You’ve booked your flight, made hotel reservations, and marked up your travel guide with the best places to see and eat in Belize. Given the recent coronavirus pandemic, now you’re not sure you can take the trip you’ve planned for and dreamed of for so long. Before you cancel anything, here are ten steps you should take before rethinking your trip to Belize.
1. Get Current Travel Advisories
You should get the latest travel advisory information from your local government. As of the writing of this article, the U.S. had issued its highest travel advisory level to many Asian and European countries. These places are experiencing increasingly large numbers of new coronavirus cases almost daily. Belize has only two coronavirus cases and the country has temporarily closed all its borders for travelers.
2. Consider Your Current Health Situation
People who are under the age of 65 and don’t have underlying health conditions are at a decreased risk of contracting coronavirus. If you fall into this category and you aren’t sick, you may feel more comfortable traveling to Belize in the future.
3. Talk To Your Doctor
Your health care provider can help you determine if and when it is safe to travel. Your health care provider can also give you some peace of mind if you’re anxious or nervous about traveling.
4. Calculate Cancellation Costs
If you didn’t purchase trip insurance, it may cost you a lot in airline and hotel cancellation and change fees. You want to consider the price of canceling versus the price of the trip itself.
5. Take Advantage of Discounts
If you haven’t booked your trip yet, you may be able to take advantage of deep discounts from airlines and hotels desperate for your business. In addition, local businesses may be offering specials. Your trip may end up costing you less in the long run.
6. Contact Airlines For Continued Service
Some airlines have halted or limited their flights to countries most affected by the coronavirus. Because Belize has closed down its borders, the airlines that regularly fly to the country have suspended their scheduled service. Be aware that some airports and airlines have modified how they handle security and cleanliness to allow passengers to carry on hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
7. Can I Take Precautions During My Trip?
There are steps you can take to prepare yourself for travel and to stay safe during your trip. Follow all guidelines to prevent yourself from getting sick such as washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and keeping your distance from anyone who is sick.
8. Consider Extending Your Stay
If you decide to travel in the future to Belize, you may want to find a long-term rental and extend your vacation. Many people are working remotely or from home. Your job may offer the flexibility to take your work with you.
9. Do Some Research
There are many reputable websites that provide data on the areas most affected by the coronavirus. If you can, plan your trip to small towns, secluded beaches, and secret hideaways where you will encounter fewer people.
10. Is Postponing Something You Can Do?
You may be feeling anxious or afraid to travel even if you take all of the suggested precautions. Instead of canceling, you could postpone your trip until the pandemic has decreased in severity unless your trip is essential or time-sensitive.
Traveling right now is something that should be considered carefully and thoughtfully. However, if you follow these steps, you may find you don’t need to reconsider your travel to Belize.
