When it comes to the Caribbean, conventional vacations to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic often win out over wilder shores south of the border. But these Central American beaches — best from December to May — feature the same unspoiled coastlines and warm waters, but with lower costs and fewer crowds.

When it comes to the Caribbean, conventional vacations to the Bahamas and the Dominican often win out over wilder shores south of the border. But these Central American beaches — best from December to May — boast the same unspoiled coastlines and warm waters, with lower costs and fewer crowds.