Good news for the Honduras tourism industry (and for travelers): the U.S. Department of State of canceled the Travel Alert for Honduras today, effective immediately. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, "the improved security situation in Honduras has removed the immediate threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Honduras."

The Travel Alert was initially placed on Honduras on July 24, 2009, due to political instability following the ousting of former Honduras President Manuel Zelaya. A peaceful election took place on Sunday, November 29, with Porfirio Lobo elected president. He will take office on January 27, 2010.

If you're really looking to travel off the beaten path, consider the San Blas Islands, a remote group of islands located off Panama's Caribbean coast. They're part of Kuna Yala, an autonomous territory inhabited by the Kuna indigenous people. Visitors live a lot like the Kuna: in spartan thatched huts with little or no electricity, dining on whatever the ocean provides each day.

Obviously, staying in the San Blas Islands isn't for the luxury traveler. But if you've always sought that ultimate castaway experience, Kuna Yala is it. Our San Blas Photo Gallery includes photos from our trip to the San Blas Islands, including Kuna villages and our private island accommodations (which sounds pretty swanky, but you'll see what I mean). I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Honduras has been in political crisis ever since the military forced President Manuel Zelaya from office on June 28, with many countries including the United States) condemning the coup. Today, Honduras heads to the polls, hoping the the international community will recognize the results of this presidential election. The United States is among those who say they will recognize the results, claiming "the clock will be reset after the elections."

As of 9AM PST, early exit polls suggest Conservative candidate and ex-President Porfirio Lobo is ahead.

From Costa Rica's Pacific coast to Belize's Caribbean cayes, Central America is home to an underwater extravaganza of dive sites and ocean dwellers. While master Scuba divers return to the region year after year to face new challenges (and endemic creatures), beginning divers are drawn to the inexpensive PADI dive certification courses, and the chance to behold National Geographic-worthy sights on one's very first dive.

Check out our list of Central America's Best Dive Destinations. Even if you're not dive certified--and not looking to get certified--you can still enjoy Central America's submarine splendor. Where there's great Scuba diving, there's often fantastic snorkeling, and most dive operators also offer snorkeling tours.

Photograph © Utila Dive Centre