if you’re looking to go to other islands such as Caye Caulker and San Pedro.  The water taxis are very efficient for travelers.

Hurry and grab your seat before it’s too late. After all, you can’t beat a price like this.

With climate change quickly endangering the beauty and vitality of these underwater wonderlands, now is the time to explore these precious aquatic worlds that many scientists believe could be completely gone by the year 2050.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Outside of Australia, Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the world at 185 miles. Some of the best options for divers and snorkelers are found off of Ambergris Caye, where you can swim with nurse sharks, eels, rays, and all kinds of brightly colored fish. Swim through colorful coral while exploring this magical underwater world.

RELATED: Beaches In The Caribbean That You Will Have All To Yourself

The Big Island, Hawaii

People visit the islands of Hawaii from all over the world to experience its many diving and snorkeling spots, but The Big Island has the most to offer based on its size. Head to Kealakekua Bay to explore its underwater park and to see dolphins, turtles, colorful fish, and more.

Buck Island, St. Croix, USVI

The shallow, gentle waters of Buck Island are perfect for beginner snorkelers. And with three species of sea turtles, coral barrier reefs, and magnificent blue waters, you will be sure to see a mesmerizing world of underwater activities any time of day.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The various islands that make up the Galapagos are home to diverse marine life—sea turtles, dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, and sea lions. For those seeking a bit more adventure, head to Devil’s Crown, the sunken cone of a volcano near Floreana Island, for a swim with moray eels and more.

RELATED: The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches On The West Coast

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

When talking about the best snorkeling spots in the world, you can’t skip out on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia – the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. If you are looking for a good place to start, try Whitsunday Islands off the shore of Queensland before making your way through the 2,900 individual reefs that stretch over 1,400 miles off the Australian shoreline.

Central America consists of seven countries —  Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama — that form the southernmost tip of North America. The region is bordered by Mexico to the north, Colombia to the south, the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific to the west, resulting in a unique blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences.

Over the years, different areas of Central America have suffered from political unrest, economic troubles, and above average crime rates, causing many to avoid the region altogether. Here are just a few reasons why you should put Central America on your bucket list: 

1. Natural wonders unlike anywhere in the world

From white sand beaches to active volcanoes, Central America is an ideal region for nature lovers. If you’re looking for a beach bum vacation, head to Costa Rica and unplug on the near-deserted Tamarindo Beach or travel a bit further south and be amazed by Panama’s aptly-named Starfish Beach. 

If you love seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do so in Costa Rica, which has a larger monkey population than humans! Head to the Caribbean Coast between the months of March and October to see Hawksbill sea turtles nesting and hatching or visit Manuel Antonio National Park to see three of the four monkey species that call Costa Rica home. 

2. Discover Indigenous and Afro-Latin cultures 

Central America was colonized by the Spanish, who used enslaved Africans for labor and exploited theIndigenous populations who already existed in the region. Regardless of which of these cultures you feel a kinship with, you’ll find plenty to dig into.

If ancient ruins are your thing, head to Tikal, a massive Mayan city shrouded in the northern jungles of Guatemala. Once you’re there, tack on a trip to nearby Copan, Honduras, where ancient Mayans built a “City of Kings.”

If you’re interested in Afro-Latin history and culture, you’ll find plenty to study in Panama, which has a history of African enslavement, but also attracted immigration from nearby Caribbean islands while the Panama Canal was being built in the early 20th century.

3. Adventure sports

Central America also offers plenty of options for adventurous travelers who want to get their pulses racing. Roast marshmallows on one of Guatemala’s active volcanoes or sleep on the crater overnight. Near Leon, Nicaragua, you can race down the Cerro Negro volcano slope on a simple wooden or metal board. 

Honduras offers lower than average prices on scuba diving excursions and numerous clear water beaches for snorkeling. You can go white water rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica or surf the infamous waves of El Salvador’s Costa Del Sol beach.

4. Can’t beat the price 

With the exception of Costa Rica which tends to be a little more expensive, Central America gives you plenty of bang for your buck. The region attracts less tourism than their neighbors in the Caribbean and prices often reflect that. Haggling is common and smart budget travelers will find it easy to stretch their dollars. Head to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Panama for cheat eats, accommodations, and tours. 

