Know before you go
First-time visitors will want to enjoy discovering Belize’s array of natural land and sea wonders. However, it’s best to be prepared for inconveniences or surprises. Expect the unexpected and pack accordingly. Savvy travelers will enjoy their stay more. Below are some travel tips that will help you to get fully prepared for your trip. Don’t forget to check if there are any Covid restrictions.
Clothing
Belize climate is subtropical with annual average temperature of 80 degrees F. Dress accordingly. You’ll mostly wear casual, lightweight clothing, jeans, shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Take a sun hat to protect your skin. Include a sweater, light- weight waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. They may be needed on boat trips as well as at night and early morning in higher, cooler elevations, or unexpected cool days during winter. Roads are often bumpy and supportive feminine undergarments are recommended underneath outer clothing. Be sure to take a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case it is temporarily lost or misplaced in transit.
Eye Wear & Care
Bright, sunny days necessitate sunglasses. Dusty road conditions on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and off the main highways are very testy for con- tact lens wearers. Lens lubricant may not be readily available. Take plenty of eye lubricant and wetting, soaking and cleaning solution. Lens wearers who also use eyeglasses should plan on wearing glasses rather than lenses more often to give eyes a break. For those with sensitive eyes, you may want to pack goggles to wear while riding golf carts on the outer cayes.
Sunsreens, Lotions
& Repellants
It’s necessary to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Temperatures are generally balmy but you’re also exposed to strong rays. Pack plenty of sunscreen. Yours may not be readily available and an unfamiliar brand may cause a bad reaction. By now, you probably know that Belize is subtropical and includes jungles. And bugs live in jungles, so take along insect repel- lent. Use toothpaste to temporarily soothe bug bites. Rubbing alcohol is also good.
Footwear
In Belize you will mostly wear rubber-soled shoes, tennis shoes and hiking boots for inland trips. Also take wet shoes for caves, pools and river tours. For the offshore cayes all you need is tennis shoes, sandals, boat shoes or no shoes at all. It’s a good idea to also take a pair of hard-soled shoes for upscale dining in Belize City or a night out.
Bird Watching
A good pair of binoculars and guide book is invaluable to increase your birding enjoyment. Some locations, like Programme For Belize’s Rio Bravo Research Station and Lamanai Outpost Lodge in Orange Walk and Hidden Valley Inn in Mountain Pine Ridge have stationary high-powered birding scopes to see rare birds.
Diving, Snorkeling
& Fishing Equipment
Bring your own or leave it at home. It’s your preference. Many divers will want to bring their own BC, regulator, wet suit, fins and mask. Leave your weights at home. They can be rented. Do not bring spear guns. They will be confiscated at the airport. Although most fishing trips include bait and tackle, serious fly rod and spin casting anglers will probably want to bring their own gear and equipment.
Cameras & Film
A good waterproof camera is always a great take along if you have one. Bring extra batteries and plenty of film. It’s less of an expense and more convenient to bring your own.
On The Road Again
Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone. Whether you plan to rent a vehicle and discover Belize at your own pace, or have an all inclusive package, a mobile phone will come in handy. You can purchase a SIM card for Belize either before your trip or upon arrival. Also, some rent-a-car companies now offer cellular phones. If you use a beaded back brace while driving at home, pack it for your trip if you plan on renting a car. It will mean less strain on your back and less perspiration on your clothing.
Just In Case
Bring a package of baby wipes to clean off the day’s accumulation of dust and grit from your face and hands. Take a small flashlight with extra batteries and water canteen for caving, hiking and adventuring. Photocopy and take pictures with your phone of important documents such as passport, driver’s license, credit cards, prescription medication forms, airline ticket and other important information. Always carry essential medications on board. Bring an extra supply of prescription medications to carry along with you daily, especially when traveling to remote areas. Bubble wrap is an excellent way to protect fragile gift items you want to take home, such as zericote woodcarvings and other items.