Sometimes it can seem like the real world has been consumed entirely by screens – and that’s especially true with all of the Coronavirus restrictions and stay-at-home orders in place. Fortunately, the Central American country of Belize offers a safe destination for taking a temporary digital hiatus. Belize’s Safe Corridor policy has made them one of the safest destinations for travel in 2021, and there are plenty of options for cutting the cord on your vacation. Here are some of the best ways you can detox.
Snorkeling or Diving Near the Barrier Reef
Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef. Photo courtesy Duarte Dellarole Photography
The sprawling barrier reef positioned in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Belize is the second largest in the world. It also offers you a look at some of the rarest and most vibrant fish in the world – and we can promise you they’ll look even more real in person than they do on your 75-inch 4K TV. While the Barrier Reef straddles much of Belize’s coastline, the most popular access point is through the sleepy island of Ambergris Caye.
Connect With the Locals
Belize is a melting pot of different cultures. The Amish sit alongside American and European expatriates who rub shoulders with native groups like the Garifuna. The village of Hopkins offers an authentic experience you could never find digitally. While it’s expanded beyond its reputation as a sleepy town, Garifuna culture thrives here – and you’ll find plenty of time to dance, sing, eat, and learn about these unique traditions when you leave your phone behind and mix and mingle with the locals.
Visit Ancient Maya Cities
Lamanai Maya Site. Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Living always-online means always having access to the latest stories and content, but there’s something to be said for stories written in stone and weathered with time. What is now Belize was once a major component in the Maya Empire, and the country is still home to some of the most well-preserved ruins from that civilization. If you’re looking for ruins, you’ll find the highest density of interesting sites in the Cayo District.
Venture Into the Interior
Jungle Pontoon Tour in Cayo. Photo via IG @501BoyzProduction
Belize is a country conscientious about environmentalism. The upshot of that is that the countryside is still home to vast swaths of unspoiled wilderness. In other words, you might not get reception while you’re ziplining through jungles, canoeing through underground caverns, or leaping from lakeside cliffs. But you will get an experience that simply can’t be shared in text or video.
