Honduras' Mainland Frontier

Your dollars are worth considerably less than they were this time last year...still, you're day dreaming of summer travel adventures. If you fear your imagination may be bigger than your budget...see this month's print issue of International Living (below). There we introduce you to 11 places where your U.S. greenbacks still go a long way...destinations where, the devaluing dollar notwithstanding, you can afford to arrange the trip of a lifetime.

I've just returned from five days at our Delray Beach, Florida, Live Overseas Conference, where one International Living reader in attendance added to our list: mainland Honduras.

We've been telling you about the Bay Islands of Honduras for 10 years. These three Caribbean outposts, especially Roatan, the largest, are increasingly known and more expensive every time we return. Ah...but the mainland coast of the country remains a frontier...almost another world...and wonderfully cheap. The reader who gave me this tip lives on Roatan...but escapes whenever possible to the mainland towns of Tela, Trujillo, and La Ceiba...where, he reported, he plays golf (for $12), plays at the beach, and savors the laid-back ambiance. Those few expats who've already discovered these towns and their beaches are living well on less than $1,000 a month. Our new friend got our attention. Watch this space for more.

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living

P.S. Also in this month's print issue: Which international health insurance company is right for you?…how to beat capital gains tax…Mexico's top five havens rated and ranked…and more. Read on for details.

* 11 Places Where Your Shrinking Greenbacks Still Go a Long Way

"Following are our recommendations for 11 countries where even U.S. dollars can buy a grand adventure...or an enviable new life…"

* The Corn Islands--Like the Caribbean Before the Resorts Moved In
-- Lee Harrison

"When I think back to my relatively civilized arrival in other Caribbean ports or my recent trip to Nicaragua, it's obvious that the Nicaraguan Caribbean is unlike either of its namesakes; it's another world entirely."

* 14 Tax Tips for the American Abroad
-- Kathleen Peddicord and Lief Simon

"Even if you're not now an American abroad, but are considering the idea, read on. These are tips the IRS information line, your accountant, and most U.S. tax attorneys don't understand…"

* Once à la mode Saint-Denis--the Parisian District Where Every French Royal Who Counted was Entombed
-- Vivian Lewis

"While Saint-Denis has a university campus and excellent transportation, it is not an area that attracts foreign real estate buyers…but you can find interesting properties at low prices."

* Here's Where the Locals Remember Sophia Loren's Footprints in the Sand...and Other Secrets of the Beaches of Brazil
-- Sol Biderman

"High-quality three- or four-bedroom houses with lush tropical gardens on 1/5th-acre lots can still be bought for $60,000 to $70,000, and these are within two or three blocks of the water…oceanfront two-bedroom apartments from $40,000."

* Where to Settle in Mexico? Our Man and Woman on the Ground Rate Five Top Spots
-- Suzan Haskins and Dan Prescher

"You'd expect a country of this size to offer diverse locales, and Mexico does--from large, sophisticated cities to small pueblos. There is so much to choose from that deciding where to live can be downright frustrating. That's why we've devised our own rating system…."

* The Fruit of Your Own Vine

"Have you ever dreamed of a home with a vineyard...the smell of ripe grapes...not to mention producing your own wine? This month we're featuring vineyard properties, all with houses, on five continents, ranging from established operations with mature vines to fixer-uppers in developing areas."

* Plus: Spoil yourself in Ecuador...partying Swiss-style...the Mayan ruins at Tikal...life in steamy Bangkok...polo and Pimm's at Beaufort...and more.