Chapter 3: Planning Your Trip to Belize

Belize offers a wealth of vacation options, including sun-and-fun beach time, dedicated scuba diving or fishing trips, and themed vacations exploring the ancient Mayan culture and archaeology. Moreover, given the compact size of the country, it’s very possible to cover a lot of ground in a short time, and to mix and match these options. Whatever your interests, this chapter (as well as chapter 5) will provide you with all the tools and information necessary to plan and book your trip.

When to Go

Belize’s high season for tourism runs from late November to late April, which coincides almost perfectly with the chill of winter in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. The high season is also the dry season. If you want some unadulterated time on a tropical beach and a little less rain during your rainforest experience, this is the time to visit. During this period (and especially around the Christmas and Easter holidays), the tourism industry operates at full tilt—prices are higher, attractions are more crowded, and reservations need to be made in advance.

The weather in Belize is subtropical and generally similar to that of southern Florida. The average daytime temperature on the coast and cayes is around 80°F (27°C), although it can get considerably warmer during the day during the summer months. During the winter months, when northern cold fronts extend their grip south, it can get downright nippy. In fact, from late December to February, “northers” can hit the coastal and caye areas hard, and hang around for between 3 and 5 days, putting a severe crimp in any beach vacation. The best months for guaranteed sun and fun are March through May.

The rainy season runs from June to mid-November, while the hurricane season runs from July to October, with the most active months being August, September, and October. For the most part, the rainy season is characterized by a dependable and short-lived afternoon shower. However, the amount of rainfall varies considerably with the regions. In the south, there may be more than 150 inches of rain per year, while in the north, it rarely rains more than 50 inches per year. Usually there is also a brief dry period in mid-August, known as the mauger. If you’re skittish about rain and hurricanes, don’t come to Belize between late August and mid-October, the height of both the rainy and hurricane seasons. However, if you do come, you should be able to land some good bargains.

The Cayo District and other inland destinations tend to be slightly cooler than the coastal and caye destinations, although since there is generally little elevation gain, the differences tend to be slight.

Public Holidays

Official holidays in Belize include January 1 (New Year’s Day), March 9 (Baron Bliss Day), Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May 1 (Labour Day), May 24 (Commonwealth Day), September 10 (St. George’s Caye Day), September 21 (Independence Day), October 12 (Pan American Day), November 19 (Garífuna Settlement Day), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day), and December 31 (New Year’s Eve).

Government offices and banks are closed on official holidays, transportation services are reduced, and stores and markets may also close.

Belize Calendar of Events

Some of the events listed here might be considered more of a community celebration or tradition than an event—there’s not, for instance, a Deer Dance Festival PR Committee that readily dispenses information. If I haven’t listed a contact number, your best bet is to call the Belize Tourism Board at 800/624-0286 in the U.S. and Canada, or 227-2420 in Belize, or visit www.travelbelize.org for additional information.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you’ll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what’s happening in cities all over the world.

January

Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic. This New Year’s Day road race starts in Corozal Town and ends in Belize City. The competitors are mostly Belizean, although Guatemalan and Mexican teams occasionally enter. The winners usually take around 3 1/2 to 4 hours to cross the finish line; crowds usually form at the start and finish points. January 1.

February

International Billfish Tournament. Hosted by the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina ( 800/333-3333 in the U.S., or 223-3333; www.radisson.com), this multiday event features cash prizes. Early February.

Valentine’s Day Cycle Race. This is Belize’s premier road race. Starting in San Ignacio, cyclists pedal to Benque Viejo, turn around, and race all the way back to Belize City. For more information, check out www.belizecycling.com. February 14.

Carnival. Nationwide celebrations during the week before Lent. Larger towns have parades and dance competitions. In San Pedro, watch out for getting “painted.”

March

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. This 4-day canoe race begins in San Ignacio in the Cayo District and ends at the Swing Bridge in Belize City. For more details, visit www.larutamayabelize.com. March 6 to 9.

Baron Bliss Day. The day is marked with nationwide celebrations of Belize’s benefactor. The greatest festivities are held in Belize City, which hosts a regatta, as well as horse- and footraces. March 9.

May

Labour Day. After a national address by the prime minister or minister of labor (carried on all local radio and television stations), the rest of Labour Day is filled with street celebrations, regattas, and horse races. May 1.

Cashew Festival, Crooked Tree Village. Celebrating the cashew harvest, this weekend celebration features local booths selling everything possible under the sun made with this coveted nut, including cashew wine and cashew jelly. Live music and general revelry accompany the celebrations. First weekend in May.

National Agriculture & Trade Show, Belmopan. This national fair is geared toward farmers, cattle ranchers, large-scale agribusiness, and buyers, but it’s still an interesting event to tour or visit if you’re in the country at the time. Mid-May.

Toledo Cacao Fest, Punta Gorda. Chocolate lovers should head to southern Belize in late May for this festival. In addition to food and desserts, there are concerts, games, parades, and tour activities planned. For exact dates, see www.toledochocolate.com.

June

Día de San Pedro, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This is a 3-day celebration of the island’s patron saint, Saint Peter, or San Pedro. Boats are blessed, and there are parades and processions. June 27 to 29.

