5 Tips for your first Belize trip

Traveling to somewhere new and mostly unheard of, it’s hard to know what to expect. You’ve creeped on Instagram location tags, and maybe hounded friends and coworkers who have been, but what do you really need to know before your Belize vacation? For your very first trip to the tropical jewel, we have curated some essential tips to make the most of your stay.

1. Keep the USD. Almost every place of business in Belize accepts USD, so you don’t have to worry about converting your currency to Belize dollars. One USD = 2 BZD, so it even works in your favor.
2. Plan best time to visit. There’s really no ‘bad’ time to visit in Belize as it all depends on what you want to do for your Belize vacation. Though the wet season is considered to be from June to November, summers in Belize are alive with many festivals and events. Think about what you want out of your stay: escape the winter blues? December and January are when you get to experience the holiday spirit in Belize, except it’s in the tropics! Want to experience Belize’s festivals? Come in the summer when the famous Lobster Fests are in full swing. The month of September is also known for its patriotic festivities, since Belize’s Independence Day is on September 21. There are many times in the year to choose from, and any one is bound to give you a unique experience.
3. Pack Smart. Many times, we think we have thought of absolutely everything we might need only to arrive at our hotel and realize you forgot the sunscreen, or the mosquito repellent. Belize requires both, but there are other things that might slip your mind if you haven’t visited the Jewel before. For a complete guide on what to pack for your Belize trip, check out this neat list.  
4. Itinerary should match budget.  It is easy to get caught up in the beauty of Belize, extending your stay for a few extra days or adding an activity or two outside of your itinerary. We don’t blame you for wanting to see more of the country, but a tip is to make sure your budget also agrees with your new plans. You may want to experience that Blue Hole Aerial tour really badly, but might find yourself not having enough money for food for the last two days of your trip! A good rule of thumb is to always over-budget so you have that extra cushion of security should you want to add that new zip-line tour or shark tour. And if you don’t then hey, you end up having some money left over for your next trip!
5. Know how you’re going to get around. Whether that’s hitchhiking to see where the wind takes you, having a transfer ready for your arrival, or renting a car to get around Belize, it’s good to know beforehand what the plan is. Perhaps for your second or third visit you can mostly wing it, but it’s best to have something ready for your first time. It’s quite easy to drive through Belize on your own, as there’s no highly-trafficked highways like in the US. Plus, you have the guidance of GPS and friendly locals should you have any doubts. We also have many tour operators that conduct transfers, if that’s more convenient for you.

These are just some tips for your first time visiting, and if you’d like to know more about planning your first trip to Belize, feel free to contact us at info@travelbelize.org or call us toll-free at 1-800-624-0686.