Located on Central America's Pacific Coast, El Salvador's beaches are home to some of Latin America's finest surf breaks. But surfers aren't the only travelers who enjoy the beautiful beaches of El Salvador. The coastline is lined with villages both lively and tranquil; accommodations both luxury and budget; and warm waters perfect swimming as well as surfing.

• The Best Beaches in El Salvador!

Now you tell us -- what's your favorite El Salvador beach?

Photo Copyright L.E. MacDonald

Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are the reasons Costa Rica's beaches rank among the best in the world. And since nearly two thirds of Costa Rica's borders are coastline, there are a whole lot of beaches to explore.

• The best Costa Rica beaches!

When you're done checking out our favorite Costa Rica beaches, let us know which Costa Rice beach is YOUR favorite!

Photo Copyright Stephanie Costa

Looks like I'll be traveling in Central/Eastern Europe for the first two weeks of November. I'm excited, but already feeling cold in anticipation (hey, I'm Californian! we're spoiled here). Since I'm pretty sure I'll long for Central America's steamy, sunny climate, I'll be featuring a celebration of Central America's best beaches and islands while I'm gone.

Tell us now: What's your favorite Central America beach?

Located in the highlands of Boquete, Panama, Hotel Valle Escondido is one of the leading luxury resorts and investment communities in Panama.

Valle Escondido is far more than a Panama luxury hotel. It's a whole first-world village in a private valley -- "valle escondido" means "hidden valley", after all. Autumn-colored construction contrasts with the rich green surroundings, and the mountainous hills piled with misty trees. Despite the rural feel, downtown Boquete is within walking distance of Valle Escondido, perfect for an extended stay (or purchase).

• Take a photo tour of Valle Escondido

When planning a trip to Central America, people tend to wonder about the wildlife. And we're not talking tapirs and toucans--we're talking about the region's smaller beasts, those with the equipment (jaws, stingers) to spoil your vacation, or at least to make it itchier. . .

Central America's insects, snakes and spiders.

Costa Rica alone contains five percent of the world's biodiversity. So it's true that a vacation in Central America will likely leave you face-to-face with some rather funky fauna, especially in the jungle climates. But it's always beneficial to know your adversaries, and we're here to provide you with the resources to differentiate the friendly insects, snakes and spiders from the ferocious.

Guatemala is delicious. Need specifics? Just take a look at the oh-so-tasty photos in our Guatemala Food Photo Gallery. Like elotes, hot corn smeared with cheese and other goodies. Nachos heaped with fresh guacamole. Kak'ik, a Mayan stew complete with whole turkey leg. Hungry yet? We've barely gotten started!

• Photos of Guatemala food
• All about Guatemala cuisine
• Other Central America food & drink

Lush with coffee plantations, the vibrant green valleys of Boquete, Panama represent one of Central America's fastest growing tourism and international investment destinations. Despite that popularity, so much of the Boquete valley remains pristine.

These Boquete photos include the village, valley, mountains and countryside that make up beautiful Boquete, Panama, just a short flight (or long overnight bus ride!) from Panama City. Stay tuned for a selection of some of my favorite Boquete hotels and businesses, like the Habla Ya Spanish School.

As we ease into Central America's top travel season, Belize's most exclusive resorts are offering great travel deals.

Located on the southern coast of Belize, Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort ushers in fall with great Belize travel deals. From November 1 to December 15, 2009, guests who book four nights pay for just three (a savings of more than $300 per couple) and those staying for seven will pay for five (a savings of over $650 per couple). www.kanantik.com.

While Belize's Cayo Espanto, a luxury private island resort off the coast of Belize, is undoubtedly romantic, it's also a fun destination to share with your friends. Now through Dec. 15, 2009, groups of four can save nearly $9,000 with Cayo Espanto’s Private Island Massage & Spa Package. The package runs $499 per guest, per night ($9,995 total), and includes 5 nights in the 2,100-square-foot Casa Auroravilla, one massage per person daily, customized meals, and much more. www.aprivateisland.com

In honor of the season, the exclusive St. George’s Caye Resort is offering an all-inclusive, five-night Melt Over Christmas package, including accommodations for two in a cozy cabana, two reef dives per person, a $50 Island Spa credit per person, and more. To top it all off, rumor has it Santa has St. George’s Caye on his route! Rates start at $1,799 per person. www.GoodDiving.com

When you're deciding where to go on a vacation, pictures are priceless -- but videos are even better. In conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism, YPartnership is releasing a new Honduras travel video every Wednesday for a total of 17 weeks. In their words:

"Unpackaged. Unfiltered. Unspoiled. This is the majesty of Honduras. From the breathtaking sunsets in Roatan, to the misty green mountains of Pico Bonito, Honduras is a vibrant wonderland, full of adventure and breathtaking beauty. It is the centerpiece of Central America. And you will be as awed by the splendor of its land as the warmth of its people."

A selection of Honduras videos, which will also be available as free downloads on the iTunes store:

• 
  Cayos Cochinos in the Bay Islands
• Honduras Animal Encounters
• The Ruins of Copan
• The full Honduras video collection

It's hard to leave your best friend at home when you're traveling, especially when you know he or she would adore scampering on the white sands, playing fetch in the waves, and slumbering in the perfect sunshine.

Fortunately, many vacationers have discovered how pet-friendly some Central America travel destinations really are. Ryan Bernal of RoatanNet has compiled some tips on bringing pets to the Caribbean island of Roatan, in Honduras. It's also possible to bring a pet with you to popular travel destinations Costa Rica and Belize, as long as you follow some specific regulations. You and Fido will be relaxing in matching hammocks in no time.