How to have a low-impact vacation when traveling to Belize

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to tread with more care when it comes to traveling to other countries. With most of our time spent last year indoors, it’s no surprise many of us are ready to board a plane again. Belize has been open to travelers since October 2020, with only three major entry requirements, and our various safety protocols make sure travelers’ health is of top priority. While many of us are eager to take to the skies again, here’s how you can enjoy your Belize vacation while making sure to be eco-conscious.

1. Eco-friendly accommodations. Book with Gold Standard Hotels that are known to be sustainable. Belize boasts many eco-lodges where the resorts grow their own produce, its staff are local, and the facilities themselves are sustainably sourced.

2. Mindful snorkeling/diving. It’s always a good idea to opt for some reef-safe sunscreen instead of the normal one so as to not hurt the corals. Also don’t forget to admire with your eyes only; touching corals or wildlife is strongly discouraged. Trust us, it’s still just as fun to swim alongside them!

3. Voluntourism. There are many programs where you can volunteer in small communities to help bring about change. You can also volunteer with organizations focused on conservation, such as Fragments of Hope (coral restoration), or Wildtracks (Manatee Rehabilitation), among others.

4. Take the road less travelled. While Belize is small enough that any domestic flight takes no more than half hour, it’s nice to get to explore the country via driving. Conserve the aircraft fuel and opt to drive the Hummingbird Highway instead. The Maya Mountains and colorful villages will definitely make it worth it.

5. Support local. We often boast about the lack of large restaurant chains or franchises here in Belize, but that makes it easier for everyone to shop local. When shopping in country, don’t forget to pick up some hand-made art from the talented folks stationed at town markets or on the shores of Ambergris Caye. Explore the small, family-owned restaurants and cafes, or the colorful fruit stands that can be found almost everywhere in Belize.

For more information on travel to Belize, call us toll-free at 1-800-624-0686 or email us at info@travelbelize.org. To plan your Belize vacation or to book your stay, visit our stay page.