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For many Americans, now seems like the beginning of fall, and most of us are happy to embrace the beautiful foliage, cozy weather, and spooky season.
The only problem is that no matter how great everything may be, we all know what comes next.
Soon the leaves will fall and much of the country will turn cold, bringing with it the arrival of a long winter.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. The good news is that as more Latin American travel destinations grow in popularity, more flights from the US to sunny and warm destinations are being offered.
More and more direct flights to unique locations to see cloud forests, beaches and Mayan ruins mean more opportunities for Americans to escape the cold and go on a tropical adventure.
One such place that Americans can fly from many major airports is the Honduran island of Roatán, a diving hotspot full of sun, sand and great atmosphere.
@kianradixonn 📍Roatán, Honduras 🇭🇳😍 #Honduras #roatan #fyp ♬ This is heaven – Nightshade
Where is Roatan?
When it comes to Latin America, many Americans flock to Costa Rica, and for good reason: it’s an amazing destination that’s worthy of all its hype.
However, the other unique and culturally rich countries that make up this part of the world are also worth a visit, including Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
Yet Honduras’ most popular tourist destination is far from the country’s northern coast, about 40 miles offshore in the Caribbean Sea.
Welcome to the island of Roatán.
Easy to reach
With direct flights from many major US airports, Roatán is well connected for a winter holiday. Several airlines also fly this route with connections, and there are deals to be found if you book early enough.
As part of the Bay Islands, Roatán is the only one with an international airport. It flies in the Central Time Zone and a flight from New York only takes about four hours, meaning you don’t have to waste too much time traveling.
@jesssicaromo3 nice days in Roatán 🌴 #trip #honduras #roatan #islandlife #roatanhonduras #travelstick #islaroatan #CapCut #fyp ♬ hospital beach – Cottonwood Firing Squad
A natural paradise
Roatán is only about 8 kilometers wide and about 65 kilometers long, and in total the area covers about 32 square kilometers of beaches, towns, fishing villages and green, hilly, unspoilt nature.
Let’s face it: most people come here for the beaches, which race from world-class manicured shores to natural and rugged. Although the beaches are endless, the most popular beaches for tourists are West Bay Beach, Hall Moon Bay Beach, Marbella Beach, Camp Bay Beach and Mahogany Bay Beach. Make sure you read each area carefully as they all offer a different atmosphere and may not be what you are looking for.
@larizabueso Aguas turquesas + puestas de sol 🏝️🌅 #Honduras #roatan #islasdelabahia #fyp #holidays ♬ Del Mar – Solo Version – Ozuna
Under the sea
If you’ve heard of Roatán before, it’s probably because of its world-famous driving opportunities. The island is surrounded by some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world, and the sheer variety of marine life that lives here will keep even the most seasoned divers coming back for more.
Roatán is actually home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, and the endless dive companies here are eager to take you out and show you its splendor. Snorkelers are also spoiled for choice here, so don’t worry if diving isn’t your thing; There will also be plenty to see from the surface.
@bp.onderwater Huge green moray eel! #roatan #Honduras #Marine life #marinebiology #to dive #fyp ♬ original sound – BP Underwater
Party In The Sand
While you can relax and chill on Roatan as much as you want, it’s no secret that the island also has some pretty epic nightlife.
Due to the large number of tourists, most of whom are here for diving, the bars and clubs along the beaches are open late into the night and the nightlife is known for being a good time.
There are numerous famous places known for partying when the sun goes down; from harbor parties to tiki bars, there’s plenty of nightlife.
So plan ahead when booking your accommodation to ensure you’re as close (or far) away as you want.
Perfect weather
Being an island in the Caribbean, far from the mainland, the weather in Roatán does not follow a strict calendar. That said, the winter months of November through February are known as the cold season, although it is hardly cold.
Christmas time is the coldest time of year, and even then the average temperature is around 75 degrees, with pleasant sea temperatures for swimming.
The peak tourism season is between October and May, so you won’t have the place to yourself, but you’re unlikely to be overwhelmed by the crowds.
Underestimated opportunities
Although Roatán is a more popular destination in Latin America, it is still relatively underrated by American travelers (apart from the diving crowd).
A visit to Roatán allows you to enjoy Latin American culture and can be a great starting point for more travel in Honduras and beyond.
While it is true that there are some safety concerns, as long as you are prepared and know where to go and where not to go, you can enjoy a very underrated and underdeveloped country that many average travelers never see.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
