Travel To Belize: Costco's Vacation Packages And Deals

Costco Travel offers a range of vacation packages to various destinations, including Belize. While Costco does not currently deliver to Belize, residents can access Costco products through package forwarding services or by shopping at local retailers that carry Costco items. Additionally, expats or visitors to Belize can visit a nearby Costco location in Mexico or other Central American countries.

Costco Travel provides all-inclusive packages, cruise bookings, and vacation deals to popular destinations like Hawaii, Cancun, London, Paris, Rome, and more. Their partnership with Lion World Travel offers a seven-night South African tour that includes Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and Table Mountain. Costco Travel's customer service agents do not work on commission, providing honest advice on cruise bookings. They also offer exclusive deals and discounts to Costco members.

For those seeking nature tourism and all-inclusive luxury, Belize is an ideal destination. It boasts ancient ruins, pristine rainforests, and the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef. The Belize Barrier Reef, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, is a scuba diving haven. Belize also offers a vibrant blend of cultures and natural wonders, making it a unique and captivating Caribbean gem.

Costco travel packages to Belize

Although Costco does not deliver to Belize, there are still ways for Belize residents to access Costco products and services. One way is to use a package forwarding service, which provides customers with a U.S. shipping address, allowing them to order items from retailers that do not typically ship to their country. Another option is to shop at local stores in Belize that carry Costco products, as some retailers may import and sell Costco items. Additionally, for expats or visitors to Belize, visiting a nearby Costco location in Mexico or other Central American countries may be an option.

While Costco does not currently offer travel packages to Belize, they do offer travel packages to various other destinations, including:

• South Africa: A seven-night tour including Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and Table Mountain. Rates start at under $4,000 per person, including airfare.
• Costa Rica: All-inclusive packages in Guanacaste, including oceanfront accommodations, nature tours, sightseeing, daily buffet breakfasts, and a kids-stay-free policy. Booking through Costco also includes a $100 resort credit.
• London: The Milestone Romance Package includes a visit to Kensington Palace, daily breakfast, a $400 London tour credit, a champagne afternoon tea service, romantic turn-down service, a three-course dinner, and a private appointment with the hotel concierge.
• Paris and Rome: This package includes four nights in each city, with various extras such as welcome drinks, wine, and fruit platters.
• Hawaii: A Hilton Waikoloa Village Kona Brewing Co. package on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast, including daily buffet breakfast, resort charges, Kona Brewing Co. beer flights, brewery tours, and souvenirs.
• Cancun: A Palace Resorts Moon Palace package with beach access, eight pools, 13 restaurants, bars and lounges, a kids' club, spa, and various on-site activities. The package includes unlimited meals, drinks, access to the FlowRider wave simulator, kids' club, teen lounge, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, and resort credits.
• Cook Islands: The Sea Change Villas package includes round-trip airfare from New Zealand, free late checkout, a free night, a breakfast starter pack, a bottle of wine, water sports, and a voucher for Wi-Fi. Accommodations are in a private waterfront villa.
• Disney: The BoardWalk package includes accommodations at the turn-of-the-century-themed waterfront hotel, access to Disney's Magical Express Airport Service, extra hours in the park, a Disney FastPass+, MagicBands, and more.
• The Bahamas: The Atlantis Coral at Atlantis package includes resort credits, Aquaventure, a complimentary marine-life viewing experience, children ages 11 and younger stay and play free, Wi-Fi, a Costco Cash Car, ground transportation, and resort fees and taxes.
• Las Vegas: The Cosmopolitan Package includes world-class dining, shopping, and three distinct pool experiences. The package offers free buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner for two, invited guest check-in, accommodations in a terrace studio, and hotel taxes.
• Spain: The Barcelona and Madrid: Your Way package includes daily breakfast in both cities, complimentary admission to the Palau Guell, welcome cocktails, culinary treats, access to the Metropolitan Abascal fitness center and spa in Madrid, and all hotel taxes and fees.

Belize's ancient ruins and beaches

Belize is home to the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America. Here are some of the must-see ruins in Belize:

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, which means "stone woman" in Maya, is located in the Cayo District. To get there, you'll need to take a free ferry from San Jose Succotz village across the Mopan River. At the site, you can explore El Castillo, the largest temple, and admire the beautiful views from the top. Archaeologists are still working at the site, so you may even see them in action.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located in northern Belize, is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in the country. It is situated 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town and is known for its spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon. The name "Lamanai" translates to "submerged crocodile" in Maya.

