Honduras is the original banana republic, but travel here is easy, enjoyable and inexpensive. The slow pace, natural beauty and low-profile tourism make it particularly appealing to travelers who, well-armed with insect repellent, enjoy getting off the beaten track.

Despite its turbulent political history, the poor cousin of the region has barely registered on the Western radar. However, its short role in the 1980s as a breeding ground for US covert operations and its devastation in 1998 at the hands of Hurricane Mitch are two significant exceptions.