Places to go in 2014 — without breaking the bank

What destinations will offer the best travel deals in 2014? Where will you be able to get more for your money? 

And a place drew my attention: Nicaragua. I have always thought I would go to Costa Rica before any other country in Central America but I might change my plans.

This emerging Central American destination is a budget hotspot that offers visitors a natural high with 18 volcanoes, rain and cloud forests, and world-class surfing. Called “the next Costa Rica,” Nicaragua has many of the attributes visitors find in its southern neighbor but without the crowds, high prices and commercialism. Beset by a long revolution in the 1960s and ’70s, Nicaragua has put that portion of its history behind it and is now considered the safest country in Central America.

Round-trip airfare is about $500; hotel and restaurant prices are about 50 percent less than those in Costa Rica.

When to go: Dry season, from January through April, brings reliably sunny weather but is the most expensive. Best value is during the green season, from May through September.

Full list here Places to go in 2014 — without breaking the bank