If you’re looking to head even further south, look to the northeastern coast of Central America, where you’ll find the paradise known as Belize. Chris Atkins, the owner of Central America Fishing, a boutique luxury travel agency, ranks it as one of their “favorite affordable international travel destinations.”
“Central America’s smallest country with a population of just 400,000, this tiny Caribbean paradise is highly dependent on tourism,” Atkins explained. “While Belize now features many high end hotels and luxury fishing lodges, tourism has been popular here for decades so there are tons of affordable boutique hotels that can be found in all of the major beach towns. If you want someplace safe and clean but don’t need to be pampered, three star hotels for $100 per night or less are available. Airbnb rentals have also made their way onto the market in the last few years, so finding a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom condo or villa is easy and affordable to do as well.”
Atkins also says not to get fooled by the country looking to be on the smaller side. “Despite its size, it packs a punch as it offers visitors rainforest, Mayan ruins, caves, adventure tours, white sand beaches, and of course it’s home to the second-longest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef,” he said. “This living, breathing UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the best snorkeling, diving, and reef fishing in the world year after year. The locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, and they love food & beer, so it’s a country that is very easy to fall in love with after just one visit.”