Lobster Festival, Placencia. During this extended weekend celebration of the opening of lobster season, this beach town pulls out all the stops. There’s plenty of lobster to be had in a variety of preparations, at temporary outdoor stalls and restaurants around town. There are also concerts and dancing and an arts fair. Check www.placencia.com for the latest details. Late June.

July

Lobster Festival, Caye Caulker. Not to be outdone by Placencia, Caye Caulker also puts on a long weekend celebration of the start of lobster season. Food, music, and dancing are all served up in hearty portions around town. Early July.

August

Costa Maya Festival, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This is perhaps the largest festival in the country. Drawing participants from the neighboring countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, this celebration features a steady stream of live concert performances, street parades, beauty pageants, and water shows and activities. Early August.

Deer Dance Festival, San Antonio, Toledo District. This 9-day Mayan festival is celebrated in the small Mayan village of San Antonio. Highlights include costumed and dance performances. Late August to early September.

September

Independence Day. Patriotic parades and official celebrations are mixed with street parties, beauty pageants, and open-air concerts. September 21.

October

Pan American Day. Formerly known as Columbus Day, this day now celebrates mestizo and Mayan culture with parades, street fairs, and concerts. October 12.

November

Garífuna Settlement Day. The greatest Garífuna celebration occurs in Dangriga, where Garífunas from across Belize and throughout the region gather to commemorate their arrival from St. Vincent in 1832. Street parades, religious ceremonies, and dance and drumming performances are all part of the celebrations throughout the southern coastal zone. November 19.

December

Boxing Day. While Christmas Day is predominantly for family in Belize, Boxing Day is a chance to continue the celebration with friends, neighbors, and strangers. Dances, concerts, horse races, and general festivities are put on around the country. December 26.

Entry Requirements

Passports

A current passport, valid through your departure date, is required for entry into Belize. Driver’s licenses and birth certificates are not valid travel documents. In some cases you may be asked to show an onward or return plane ticket.

Visas

No visas are required for citizens of the United States, the European community (including Ireland), Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. Nationals of certain other countries do need a visa or consular permission to enter Belize. For a current list, see the Belize Tourism Board website (www.travelbelize.org), or call the nearest Belizean consulate or embassy.

Tourists are permitted a maximum stay of 30 days. The Belize Department of Immigration and Nationality in Belmopan ( 822-2423) will sometimes grant an extension of up to 3 months. These extensions are handled on a case-by-case basis and cost BZ$25 for a maximum extension of 3 months.

If you have additional travel or visa questions about Belize, you can contact any of the following Belizean embassies or consulates: in the United States or Canada, 2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/332-9636; www.embassyofbelize.org); in Great Britain, Belize High Commission, 22 Harcourt House, 45 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LP ( 020/7723-3603; www.belizehighcommission.com); and in Australia, 5/1 Oliver Rd., Roseville NSW ( 02/9905-8144). There is no Belizean embassy or consulate in New Zealand.

For information on how to get a passport, go to “Passports” in the “Fast Facts” section of chapter 12—the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing passport applications. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the “Foreign Entry Requirement” Web page of the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov.

Customs

What You Can Bring into Belize

Visitors to Belize may bring with them any and all reasonable goods and belongings for personal use during their stay. Cameras, computers, and electronic equipment, as well as fishing and diving gear for personal use, are permitted duty-free. Customs officials in Belize seldom check arriving tourists’ luggage.

What You Can Take Home from Belize

It is expressly illegal to take out any pre-Columbian artifact from Belize, whether you bought it, you discovered it, or it was given to you. Do not traffic in Maya artifacts.

For information on what you’re allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 ( 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov).

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L8 ( 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise, Crownhill Court, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BZ ( 0845/010-9000, or 020/8929-0152 from outside the U.K.; www.hmce.gov.uk).

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service, Customs House, 5 Constitution Ave., Canberra City, ACT 2601 ( 1300/363-263, or 612/6275-6666 from outside Australia; www.customs.gov.au).

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17–21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington, 6140 ( 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

No shots or inoculations are required to enter Belize. For more on medical concerns and recommendations, see “Health.”

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting There

By Plane

Belize City’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport ( 225-2045; www.pgiabelize.com; airport code BZE) is serviced by several airlines out of major U.S. hubs. American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Grupo Taca, and US Airways all have regular direct service to Belize. Flying time from Miami is just more than 2 hours.

There are no direct flights to Belize from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, mainland Asia, or Africa. From Canada, the only direct flights are seasonal winter charters. To get to Belize from any of these points of origin, you will have to connect through one of the U.S. hubs.

For additional help in booking your air travel to Belize, see chapter 12.

Getting into Town from the Airport

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is located 16km (10 miles) northwest of the city on the Northern Highway. There is no public bus service or shuttle van service. However, taxis are there to meet every flight. A taxi into town will cost BZ$50 to BZ$60.

By Cruise Ship

As many as one million tourists stop in Belize as part of a cruise itinerary per year. All ships call at Belize City and offer a wide range of day-tour options around the country. Cruise lines that offer stops in Belize as part of their Caribbean and Panama Canal routes include Celebrity Cruises ( 800/760-0654; www.celebritycruises.com), Crystal Cruises ( 888/722-0021; www.crystalcruises.com), Holland America ( 877/932-4259; www.hollandamerica.com), Norwegian Cruise Lines ( 866/234-7650; www.ncl.com), Princess ( 800/774-6237; www.princess.com), Radisson Seven Seas Cruises ( 877/505-5370; www.rssc.com), Royal Caribbean ( 866/562-7625; www.rccl.com), and Silver Sea Cruises ( 800/722-9955; www.silversea.com).

