The English-speaking island of Belize is beloved for its barefoot lifestyle and love of reggae, which makes it feel a bit more Caribbean in culture. The 25-mile island of Ambergris Caye is located off the northeastern coast (and is just a quick flight from Belize City). The destination is known for its soft, sandy beaches and car-free tranquility.

American, United, and Southwest all fly directly into Belize City (we found roundtrip flights from New York as low as $536). To reach Ambergris Caye, catch a connecting flight on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air (approximately 15 minutes, from $46 one-way), or take a ferry to San Pedro (45 minutes to two hours, from $23 one way). Belize City is also a port of call on Royal Caribbean and Carnival sailings.

With accessible rain forests, lush beaches, and a pulsing capital, it’s amazing Panama still manages to fly under-the-radar. The rural archipelago of Bocas del Toro reveals a treasure trove of empty islets and white sand off the northwestern coast of the mainland, which makes it the perfect place to unwind under the sun. 

Take a one-hour flight to Bocas del Toro International Airport from Panama City on Air Panama. We found roundtrip flights from New York to Panama City for as low as $290, and from $110 (one-way) from Panama City to Bocas del Toro.

Thanks to its laid-back tropical vibe, world-class surfing, and excellent value, Nicaragua is quickly becoming a popular beach destination. On the country's southwest coast, you'll find San Juan del Sur, which features golden sand, colonial charm, untouched natural beauty, and legendary sunsets.

San Juan del Sur is the most popular cruise destination in Nicaragua; Princess, Oceania, and Crystal cruise lines all stop here. If you're not cruising, you can fly into Managua and take a taxi or rental car (about a three-hour drive). Alternatively, book a flight to Liberia, Costa Rica, and drive two hours. We found roundtrip flights from New York as low as $300 to Managua, and $330 to Liberia, respectively.

With El Salvador’s tourism still new compared to its neighbors, visitors are often treated more like family than foreigners. Those seeking solitude should check out the ultra-remote Barra de Santiago on the northern Pacific coast. Here, you'll find a stunning national park complete with estuaries and mangroves on a broad, tawny sandbar. Additionally, its beaches are known to be popular turtle nesting sites from August through November.

American, Delta, Spirit, and United all offer regular service to San Salvador (we found roundtrip flights as low as $287 from New York). From the airport, it's a two-hour drive to Barra de Santiago. We recommend hiring a taxi or private car (arranged by your hotel, if possible), since the roads can be challenging to navigate.

Roatán — north of mainland Honduras in the Caribbean Sea — is surrounded by more than 60 miles of beautiful coral reefs, and is one of the most affordable places to scuba dive. Here, divers can troll for rare whale sharks, while non-divers can swim with sea turtles and explore the island's picturesque west end.

American, Delta, and United all offer nonstop service to Roatán from major U.S. cities (note: service is not daily). Roatán is also a popular port of call on many cruise lines, including Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. We found roundtrip flights from New York as low as $414.

Though it's not quite Central America, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is a close and convenient point of entry to the region. Holbox saw an influx of new visitors after a bridge to the mainland was built a few years ago. However, there’s still plenty to enjoy here. Be sure to soak up the sun at the picture-perfect beaches and take a dip in the turquoise water. All in all, this up-and-coming island deserves a spot on your itinerary.

The closest airport to Isla Holbox is Cancun (we found roundtrip flights from New York for as low as $250). From there, it’s a two- to three-hour drive to Chiquila, where you can catch the 15-minute ferry to the island (approx. $4). Alternatively, Aerosaab offers private flights from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Cancun to Isla Holbox from $700 for up to five passengers.

These neighboring villages on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula feature wide ribbons of sand and warm tide pools backed by palm and almond trees. While Santa Teresa has become a bustling surf town — lined with funky bars, shops, and restaurants — Malpaís has retained its laid-back vibe, and continues to attract nature lovers with its rocky, yet scenic coastline.

From Puntarenas (a port of call on Holland America, Norwegian, and Celebrity cruise lines), take the ferry headed to Paquera ($1.50 one-way). The 70-minute ride will take your through small islands and nature reserves. Alternatively, if you're flying, the peninsula is a two-hour drive from Liberia (serviced by Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United airlines), and is a four-hour drive from San Jose. We found roundtrip flights from New York as low as $250.