5. Tourism dollars help boost local economies 

One of the most effective ways to support struggling countries like Nicaragua and Honduras is to give them your tourism dollars. Check to see if there are any travel advisories and plan to avoid those areas. Travel can often be a useful tool in helping us understand the nuances of a destination that the news might gloss over.

If you are looking for a family-friendly adventure this summer, chances are, you’ve considered booking a cruise. With multiple voyages catering to all types of travelers, the list can be overwhelming. Here are the best cruises for the whole family this summer that will provide ample entertainment for the kids and maybe even a bit of relaxation for you. 

Disney Wonder

If you have a Disney-obsessed child on your hands, Disney Wonder is a no brainer. These premium ships carry all of your kid’s favorite Disney characters on board as well as fireworks, heated pools, and of course, Disney-themed events and attractions. And you can escape to one of the adult-only spaces for a moment of serenity. 

RELATED: 50 In 50: Best Family-Friendly Summer Attractions In Each State

Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista is a fairly new vessel that includes the first-ever IMAX at sea and SkyRide, which zips around the upper deck. This massive ship also includes WaterWorks aqua park, with a Kaleid-O-Slide raft ride; Dive-In Movies at the pool; whimsical Seuss at Sea activities; and Dr. Seuss Bookville.

Ocean Camp is also available for kids ages 24 months and up helmed by enthusiastic counselors who will keep your kids happy while you enjoy one of the many pools and spa options. 

Norwegian Getaway

From waterslides to Broadway musicals, Norwegian Getaway offers something for everyone in the family. You can enjoy seven nights on the sea while floating through the Caribbean with stops in Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and more. With 14 passenger decks featuring 26 dining spots and activities such as rock climbing, minigolf, comedy shows, video games, bowling, an AquaPark, and a sports complex, there will never be a dull moment at sea. 

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Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas now has one of the largest cruise ships in the world among its fleet. The kids will love seeing and chatting with their favorite characters at the DreamWorks Experience as well as playing at the SeaPlex with a skating rink, bumper cars, circus school, ball courts, DJ booth, and Xbox lounge. 

And for you? Tiered pools in the adults-only Solarium with live music and a pub serving decadent food and cocktails should keep you very satisfied. 

Although many people tend to search in the direction of the popular Caribbean islands like Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas for a beach getaway, don’t sleep on Central America. With rugged coastlines, breathtaking sunsets, rich culture, and pristine waters, the seven countries that make up Central America have a lot to offer beach lovers looking for a relaxing getaway. 

Uvita, Costa Rica

Uvita, where the jungle meets the sea, is a small mountain village that is located on the southern, Pacific side of Costa Rica. Its stunning dark sand beaches, mountain jungle, and crystal waters draw visitors from all over the world. This town is most known for its annual Envision Festival, however, it is also a destination for seeing some of the most beautiful wildlife and nature in all of Costa Rica.

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Caye Caulker, Belize 

This tiny island off the coast of Belize is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Despite the growth of tourism, Caye Caulker remains a small village with a distinct cultural flavor that is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.  Since the locals hold much pride in their culture and land and work hard to maintain it’s small island feel, you won’t see any major resorts or tall buildings on the island.

Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

Located on the Pacific coast side of Nicaragua, this charming village is home to small hostels, two surf camps, and local restaurants serving up the fresh catch of the day. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, many people wander here in search of the perfect surf break as well as a quiet retreat in nature. 

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Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas Del Toro is a chain of islands off of the Northern, Caribbean coast of Panama near the Costa Rican border. This magical place consisting of 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets, is Panama’s top travel destination for tourists from all over the world. Its raw natural beauty and stunning beaches offer some of the most picturesque views in the country. 

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

The Corn Islands, or Islas de Maiz, are located off of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Little Corn Island is only about 1.5 sq miles in size but is bursting with character and charm. When it comes to things to do on the island, the beach is the main event. Chill, relax, dive, snorkel, kitesurf, kayak, fish, yoga, or paddleboard along a magical coastline of beaches that you will never want to leave.