It might pay off to book through a travel agency that specializes in cruises; these companies buy in bulk and stay on top of the latest specials and promotions. Try the Cruise Company ( 800/289-5505; www.thecruisecompany.com) or World Wide Cruises ( 800/882-9000; www.worldwidecruises.com).

Getting Around

By Plane

Traveling around Belize by commuter airline is common, easy, and relatively economical. Two local commuter airlines serve all the major tourist destinations around Belize. The carriers are Maya Island Air ( 223-1140; www.mayaairways.com) and Tropic Air ( 800/422-3435 in the U.S. or Canada, or 226-2012 in Belize; www.tropicair.com). They operate out of both the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and the Belize City Municipal Airport. In both cases, flights are considerably less expensive into and out of the Municipal Airport. See the destination chapters for specific details on schedules and costs.

Hit The Spot

As you drive around Belize, keep an eye out for “cool spots.” These roadside stands serve up cold drinks, a bit of shade, and sometimes food. Most are little more than simple shacks or a shady thatch-roof over a few rustic wooden tables and chairs or plastic lawn furniture. Many have colorful names such as Bamboo Cool Spot, Yam Wit Cool Spot, or Last Chance Cool Spot.

By Car

There are only four major roads in Belize: the Northern, Western, Southern, and Hummingbird highways. All are just two-lane affairs, and all actually have speed bumps as they pass through various towns and villages along their way. Belize is only 113km or so (70 miles) wide, and around 402km (250 miles) long. Renting a car is an excellent way to see the country. If you are going to the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District, or to the Gallon Jug or Lamanai areas, you will certainly need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, if you’re just visiting the major towns and cities of San Ignacio, Placencia, Corozal, or Punta Gorda, you’ll probably be fine in a standard sedan. That said, it’s always nice to have the extra clearance and off-road ability of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly during the rainy season (June through mid-Nov).

Among the major international agencies operating in Belize are Avis ( 225-2629; www.avis.com), Budget ( 223-2435; www.budget-belize.com), Hertz ( 223-5395; www.hertz.com), and Thrifty ( 207-1271; www.thrifty.com). Crystal Auto Rental ★ ( 0800/777-7777 toll-free in Belize, or 223-1600; www.crystal-belize.com) is a local company, with an excellent fleet and good prices. For a complete list of car-rental agencies and their contact information, see chapter 12, as well as the “Getting Around” sections of other major tourist-destination chapters.

Prices run between BZ$100 and BZ$220 per day for a late-model compact to a compact SUV, including insurance. Most of the rental companies above have a 25-year-old minimum age requirement for renting, although Crystal Auto Rental will rent to 21- to 24-year-olds, but with twice the deductible.

Often included in the price, car-rental insurance runs about BZ$24 to BZ$40 per day with an average deductible of around BZ$1,500, although sometimes for a few extra dollars per day you can get no-fault, no-deductible coverage.

Before driving off with a rental car, be sure that you inspect the exterior and point out to the rental-company representative every tiny scratch, dent, tear, or any other damage.

Note: It’s sometimes cheaper to reserve a car in your home country than to book when you arrive in Belize. If you know you’ll be renting a car, it’s always wise to reserve it well in advance for the high season, as the rental fleet can’t match demand.

Maps There are so few roads in Belize that you will probably be fine using the maps in this book, or the free maps given out at the airport or by your car-rental agency. If you really want a more detailed map, the Belize map produced by the International Travel Maps and Books (www.itmb.com) is a good option. You can get this and other maps at many bookstores and gift shops in Belize if you are unable to buy it in advance either online or at a bookstore near you. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy of Emory King’s Driver’s Guide to Beautiful Belize (Tropical Books, 2003).

Gasoline Gas stations can be found in all the major towns and tourist destinations. Gasoline is sold as “unleaded” and “super.” Both are unleaded; super is just higher octane. Diesel is available at most gas stations as well. At press time, a gallon of super cost around BZ$10.

Driving Rules A current foreign driver’s license is valid for the time you are in Belize. Despite having been a British colony and current member of the Commonwealth, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road, just as in the United States. Seatbelt use is mandatory in Belize, and failure to comply carries a fine. One odd driving law in Belize is that drivers wishing to make a left-hand turn while traveling along any of the country’s “highways” must first pull over to the right-hand shoulder until all oncoming and following traffic has cleared.

Renter’s Insurance Even if you hold your own car-insurance policy at home, coverage doesn’t always extend abroad. Be sure to find out whether you’ll be covered in Belize, whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental car, how much liability is covered in case an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract.

Most major credit cards provide some degree of coverage as well—provided that they were used to pay for the rental. Again, terms vary widely, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent. Usually, if you are uninsured or are driving abroad, your credit card provides primary coverage as long as you decline the rental agency’s insurance. This means that the credit card will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. If you already have insurance, your credit card will provide secondary coverage, which basically covers your deductible. Credit cards will not cover liability or the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party’s vehicle.

