Dust Off Your Passport: Here’s Why Belize Is Named in ‘Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2022’

by Carolee Chanona
Caves-ATM-Chabil-Mar-Resort-Belize adventure

After almost two years of limiting travel restrictions, it’s expected jetsetters will be going bigger on their holidays and for longer as a way to make up for lost vacations. In fact, 63 percent of travelers are eager to embrace the new era of travel, with 61 percent open to unique experiences, according to Travel Predictions 2022 by Booking.com.

But with, quite literally, a world of opportunities opening up, where does one begin?

Luckily, Lonely Planet is here to inspire and delight with its Best in Travel 2022 list, described as a “bucket list for the future [and] a to-visit list for right now”. And yes, Belize made the top 10 list! The CEO Magazine highlights the best and brightest of each destination, like everything we love about our dually Central American and Caribbean gem. It’s time to dig out that passport, dust off your suitcase, and grab life in Belize. Here’s why.

Belize – Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2022

Location: Central America
Known for: the Great Blue Hole
Most iconic attraction: Mayan ruins
COVID-19 guidelines: must present negative COVID-19 test on arrival and choose from a Gold Standard Certified Accommodation
COVID-19 vaccination rate: 51 percent

Belizean breakfast burrito

A Belizean Breakfast Burrito @ Neri’s Tacos in San Pedro. Photo by FoodFunTravel

Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Belize is a dream for nature lovers – but maybe not for fast food junkies as there are no fast-food chains like McDonald’s in the country.

atm Belize

The entrance of ATM Cave. Photo by Leonardo Melendez Photography

The Central American paradise boasts jungles, waterfalls, the world’s only jaguar reserve (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary), and magical caves including Actun Tunichil Muknal – which involves swimming through the cave to the central atrium where you can find sacrificial remains.

xunantunich-Tours_DuarteDellarole-sunset-caribe

Ever been to Xunantunich Maya Site? Image courtesy Sunsete Caribe

One of its greatest attractions is the numerous ancient Maya Sites, which are scattered deep in the jungles and atop hills. There are some 600 sites in Belize alone, placing it firmly among the top countries for the number and variety of ancient temples. The sites are incredibly significant as they are the birthplace of calendar systems, hieroglyphic writing and are renowned for developing the science of astronomy.

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