Get the Most of Your Vacation
If you’ve never been to a place before, even with today’s information technology, the experience could be different from what you may have anticipated. Here are some tips so you can make the most of your time in Belize.
Don’t Pack Too Much
Belize is warm all year round, and even our chilly spells only warrant a light sweater or jacket. Yes, you will need swimwear and beach attire. Even for evening, the order of the day is casual, casual, casual. However, if you venture into the jungle you will need cotton pants and sturdy footwear for hikes, and of course, sunglasses and a hat, and plenty of insect repellent.
Do Explore
You may be tempted to just lie on the beach in the comfort of your resort. If you do, you will be missing a lot. Go explore, you can rent a golf cart and look around, or use a bike to get around and run errands. Go kayaking or snorkeling The Hol-Chan Marine Reserve is near to both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. There is plenty to see inland. Try scheduling some day excursions or visit the Biggest Little Zoo in the world—only 32 miles up the western George Price Highway.
Don’t Burn
Especially if you come from colder climes, you may be tempted to go all out on your first day. The sun can be merciless. So, use lots of sunscreen, even in the shade. The reflection off the white sand and sea also burns. Pace yourself and don’t ruin the trip with a painful sunburn.
Do Try Some Street Vendors
Take a walk and try local street food. The staple rice and beans is a healthy and filling dish…and inexpensive. Belizean Barbecue is also luscious, as are tacos, pastries, and the traditional staple, meat pies, a tiny, portable delight filled with ground beef or chicken.
Don’t Ignore Local Culture
In a place so small in population, Belize boasts multiple ethnic groups: Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Mennonite, Garifuna, Asian, East Indian, and Middle Eastern. At every turn, you can experience their food, their art and crafts, and their customs. So, explore and mingle. There is much to discover. There is a saying in Spanish, “Cada Cabeza es un Mundo”, meaning, each mind is a world.
Do Slow Down
Belize is the epitome of laid- back. Don’t expect fast service or absolute adherence to scheduling. Everything will take place in its own sweet time to give you space and time to enjoy the pace.
Don’t Come for Just A Few Days
There is much diversity in Belize, in every region and at every level, both on land and sea. Don’t get frazzled trying toa real pack everything into a few days. If you are able, allow at least a week or, ideally, ten days to get a real feel for Belize.
Wherever you go, we await you, and you will feel welcome and experience an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
Written by Nelita Castillo
Editor's Note: This article was first shared on January 28, 2020