Breakdowns Be warned that emergency services, both vehicular and medical, are extremely limited in Belize, and their availability is directly related to the remoteness of your location at the time of breakdown. You’ll find service stations spread over the entire length of the major highways, and a fair number of these have tow trucks and mechanics. The major towns of Belize City, Belmopan, Orange Walk, Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and San Ignacio all have hospitals, and most other moderately sized cities and tourist destinations have some sort of clinic or health-services provider.

Note: It should go without saying, but you cannot rent a car on or drive to any of the cayes or outer atolls.

Road Distances from Belize City

Belmopan 84km (52 miles)

Benque Viejo 130km (81 miles)

Corozal Town 138km (86 miles)

Dangriga 116km (72 miles)

Orange Walk Town 89km (55 miles)

Placencia 241km (150 miles)

Punta Gorda 330km (205 miles)

San Ignacio 116km (72 miles)

car-rental Tips

While it’s preferable to use the coverage provided by your home auto-insurance policy or credit card, check carefully to see if the coverage really holds in Belize. Many policies exclude four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road driving—but good portions of Belize can in fact be considered off-road. While it’s possible at some car-rental agencies to waive the insurance charges, you will have to pay all damages before leaving the country if you’re in an accident. If you do take the insurance, you can expect a deductible of between US$750 and US$1,500. At some agencies, you can buy additional insurance to lower the deductible.

By Bus

Belize has an extensive network of commuter buses serving all of the major villages and towns and tourist destinations in the country. However, this system is used primarily by Belizeans. The buses tend to be a bit antiquated, and buyouts and bankruptcies within the industry have left the status of the local bus network in a state of confusion and limbo. See the destination chapters for specific details on schedules and costs, and be sure to check in advance, or as soon as you arrive, as schedules (and costs) do change regularly.

By Boat

While it’s possible to fly to a few of the outer cayes, most travel between mainland Belize and the cayes and atolls is done by high-speed launch. There are regular water taxis between Belize City and Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and St. George’s Caye. Hotels and resorts on the other islands all either have their own boats or can arrange transport for you. See the destination chapters for specific details on how to get to the cayes and atolls by boat.

By Helicopter

Astrum Helicopters ★ ( 888/278-7864 in the U.S. and Canada, or 222-5100 in Belize; www.astrumhelicopters.com) has a small fleet of sleek and modern helicopters. They will take you to just about any destination in Belize, including remote lodges, islands, and atolls. They will also take you out on sightseeing tours. Rates run between BZ$2,400 and BZ$7,200, depending upon the distance and number of passengers.

Money & Costs

It’s always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, debit cards, and, occasionally, traveler’s checks.

Currency

The Belize dollar, abbreviated BZ$, is the official currency of Belize. It is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a ratio of 2 Belize dollars to 1 U.S. dollar. Both currencies are acceptable at almost any business or establishment around the country. As long as you have U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-based traveler’s checks, it is entirely unnecessary to change for Belize dollars in advance of your trip. However, travelers from Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will want to change a sufficient amount of their home currency to U.S. dollars before traveling. To check the very latest exchange rates before you leave home, point your browser to www.oanda.com/convert/classic.

Once you are in Belize, the change you receive will most likely be in Belize dollars, although it is not uncommon for it to be a mix of both currencies. However, do try to have some small-denomination bills for paying taxis, modest meal tabs, and tips.

The branch of the Belize Bank ( 225-2107) at the international airport is open only Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. If you are flying out on a weekend, or outside of these hours, be sure to spend or exchange any Belize dollars beforehand.

Tip: Be careful to note whether the price you are being quoted is in Belize or U.S. dollars. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators actually quote in U.S. dollars. If in doubt, ask. At a two-to-one ratio, the difference can be substantial.

ATMs

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). The Cirrus ( 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS ( 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you’re on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart.

Currently, in Belize, you will find internationally accessible ATMs only in major cities or towns and tourist destinations, including Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga, and Corozal Town. It’s wise to bring some spending cash and charge the rest of your bills. Try not to rely on your ATM card for an emergency cash bailout.

Note: It’s probably a good idea to change your PIN to a four-digit PIN. While many ATMs in Belize will accept five- and six-digit PINs, some will accept only four-digit PINs.

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards are accepted in Belize, although MasterCard and Visa are much more widely accepted than American Express, especially by smaller hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. While there are some exceptions, Diners Club and Discover are rarely accepted around Belize.

You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, but high fees make credit card cash advances a pricey way to get cash. Keep in mind that you’ll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time. Also, note that many banks now assess a 1% to 3% “foreign transaction fee” on all charges you incur abroad (whether you’re using the local currency or your native currency).

Beware of hidden credit-card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country—even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

Some credit card companies recommend that you notify them of any impending trip abroad so that they don’t become suspicious when the card is used numerous times in a foreign destination and block your charges. Even if you don’t call your credit card company in advance, you can always call the card’s toll-free emergency number if a charge is refused—a good reason to carry the phone number with you. But perhaps the most important lesson here is to carry more than one card with you on your trip; a card might not work for any number of reasons, so having a backup is the smart way to go.

If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

For tips and telephone numbers to call if your wallet is stolen or lost, go to “Lost & Found” in the “Fast Facts” of chapter 12.

