10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Belize
Move over Costa Rica, Belize is 2015’s hottest new destination. There are hundreds of reasons why you should come to this beautiful Central American country this year, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 reasons why you should visit Belize…
1. Getting There Has Never Been Easier
With non-stop flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Newark and Atlanta on American Airlines, United and Delta, getting to Belize has never been easier. Southwest Airlines has announced that it will also fly the Houston (Hobby) to Belize City route starting in October, 2015. This means that wherever you live in the US, you’re probably only a one-stop flight from Belize. Time to use those frequent flier miles!
2. Getting Around Is Just As Easy
With two domestic airlines covering the country, getting around couldn’t be easier. All towns have an airstrip and are connected to Belize City via frequent flights. If flying on a small plane isn’t for you, the road system is in good condition and due to the small size of the country (about 200 miles long and 60 miles wide), you’re never more than a few hours drive from the international airport.
3. Exchanging Money Is Easy Too!
The currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar. This has a fixed exchange rate with the US$ of BZ$2 = US$1, so converting Belizean to US Dollars couldn’t be easier. US Dollars are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, although for street food and markets, it’s better to carry Belizean currency.
4. Friendly People
Belizeans are very welcoming and friendly to foreign tourists. Not only do they have an infectious happiness and charm, but they realize the importance of tourism to their country’s economy and genuinely want you to have a great time while you’re there. Expect smiling faces, and genuine curiosity from locals about where you’re from and what your opinions are of their country.
5.History
Belize’s history goes back around 7,000 years, however from around 250AD to 900AD, the Classic Period of the Maya saw great progress in the development of artistic, architectural and astronomical skills. Huge pyramids and cities of tens of thousands of people were constructed in what is now the Belize jungle. Many of these ruined Mayan sites are easily visited and make a fascinating complement to a jungle or beach vacation.
6. Jungle Adventure
Belize is one of the best places in the world for active jungle adventure. With such easily accessible jungle, there are a plethora of exciting activities, from zip-lining to jungle canopy towers, to caving adventures, jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, or simply floating down a lazy river on an inflatable tube surrounded by dense jungle. Read our blog post for information on the unique and spectacular Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.
7. Amazing Hotels
With a great selection of hotels, there’s something for everybody in Belize. Are you looking for a unique, luxury jungle lodge with your own private plunge pool? How about one of the best beach hotels in Central America? Something rustic? A delightful locally owned guesthouse? Or perhaps a special place to get married with your tows in the warm sands of the Caribbean? Belize has it all…
8. The Barrier Reef
At 165 miles long, Belize’s Mesoamerican Reef is the second longest barrier reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Just a short boat ride from anywhere on the coast, the reef opens up a whole new world of discovery. Prepare to be amazed at the sheer numbers and variety of marine life here. In many places you can get very close to the marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling or SCUBA diving, expect to have an incredible experience here.
9. Beautiful Beaches
With literally thousands of islands and cayes that make up the Barrier Reef, you can find your own piece of paradise. The beaches in the Barrier Reef are some of the most spectacular anywhere in the world, with fine white sand and turquoise water…
10. Everybody Speaks English
As Belize is a former British colony, when you come to Belize from the US, there’s no language barrier. As the only Central American country that uses English as its official language, you’ll be able to easily communicate with everyone you meet. Not only does this make things more practical and easier for English speaking tourists, it makes for a much better in-depth experience as you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the people of Belize that wouldn’t be possible with a language barrier.
Belize is a great destination to visit at any time of the year. Visit our website for how we can help you plan an unforgettable journey of a lifetime to this beautiful and exciting country. We have ideas for Family Vacations, Honeymoons, Beach Vacations, Jungle Adventures and Cultural Tours combined with a visit to neighboring Guatemala.