Yes! Belize was fantastic. I went last summer with my teenage son. We went on a budget, stayed 2 weeks and had a great time. Our favorite place was staying in a little inland town near the Guatemalan border called San Ignacio. We stayed at a fantastic place called Martha's Guest House which was was spacious, very affordable ($65 US night) and very nice. Martha's had a nice vibe and a total Belizian feel and located in town so close to nightlife, bars restaurants ect. Also a good location to check out some local attractions and Mayan sites. A day trip to Barton's Creek Cave would be strongly advised. Ask David to take you. He is located across from the fruit and vegetable market and is a cool rasta who will show your family a great time and not rush you a bit. Check out the website for Martha's Guesthouse and make reservations in advance. We went to Guatemala from San Ignacio which is a must if your interested in ancient Maya culture. Inland is much cheaper than the coast, but we stayed in a few different places, all traveled to by public bus which is very,very cheap and a lot of fun! We also stayed on one of the quieter, more economical caye islands called Caye Cualker. Again about $60-70 a night but I can't remember the name. Caye Caulker was a pretty little island but too quiet for us. We went out with some local fisherman who took us snorkeling to the reef. All they wanted was for us to bring a few beers, a few dollars for gas and a spliff. Great Deal! Next time we will stay on Ambergris Caye which is more expensive but has more going on. We spent the last 2 nights in Belize City at the Princess Hotel and Casino ($100 a night) because we wanted to be closer to the airport and see the city before we left. No problems in Belize City, but when compared to Kingston, Jamaica, I felt Belize City was a bit more rough. Security guards in front of the hotel carried machine guns which gave me mixed feelings. Anyway, we had a great time and will definitely go back when we find a good airfare deal. Please go, you will not regret it and it can be very affordable if you do not need luxurious accommodations and don't mind traveling around by bus. Also, take the water taxi to the caye islands. Much cheaper than flying and also fun. Don't do a packaged deal because then you are locked in and you may want to stay a day longer in one place or visit another place you hadn't even planned on. Have a great time!Has anyone vacationed in Belize? Any websites, vacation packages and advice you can give?
Can't give you any info on vacation packages since I visited a Belizean national down there who was my own personal tour guide, but I can relay some lessons. I hope they prove useful.
To visit Tikal in Guatamala, be prepared for an extremely bumpy ride in a microbus. You'll be approached by locals that will give you a guided tour. It's worth it, although I did get a little nervous when he led me back to the parking lot off the beaten path with not a soul in sight, but all's well that ends well.
Make sure you have something to carry all your Belizean dollar coins. You'll end up with a lot of them. If you decide to donate to a beggar in Belize City, be discreet when dropping those loud dollars into his can. It can be rather unnerving to see dozens of others step out of the shadows and stride briskly toward you to share in your generosity. Probably harmless, but unnerving nonetheless.
Stay on the coast and visit the interior, not the other way around and take a bus, what with the chickens and other assorted animals, it's a rather unforgetable experience.
Rio Frio cave is interesting as is Hidden Valley Falls. Don't miss either. If you can afford it, FLY to Ambergris Caye instead of taking the speedboat. It's a long and bumpy ride otherwise.
Belizeans are a kind and gracious people and appreciate it in return. Doing so will assure a safe and enjoyable vacation.
Yes. Very nice. Hotel wise, I don't know as I cruised there but loved it. Look for private tours and do your research for private tours of cave tubing for example (very fun). Good luck and Have Fun!
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