Health

Staying Healthy

The only major modern hospitals in Belize are located in Belize City, although there are smaller hospitals or clinics in every major town or city. In general, you should bring any prescription drugs you will need with you, although there are reasonably well-stocked pharmacies in most major towns and tourist destinations.

General Availability of Healthcare

There are two major hospitals in Belize City: Belize Medical Associates, 5791 St. Thomas Kings Park ( 223-0303; www.belizemedical.com), a modern, 24-hour private hospital, with emergency care and numerous private-practice physicians; and the city’s main public hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Princess Margaret Drive ( 223-1548), which is also open 24 hours and has a wide range of facilities and services.

Most of the other towns and major tourist destinations have either a small hospital or a local health clinic, in addition to private-practice doctors. Any foreign consulate can provide a list of area doctors. If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge or front desk staff to recommend a local doctor—even his or her own. We list additional emergency numbers in the “Fast Facts” section of chapter 12, and I’ve listed hospitals and emergency numbers under “Fast Facts” in the regional destination chapters.

Before You Go

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a MedicAlert identification tag ( 888/633-4298; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert’s 24-hour hot line.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels—otherwise they won’t make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name. Don’t forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.

If you worry about getting sick away from home, consider purchasing medical travel insurance and carry your ID card in your purse or wallet. In most cases, your existing health plan will provide the coverage you need.

Common Ailments

Tropical Illnesses None of the major tropical illnesses is epidemic in Belize, and your chance of contracting any serious tropical disease in the country is slim. However, several mosquito-borne illnesses are present, particularly malaria and dengue.

Although malaria is found in Belize, it’s far from epidemic. It is most common along the coastal lowlands, as well as in some of the more remote southern inland communities. Malaria prophylaxes are available, but several have side effects, and others are of questionable effectiveness. Consult your doctor as to what is currently considered the best preventive treatment for malaria. Be sure to ask whether a recommended drug will cause you to be hypersensitive to the sun—it would be a shame to come down here for the beaches and then have to hide under an umbrella the whole time. Because malaria-carrying mosquitoes usually come out at night, you should do as much as possible to avoid being bitten after dark. If you are in a malarial area, wear long pants and long sleeves, use insect repellent, and either sleep under a mosquito net or burn mosquito coils (similar to incense but with a pesticide).

Of greater concern may be dengue fever, which has had periodic outbreaks in Latin America since the mid-1990s. Dengue fever is somewhat similar to malaria and is spread by an aggressive daytime mosquito. This mosquito seems to be most common in lowland urban areas, and Belize City and Dangriga have been the hardest-hit cities in Belize. Dengue is also known as “bone-break fever” because it is usually accompanied by severe body aches. The first infection with dengue fever will make you very sick but should cause no serious damage. However, a second infection with a different strain of the dengue virus can lead to internal hemorrhaging and may be life-threatening. As with malaria, your best protection is to not get bitten. Use plenty of repellent, and wear light long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially on bird-watching tours or nature hikes.

Many people are convinced that taking B-complex vitamins daily will help prevent mosquitoes from biting you. I don’t think the American Medical Association has endorsed this idea yet, but I’ve run across it in enough places to think there may be something to it.

Dietary Red Flags Even though the water around Belize is generally safe, particularly in most of the popular tourist destinations, and even if you’re careful to buy and drink only bottled water, you still may encounter some intestinal difficulties. Most of this is just due to tender northern stomachs coming into contact with slightly more aggressive Latin American intestinal flora. In extreme cases of diarrhea or intestinal discomfort, it’s worth taking a stool sample to a lab for analysis. The results will usually pinpoint the amoebic or parasitic culprit, which can then be readily treated with available over-the-counter medicines.

If you have any strict dietary restrictions, be it for health, religious, or ethical reasons, be sure to check with your hotel in advance to ensure that you don’t starve while on vacation.

Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns Although Belize has Africanized bees (the notorious “killer bees” of fact and fable) and several species of venomous snakes, your chances of being bitten are minimal, especially if you refrain from sticking your hands into hives or under rocks in the forest. If you know that you’re allergic to bee stings, consult your doctor before traveling.

Snake sightings, much less snakebites, are very rare. Moreover, the majority of snakes in Belize are nonpoisonous. If you do encounter a snake, stay calm, don’t make any sudden movements, and do not try to handle it. If you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately—don’t try to bleed the area of the wound or suck the poison out.

Scorpions, black widow spiders, tarantulas, bullet ants, and other biting insects can all be found in Belize. In general, they are not nearly the danger or nuisance most visitors fear. (If you’re a serious arachnophobe, stick to the beach resorts.) You should be fine if you watch where you stick your hands; in addition, you might want to shake out your clothes and shoes before putting them on to avoid any painful surprises.

The most prevalent and annoying biting insect you are likely to encounter, especially on the cayes and along the coast, are sand flies or “no-see-ums.” These tiny biting bugs leave a raised and itchy welt, but otherwise are of no significant danger. Sand flies and no-see-ums tend to be most active around sunrise and sunset, or on overcast days. Your best protection is to wear light long-sleeved shirts and long pants when these bugs are biting.

Tropical Sun Limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the first few days of your trip and, thereafter, from 11am to 2pm. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and apply it liberally. Remember that children need more protection than adults do.

Also, drink plenty of water and other fluids to avoid dehydration.

