Get Ready for the Summer of Central America!

Well, if it’s summer time then obviously it’s time for some serious global slacking off.

This summer I’ve decided to take my slacking off on the road to Central America. My summer work is done and now it’s time maximize the month remaining before another season of college football kicks off in late August.

As some of you may know, in addition to my annual January round-the-world trips, a few years ago I started a mid-year edition. Mostly to combat the unappealing symptoms of passport-underuse and satisfy my summer longings for tropical islands, exotic foods and living out of a tiny suitcase for extended periods of time.

Typically, for my summer trips, I choose a particular region of the world to explore more in-depth. My first summer trip took me through Central & Eastern Europe, the second around Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific and the most recent was a fun-filled summer in the Balkans.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

For this summer’s wanderlust-inspiring adventure, I have selected Central America!  

So, henceforth, this trip shall be known as, “RTW 7 1/2 – The Central America Edition.” It’s a part of the world I haven’t seen much of (aside from previous visits to Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica) and I’m excited to see what’s in store.

Also, while I’m in the neighborhood, I’ve thrown in a bonus visit to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (close enough!). The Galapagos have been on my bucket list for quite some time but I’ve never been able to work them into one of my RTW trips so I’m particularly thrilled to finally make it there.

It will come as no surprise that this trip (like many of my others) is heavily island-focused. I’ve done my best to work in visits to each country’s most beautiful sandy spots. Here’s a rundown of the itinerary:

Stop 1        Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

Stop 2        San Salvador, El Salvador

Stop 3        Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Stop 4        The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Stop 5        San Blas Islands, Panama & Panama City

Stop 6        Guayaquil, Ecuador

Stop 7        The Galapagos Islands

Stop 8         Quito, Ecuador

All in all, it’ll be 30 days visiting 6 countries that are all new to me.

My friend and regular travel-buddy, Shannon, will be meeting up with me two weeks from today in Panama City and will travel the second half of the trip with me. I’m especially excited to visit the San Blas Islands where we’ll be sailing by chartered sailboat through the islands for 3 days.

Tomorrow morning I’m headed to Roatan, Honduras where I’ll be spending the weekend in full adult-beverage-good-novel-hammock-relaxation-mode. I’ll also be experiencing the “Dolphin Trainer for a Day” program at the beautiful Anthony’s Key Resort.

I’m hoping to also try my first resort dive while I’m there (if I can get my nerve up). While I will, as always, endeavor to post photos and updates daily, I will be visiting a number of places with limited or no wifi or even power for that matter. So don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me for a few days at a time here and there.

While I do generally thrive on connectivity, I must say I’m looking forward to a little time “off the grid” so to speak.

My carry-on bag is stuffed with bug spray and sunscreen (which is why I’ll have to check it), I’ve started my anti-malaria pills and I’m ready for some sizzling summer fun near the Equator…next stop, the Bay Islands of Honduras!