Right in line with our journey to Costa Rica, Forbes Traveler highlights some of the best beaches to visit in Central America.

According to Forbes: The appeal of Central American beaches is an offbeat and organic sexiness that blends together visitors of varied ages and economic backgrounds.

I agree. Not always first on the list for a beach vacation, beach life in Central America has a unique flavor all its own. For a different kind of beach vacation, go test the waters in Central America. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Placencia, Belize source: Tyrone Domingo

Here’s a few of the beaches that made the list:
1. Bastamientos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
2. San Blas Archipelago, Panama
3. Montezuma, Costa Rica
4. Manzanillo, Costa Rica
5. Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
6. Placencia, Belize
7. West Bay Beach, Roatán Island, Honduras
8. Chachahuate Beach, Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
9. Monterrico, Guatemala
10. Los Cobanos, El Salvador

Here’s a sneak peak of some of our beach photos from Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica…
The rest are coming soon. Promise!

During our visit to Italy last Fall, my wallet had a rude awakening. As the trip drew nearer, I knew it was time to face the music and research the currency exchange rates. Let’s not forget those service fees tacked on for good measure. At that time, it was going to cost me roughly $1.60 for every Euro I planned to spend. OUCH! I almost convinced myself that the pizza and gelato were just as good here at home. Nah.

A great strategy for overcoming the exchange rates and getting the most ‘bang for your buck’, could possibly be planning your vacation around them. There are still some destinations where the exchange rate is more favorable. The February issue of Conde Nast Traveler magazine uncovers some of these hidden gems in its article, Dollar Power, and I’m passing them on to you, my Divas.
Your purse can thank me later.

Some Currency Super Stars:
1. Costa Rica
Value of $1 five years ago: 384.70 Colones
Value of $1 today*: 495.35 Colones
Increase of nearly 40 percent

2. Laos
Value of $1 five years ago: 7,905 Kip
Value of $1 today: 9,297 Kip
Increase of nearly 20 percent
3. Egypt
Value of $1 five years ago: 4.6 Egyptian pounds
Value of $1 today: 5.51 Egyptian pounds
Increase of nearly 20 percent

Honorable mentions:
Maldives, Barbados, St.Kitts, St. Lucia, Turkey, Ecuador, Panama

Ever seen an $18 hot chocolate? Well, here it is…from Venice, with love.

For some perspective on my spending in Italy: $1 today is equivalent to .68 Euros…
Costa Rica, here we come!

To calculate more currency exchange rates, visit XE.com

*currency rate as of 1/20/2008