What to Do If You Get Sick away from Home

Your hotel will be your best resource if you fall ill while traveling in Belize. Most hotels will be able to refer you to a local doctor, clinic, or hospital.

For travel abroad, you may have to pay all medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage for medical costs outside the U.S. Before leaving home, find out what medical services your health insurance covers. To protect yourself, consider buying medical travel insurance (see “Insurance” in the “Fast Facts” section of chapter 12).

Very few health insurance plans pay for medical evacuation back to the U.S. (which can cost US$10,000 and up). A number of companies offer medical evacuation services anywhere in the world. If you’re ever hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist ( 800/527-7478; www.medjetassistance.com) will pick you up and fly you to the hospital of your choice virtually anywhere in the world in a medically equipped and staffed aircraft 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Annual memberships are US$225 individual, US$350 family; you can also purchase short-term memberships.

We list additional emergency numbers in the “Fast Facts” section of chapter 12 as well as in the “Fast Facts” sections of the chapters on major towns and tourist destinations.

Safety

Belize City itself has a somewhat deserved reputation for being a dangerous city for travelers, especially after dark, and especially in neighborhoods off the beaten path. See “Safety” in “Fast Facts: Belize City” in chapter 6 for more details. That said, if you use basic common sense and take standard precautions, you should have no problems staying safe in Belize.

Despite a seemingly relaxed and open drug culture at some of the popular beach and caye destinations, visitors should be very careful. Drugs, including marijuana, are strictly illegal, even in small quantities, and the laws are applied firmly to foreigners.

Specialized Travel Resources

In addition to the destination-specific resources listed below, please visit Frommers.com for specialized travel resources.

LGBT Travelers

Belize is a small, socially conservative, provincial country where public displays of same-sex affection are rare and considered somewhat shocking. In fact, homosexual sodomy is still illegal and even occasionally prosecuted here. There is virtually no open gay or lesbian bar or club scene in Belize City or any of the major tourist destinations. Gay and lesbian travelers should choose their hotels with care and be discreet in most public areas and situations.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org), the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators.

Travelers with Disabilities

Most disabilities shouldn’t stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before. However, in general, there are relatively few handicapped-accessible buildings or transport vehicles in Belize. A very few hotels offer wheelchair-accessible accommodations, and there are no public buses, commuter airlines, or water taxis thus equipped. In short, it’s relatively difficult for a person with disabilities to get around in Belize.

Family Travelers

To locate accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that are particularly kid-friendly, refer to the “Kids” icons throughout this guide.

Hotels in Belize often give discounts for children 11 and under, and children under 3 or 4 years old are usually allowed to stay for free. Discounts for children and the cutoff ages vary according to the hotel, but in general, don’t assume that your kids can stay in your room for free.

Many hotels, particularly on the cayes, offer rooms equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchen facilities. These can be a real money saver for those traveling with children, and I’ve listed many of these accommodations in the destination chapters that follow.

Hotels offering regular, dependable babysitting service are few and far between. If you will need babysitting, make sure your hotel offers it before you make your reservation.

Senior Travelers

Be sure to mention that you’re a senior when you make your travel reservations. Although it’s not common policy in Belize to offer senior discounts, don’t be shy about asking for one anyway. You never know. Always carry some kind of identification, such as a driver’s license, that shows your date of birth, especially if you’ve kept your youthful glow.

Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus market. Road Scholar ( 800/454-5768; www.roadscholar.org) arranges worldwide study programs for those ages 55 and older. ElderTreks ( 800/741-7956 or 416/558-5000 outside North America; www.eldertreks.com) offers small-group tours to off-the-beaten-path or adventure-travel locations, restricted to travelers 50 and older. Both of the above-mentioned companies have periodic trips Belize.

Due to its temperate climate, stable government, low cost of living, and friendly retiree incentive program, Belize is popular with retirees from North America. The country’s retirement and incentive program is run by the Belize Tourism Board ( 800/624-0286 in the U.S. and Canada, or 227-2430 in Belize). They have a website dedicated to the subject at www.belizeretirement.org.

Student Travel

Check out the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC; www.istc.org) website for comprehensive travel services information and details on how to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which qualifies students for substantial savings on rail passes, plane tickets, entrance fees, and more. It also provides students with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is valid for a maximum of 18 months. You can apply for the card online or in person at STA Travel ( 800/781-4040 in North America; 132-782 in Australia; 0871/230-0040 in the U.K.; www.statravel.com), the biggest student travel agency in the world; check out the website to locate STA Travel offices worldwide.

Although you won’t find any discounts at the national parks, most museums and other attractions around Belize do offer discounts for students. It always pays to ask.

Sustainable Tourism

Belize is a popular ecotourism destination. Some of the small hotels, isolated nature lodges, and tour operators around the country are pioneers and dedicated professionals in the sustainable tourism field. Other hotels, lodges, and tour operators are honestly and earnestly jumping on the bandwagon and improving their practices, while still others are simply “green-washing,” using the terms “eco,” “green,” and “sustainable” in their promo materials, but doing little real good in their daily operations.

In 2010, Belize was ranked near the top for countries in the Americas in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI; http://epi.yale.edu). Despite this, and the substantial amounts of good work being done, and ongoing advances being made in the field, Belize faces severe environmental threats. Given the fact that the cayes are virtually flat islands, at sea level, protected by a fragile barrier reef, the dangers of ocean pollution and rising sea levels due to climate change pose a real and present danger to Belize.

