Honduras doesn’t usually appear on lists of the top tourist destinations. In retrospect, that’s probably a good thing. One of the best things about vacationing in this Central American paradise is how peaceful it is. Being surrounded by tourists would ruin the chill vibe it has. Spending several weeks in Honduras is the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and recharge.
Choosing Between Picture-Perfect Vistas and Historical Sites
Honduras is a true paradise — at least when it comes to the wilderness areas — for the senses. It has beautiful jungles, pristine beaches and lush backdrops all around. Its location in Central America means you also get historical architecture from the Maya and remnants of classic Spanish buildings.
On one hand, this means that everyday feels exciting and new. There’s always something to do or visit, if you feel like it. Of course, lounging around the beach is a perfectly viable option, too.
On the other hand, this incredible diversity can make vacation planning tricky. You’re almost guaranteed to have more ideas and places to go than time on your itinerary. You have to prioritize the things you want to do most — that or stay for two weeks minimum.
Taking the Opportunity To Rest
The lifestyle in Honduras is all about taking things easy. Don’t rush everyway frenetically. Take enough time to smell the … tropical flowers, so to speak. Enjoy tasty meals on the beach. Spend some time perusing local markets.
Many of the hotels at popular destinations, such as Roatan, have a full suite of amenities, including Wi-Fi. There’s nothing wrong with catching up on current business trends poolside while your kids go for a swim. Learning about new tech and techniques in a relaxed environment can spark your creativity and give you great business ideas for when you return home.
Other people love reading classic detective novels or doing crossword puzzles. You do you. Hostels and hotels in many areas have lending libraries with a special twist: They have dog-eared copies of books that other travels have left behind over the years.
It’s one thing to read an Agatha Christie mystery in paperback; it’s even more special when you’re reading a copy that someone brought from Egypt or Eastern Europe.
Getting Your Feet Wet
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to make time for in Honduras, it’s a trip to Roatan. This smallish island, resort location and protected marine park has some of the best water adventures in the world. Diving pros come from around the world to scuba dive in many underwater spots of the Roatan Marine Park.
This means you have a great opportunity to learn how to scuba dive — even if you’re not certified yet. It doesn’t take long to get the basics needed for dive certification, and it costs less on Roatan than other Caribbean vacation spots. Diving offers you opportunities to see tropical fish, eagle rays, sea turtles and — sometimes — whale sharks.
You don’t have to strap on a dive tank to see the gorgeous variety of underwater life around Roatan, though. This place is amazing for snorkeling, too. You can calmly take in the crystal-clear water and colorful aquatic life in the numerous off-shore sites, bays and some of the smaller islands on the archipelago.
Seeing the Birds
Bird watchers are right at home in any of Honduras’ national parks. Taking a guided tour into the jungle is sure to be unforgettable because of the huge variety of birds and other animals. There’s something amazing about seeing wild macaws, toucans and hummingbirds in their natural habitat.
Staying Safe
Like many travel destinations around the world, Honduras also has areas that are less safe. Difficult economic conditions can come and go, potentially making it dangerous for tourists to visit certain parts of the country.
Always check travel advisories for updates. It’s smart to travel as part of a group, if possible. Stay alert, just like you would on a visit to Cancun, Mexico.
