With less language barrier to overcome than anywhere else in Central America, Belize is a great vacation destination. It might be the most expensive country in the region, but its reliable public transport and many restaurants and hotels make it a great place for independent travel. Belize is home to some of the most breath-taking sceneries in their part of the world. It has thick forests enveloping the southern and western regions with tall and sparsely populated Maya Mountains, as well as clear blue waters surrounding the Belize Barrier Reef with three of the four coral atolls in the Caribbean.
Planning Your Belize Vacations
Most visitors from Belize fly to Belize, arriving in Belize City. All flights originate in the United States. However, it is mostly cheaper to fly to southern Mexico and ride a bus to Belize. You can also go to Belize via Guatemala by land or by boat from Honduras. Local airlines operate daily from Flores in Guatemala to Belize City. The country has three major highways, but majority of the country is well served by public transport. There are several ways to go around Belize.
• By bus – This is the cheapest and most efficient way to travel; almost all towns are connected. Main towns are served by comfortable and fast express buses, while those off the main highways will have to rely on slower local services.
• By car – In remote parts of the country, bus services only operate once daily. So unless you have your own transport, hitching is the only option. These are common among locals, but remember that this is not a safe practice. You can also take taxis.
• By bike – Cycling is a great way to go to the country’s isolated towns and ruins. Bikes are widely available for rest. Biking along the major highways is possible, but know that drivers will not watch out for cyclists.
• By boat – If you want to visit the cayes, you will need to ride boats, which mostly likely will be a fast skiff. Tickets cannot be bought in advance, so it is best that you show up earlier before your departure time, but there’s still usually plenty of room.
• By air – It might be expensive, but some budget travelers opt to travel by air. Aside from being faster than buses, flights also connect destinations that are not reachable by road travel. You can ride via Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
Now that you know how to go and around Belize, it should help to know more about the country where you will stay in for a while, aside from the tourist attractions that you need to see do. By knowing the nitty-gritty, you can further enjoy your stay and make the most out of it. Read on and know some helpful facts essential for Belize vacations.
Belize Currency
Belize currency exchange should be very easy for American visitors; it is locked at USD1 to BZD2. Most accommodations for Belize hotels are listed in US dollar prices, while most restaurants and shops are listed in BZ dollars. Almost everyplace accents USD currency and even traveler’s checks for as long as you write your passport and driver’s license numbers on the back.
Large bills are a little harder to cash. Shopkeepers usually ask you to spend a minimum amount. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations like Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Placencia, Belize City, Ambergris Caye, Orange Walk, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, San Ignacio and Corozal.
Belize Geography
Located in Central America, Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is a diverse country with different languages and cultures. The country has the lowest population density in the region, with only 14 people per square kilometer or 35 people per square mile. Most of the areas in the country are laden with forests and reserves.
Belize is also popular for its biodiversity and ecosystems. On the coast are coastal plains with mangrove swamps, while in the south and interior are low mountains and hills. Most of the land is undeveloped, forested with hardwoods, and is home to many wildlife reserves, jungles, a big cave systems (the largest one in Central America) and various species of flora and fauna, including some very rare species.
Belize History
The first people who developed Belize were the Mayas during 1500 BCE, establishing a number of settlements, including Lubaantun, Lamanai and Caracol. The first European contact with the country happened in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the Belize coast. The first European settlement was established by the English in 1638, and more were set up in the next 150 years.
Belize become a colony of British Honduras in 1840, and became a crown colony in 1862. One hundred tears after this, the country served as a representative of England until it became a full self-government with a granted ministerial system. In 1973, the country’s name was changed from British Honduras to what it is known now: Belize. It gained full independence on 21 September 1981.
Belize Weather
One of the best things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average temperature of 29 degrees C, it is always warm but comfortable. Coastal sea breezes, rainforest and jungles keep you cool even in the hottest summers, while winters are cool but not too cold. Dry season in Belize is between February and May with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. Rains are usually in mild, short bursts.
Belize’s wet season is from June to December when parts of the country get up to 150 inches of rain. The most frequent rainfall mostly happens during June or early July and is ended with a break in Late July or August. There is also a hurricane season, although it rate gets its share of severe tropical weather with rain and high winds. But not matter what the season, there should be plenty to do and see.
Belize Language
In Belize, you will hear familiar words of the English language. After all, the country is the only English speaking country in Central America. But while English is Belize’s official language, Kriol is the language that all Belizeans speak. Their language is a diverse adventure all on its own; Spanish, Mandarin, German, Garifuna and Maya-Kekchi are just some of the languages that form their unique dialect.
When you hear them, you will find yourself in a country unlike any other. Even their most uptight citizens’ sound relaxed. After all, this is a country known for being calm and laidback. They have a Caribbean lilt and their words seem a bit shorter, but you should understand everything that they say. You might even be taught a few phrases by the locals that you can use to converse with others.
Belize People
From the time that you arrive in the country, Belize people and culture will make you feel as comfortable and welcome. Their customs and traditions are varied, and represent over 8 diverse cultures. For decades, these people have shown a commitment to culture to preserve the unique charms of the country, making it all the most appealing to visitors.
Belize is a melting pot of personalities, making the residents the country’s greatest tourism resource. The people of Belize are made up of Maya, Kriol, Mestizo, Mennonite, Garifuna, Chinese, Arab and Easy Indian. There are also some expatriates in Belize form Europe, Canada and the United States, and most of them retire there. Such blending of cultures makes Belize one of the happiest and peaceful countries.
Book Your Next Vacation At Belize Resorts
You can hire the services of tour guides and companies. These business offer unique experiences to travelers who want to see and experience Belize as much as possible during their stay. Whether you are looking to hop between towns and cayes or stay in one location, tour guides and companies can help you out.