To date there is no overall organizational structure or classification system to rate, train, and assist local hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators in sustainable tourism practices. The nascent Sustainable Tourism Program ( 227-2687; www.sustainabletourismbz.org) is hoping to change all that. A National Sustainable Tourism Plan is expected to be adopted by early 2011.

Recycling is just beginning to gather momentum in Belize. You can now occasionally find separate bins for plastics, glass, and paper on town and city streets, at national parks, and at the country’s more sustainable hotels and restaurants. This is a nascent phenomenon, but I expect it to continue to grow and spread. Your hotel will be your best bet for finding a place to deposit recyclable waste, especially if you choose a hotel that has instituted sustainable practices.

While sustainable tourism options are expanding in Belize, organic and sustainably grown fruits and vegetables (as well as coffee) are just beginning to become available. Very few restaurants feature organic produce, although hopefully that will change in the near future.

Several of the tour operators listed in the “Organized Adventure Trips” in chapter 5 have trips specifically geared toward ecotourists. You might also focus on specific hotels and lodges that have an ecotourism bent or have implemented sustainable practices, such as those I recommend in the box below.

sustainable Properties in Belize

Following is a selection of hotels that I feel are making real efforts to implement sustainable practices. Throughout the book, I’ve tried to highlight hotels, as well as restaurants and other attractions, that pay more than mere lip service to sustainability.

Belize City:

Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina

The Great House

The Northern Cayes & Atolls:

Xanadu Island Resort

Caye Reef

Island Expeditions’s Half-Moon Caye adventure camp

South:

Manatee Lodge

Thatch Caye

Hamanasi

Machaca Hill Lodge

The Lodge at Big Falls

Coral House Inn

Hickatee Cottages

Nature’s Way Guest House

The Maya Village Homestay Network

Northern Belize:

Lamanai Outpost Lodge

La Milpa Field Station

Chan Chich Lodge

The Cayo District & Western Belize:

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch

Pook’s Hill

Ka’ana

Chaa Creek

Black Rock Jungle River Lodge

The Trek Stop

Blancaneaux Lodge

Hidden Valley Inn

Table Rock Camp & Cabañas

Crystal Paradise Resort

Tikal & Guatemala’s Petén:

La Lancha Resort

Hotel Gringo Perdido

La Casa de Don David

Finally, another great way to make your tourism experience more sustainable is to volunteer. For specific information on volunteer options in Belize, see “Ecologically Oriented Volunteer & Study Programs” in chapter 5.

See “The Lay of the Land” in chapter 2 for additional information on the various ecosystems and geographical highlights you’ll find around the country. For information on Belize’s national parks and info about what to expect and how to take care of yourself in the Belizean forests, caves, rivers, and seas, turn to chapter 5.

General Resources for green Travel

In addition to the recommendations and resources for Belize listed above, the following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel. For a list of even more sustainable resources, as well as tips and explanations on how to travel greener, visit www.frommers.com/planning.

• Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

• Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and Cool Climate (http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu) provide info on “carbon offsetting,” or offsetting the greenhouse gas emitted during flights.

• Greenhotels (www.greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company’s stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodation ratings.

• Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org.

Animal-Rights Issues

Although there are currently no swim-with-the-dolphin attractions or tours in Belize, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone opened one in the future. For information about the ethics of swimming with dolphins, visit the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs.org). For information on animal-friendly issues throughout the world, visit Tread Lightly (www.treadlightly.org).

Staying Connected

Telephones

Belize has a standardized seven-digit phone numbering system. There are no city or area codes to dial from within Belize.

To call Belize:

1. Dial the international access code: 011 from the U.S.; 00 from the U.K., Ireland, or New Zealand; or 0011 from Australia.

2. Dial the country code: 501.

3. Dial the seven-digit number.

To make international calls: To make international calls from Belize, first dial 00 and then the country code (U.S. or Canada 1, U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Next dial the area code and number. For example, if you wanted to call the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., you would dial 00-1-202-588-7800.

For directory assistance: Dial 113 if you’re looking for a number inside Belize, and for numbers to all other countries dial 115 and (for a charge) an operator will connect you to an international directory-assistance operator.

For operator assistance: If you need operator assistance in making a call, dial 115, whether you’re trying to make a local or an international call.

Toll-free numbers: Numbers beginning with 0800 and 800 within Belize country are toll-free, but calling a 1-800 number in the States from Belize is not toll-free. In fact, it costs the same as an overseas call.

Mobile Phones

Belize uses both GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. If your cellphone is on a GSM or CDMA system, and you have a world-capable multiband phone such as many Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola, or Samsung models, you can make and receive calls across civilized areas around much of the globe. Just call your wireless operator and ask for “international roaming” to be activated on your account. Per-minute charges can be high, though—up to $5 in Belize, depending on your plan.

Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) and their cellular division DigiCell ( 227-2017; www.digicell.bz) have a virtual monopoly on GSM cellular service in Belize. Luckily, DigiCell offers affordable packages for SIM card activation. If you have an unlocked 850/1900MHz GSM phone, they sell local prepaid phone cards in various denominations, although the initial SIM card and activation costs BZ$50, including BZ$10 of calls. You can buy subsequent minutes in the form of scratch-off cards in a variety of denominations. Calls anywhere within Belize are BZ60¢, and you are not charged for incoming calls. The SIM chips and calling cards are sold at their desk at the airport or at one of their many outlets around Belize. Their website also has information on setting up your home phone for roaming in Belize. But be careful, the rates are quite high.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Many travelers are accustomed to using a broadband-based telephone service (in technical terms, Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP) such as Skype (www.skype.com) or Vonage (www.vonage.com) to make free or inexpensive international calls from their laptop or a cybercafe. However, Belize’s monopoly Internet service provider has blocked these services. Some hotels and businesses get their Internet connection via satellite, which bypasses this problem, but don’t expect to have ready and easy access to VoIP connections while in Belize.

Internet & E-Mail

Without Your Own Computer

In Belize, you’ll readily find cybercafes in most major destinations. Many of the more upscale, isolated nature lodges also provide guest connectivity in one form or another.

With Your Own Computer

More and more hotels, resorts, cafes, and retailers around Belize are offering high-speed Wi-Fi access, either free or for a small fee. Throughout the book, I list which hotels provide free, or for a fee, Wi-Fi and high-speed Ethernet access.

Belize uses standard U.S.-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110-volt AC current, and standard U.S.-style phone jacks. Still, wherever you go, it’s a good idea to bring a connection kit with power and phone adapters, a spare phone cord, and a spare Ethernet network cable—or find out whether your hotel supplies them to guests.

Planning a Belize wedding

Getting married in Belize is simple and straightforward. In most cases, all you need are current passports and a copy of the bride and groom’s birth certificate. You’ll also need a Belizean marriage license, which can be acquired with as little as 24-hour notice for BZ$510, although, if you do so in advance, and spend at least 3 days in the country, the cost is just BZ$200. For marriage license info, contact the Registrar General’s Office 501/227-7377; copies of the marriage license form can be downloaded from www.belizelaw.org. The marriage license must be signed by both participants in the presence of a justice of the peace and two witnesses. The justice of the peace also must notarize the license.

Things are only slightly more complicated if one or more of the partners was previously married or widowed. In such a case, the previously married partner must provide an official copy of the divorce decree. In the case of widows and widowers, an official copy of the deceased’s death certificate is also required. Presently, Belize performs and recognizes same-sex marriages or civil unions.

Most travelers who get married in Belize do so in a civil ceremony officiated by the aforementioned local justice of the peace, although priests and ministers from most major Christian religious denominations can be found to perform the ceremony. If you’re Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or a follower of some other religion, bringing your own officiant is a good idea.

For something different, you might try an extreme or adventurous wedding in Belize. Options include tying the knot at a Mayan ceremonial site or surrounded by coral reefs and sea creatures, while the bride, groom, witnesses, and officiate breathe through scuba gear. There are many beautiful natural wedding sites around the country, and your choices range from pristine beaches to lush tropical forests to candle-lit caves.

Most of the higher-end and romantic hotels in Belize have ample experience in hosting weddings. Many have an in-house wedding planner. Top choices include Victoria House, Mata Chica, Cayo Espanto, Turtle Inn, and The Inn at Robert’s Grove. If you want a remote, yet plush, rainforest lodge to serve as host and backdrop, try Chaa Creek, Blancaneaux Lodge, Machaca Hill Lodge, or Maruba Resort Jungle Spa.

If you’re looking for service beyond what your hotel can offer, or if you want to do it yourself, check out www.belizeweddings.com, www.belizeweddingplanners.com, or www.idobelizeweddings.com.

Tips on Accommodations

Belize has no truly large-scale resorts or hotels. While the Radisson and Best Western chains have one property each in Belize City, there are no other chain hotels in Belize. Upscale travelers looking for over-the-top luxury have very few options here. True budget hounds will also find slim pickings, especially in the beach and caye destinations. What the country does have is a host of intimate and interesting small to midsize hotels and small resorts. Most of these are quite comfortable and reasonably priced by most international standards, although nowhere near as inexpensive as neighboring Mexico.

Belize is a noted ecotourism and bird-watching destination, and there are small nature-oriented ecolodges across the inland portion of the country. These lodges offer opportunities to see wildlife (including sloths, monkeys, and hundreds of species of birds) and learn about tropical forests. They range from Spartan facilities catering primarily to scientific researchers to luxury accommodations that are among the finest in the country.

At the more popular beach and resort destinations, specifically Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, you might want to look into renting a condo or efficiency unit, especially for longer stays.

Throughout this book, I’ve separated hotel listings into several broad categories: Very Expensive, BZ$400 and up; Expensive, BZ$252 to BZ$398; Moderate, BZ$122 to BZ$250; and Inexpensive, under BZ$120 for a double. Rates given in this book do not include the 9% hotel tax. This tax will add to the cost of your room, so do factor it in.

One item you’re likely to want to bring with you is a beach towel. Your hotel might not provide one at all, and even if it does, it might be awfully thin.

For tips on surfing for hotel deals online, visit Frommers.com.

Speak Up

If you are booking directly with your hotel (by phone, fax, or e-mail), remember that most hotels are accustomed to paying as much as 20% in commission to agents and wholesalers. It never hurts to ask if they will pass some of that on to you. Don’t be afraid to bargain.