Dabbling its toes in the Caribbean Sea, Belize has more in common with its island neighbors than with the fiery volatility of the rest of Central America. English-speaking, Creole-dominated and with a thoroughly coup-free history, most of this tiny country has an atmosphere so laid-back it's almost comatose.

Belize can be a difficult place to travel - only three of its major highways are fully paved, prices are high for this part of the world, and except in the touristed areas hotels are few and far between.

Belize compensates with some of the best diving in the world, dramatic Mayan ruins looming out of untouched jungle and secluded ecolodges catering to the most sedentary adventurers.