Page 41 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 4 February-March 2018

Sand, Sea and Sun

With laidback Caribbean vibes on one side and monstrous
Pacific swells on the other, Central America is well-positioned
to deliver some of the best beaches in the world. While the
Pacific coastline offers giant surfing waves, the Carribean
coastline boasts pristine white sandy beaches with crystal
clear waters, perfect for lazing around. So spend your days Temple of the Wind, Tulum, Mexico
sea kayaking, stand-up paddling, snorkeling, or sipping on a
Piña Colada while dosing off in a hammock. Either way, you’ve
got the recipe for a perfect tropical vacation with these five
destinations:

Tulum, Mexico
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
San Blas, Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Top: Colourful house at
Bonus destination: If you do manage to make it to Panama, Bocas del Toro, Panama;
catch a flight to one of the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, or Right: Brain coral, Corn
Islands, Nicaragua
Curaçao; otherwise known as the Dutch Caribbean.

Once a less-travelled region due to its reputation of gang
violence, passionate travellers are now slowly dispelling
the myths and righting a travel wrong. The little-known Travel Tidbits for Thai Tourists
countries of Central America have quickly made it to the
top of several must-visit travel lists. Tourists who do make Thai citizens require visas to all countries in Central
the effort are invariably impressed by just how much this America with the exception of Panama. However, you
tiny region has to offer. will be exempt from visa requirements if you possess
a B1/B2 multiple entry U.S. visa.

It is possible, and probably cheaper, to cross all
borders from Mexico down to Panama by land.
Flights are rather expensive due to the monopoly
that airlines enjoy.

US dollars are accepted as the region-wide currency.
Both the local currency and US dollar can be used
interchangeably, however not all of them are pegged
to the US dollar.

Due to the extensive Spanish colonial presence
in the region, Spanish is the primary language and
sometimes the only spoken language. It is important
to have basic knowledge of Spanish before travelling
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
to Central America. English is slightly more prevalent
in Costa Rica and Panama.

Some parts of Central America are still considered
dangerous. However if you don’t let your guard down
and travel from one place to another only during the
daytime, it is highly unlikely that you will find yourself
in a compromising situation.

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Aruba at dusk