Caracol

Caracol, tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest, is the largest ruin in Belize. This ancient city was once one of the most powerful in the Maya world, with a population of about 140,000 people. Today, it boasts the tallest man-made building in Belize, the Caana pyramid. Visitors can explore the 30 square miles of thick jungle, five plazas, and the astronomical observatory.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the easiest Maya ruin sites to visit, as it is the closest to Belize City and has flat terrain. The site features two large central plazas and pyramids, and it is featured on the country's currency and leading beer, Belikin.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located just outside of San Ignacio in the Belize River Valley, is a smaller Maya site that was originally built for the wealthy. It consists of several pyramids, residence buildings, and seven courtyards.

Lubaantun

Lubaantun, the largest Mayan site in southern Belize, is unique in that it was built entirely without mortar. The site features 11 limestone pyramids, 5 plazas, and 3 ball courts.

Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit, located in the Toledo District, is known for its large stone columns (stelae) intricately carved with Maya hieroglyphs and pictures. The name "Nim Li Punit" means "the big hat" in Maya.

Belize also offers a variety of beaches, ranging from quiet stretches of sand to lively tourist spots. Here are some of the best beaches in Belize:

Placencia Beach

Placencia Beach, located on the Placencia Peninsula, offers the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize. It spans three villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia Village. Placencia Village has a tourist strip with bars and restaurants along the golden sandy coastline, while Maya Beach and Seine Bight offer quieter, finer white sand beaches.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach, located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, is a quiet, uninterrupted 5-mile beach lined with coconut trees and colorful guesthouses. The waters are clear and refreshing, although not as turquoise as some Caribbean beaches. Visitors can also experience Garífuna culture, try local cuisine, and take part in activities such as drumming lessons.

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is a top tourist destination, and Secret Beach has become a popular spot. This formerly local beach is now easily accessible and offers a fun, lively atmosphere with bars and music. The water is calm, clear, and shallow, making it great for snorkelling and other water activities.

Turneffe Atoll Resort

Turneffe Atoll Resort is located on one of the three atolls in Belize and offers a beautiful stretch of beach on the east side of the island. The beach is great for swimming, and the resort provides lounge chairs and hammocks for guests to relax.

The Split, Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a backpacker's favourite, known for its laid-back motto, "go slow." The Split is a channel that divides the island and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and lounging. It's also a great place to grab drinks and enjoy the reggae music and local atmosphere.

Big Rock Falls, Cayo

Big Rock Falls, located in the Cayo District, is a unique swimming destination that is not on the coast. It features a huge waterfall surrounded by boulders, creating a picturesque setting for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the cool waters.

Getting to Belize

Belize is located in Central America, just south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. The country caters to a primary market of travellers from the United States (70%), and is also a popular destination for Canadians and Europeans.

By Air

The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, Belize City. This is the only international airport in Belize.

From the US

Flights to Belize from the US are served by major carriers such as United, Delta, and American Airlines, departing from cities like New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, with some flights also operating from Los Angeles and Chicago.

From Canada

For travellers from Canada, West Jet and Air Canada offer direct flights to Belize on a weekly basis during the high season, which is from November to April. Outside of this period, travellers will need to fly to Belize with a connection in the US.

From Europe

American Airlines offers a flight from London Heathrow with a short connection in Miami before landing in Belize City. This eliminates the need for an overnight connection in the US.

From Central and South America

Passengers from Central and South America can fly to Belize using Avianca, usually with a stop in El Salvador. Flights are also available from El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama.

By Land

Belize can also be accessed by land through its borders with Mexico and Guatemala. This is a popular and inexpensive way to enter the country.

From Mexico

Bus travel from Mexico to Belize is a common option. The ADO company offers overnight buses from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Belize City.

From Guatemala

To get to Belize from Guatemala by bus, travellers can take the Maya De Oro bus line, which departs from Guatemala City to Melchor de Menchos, a town on the Belizean border. From Flores, Peten, travellers can also catch collectivos, which are small private vans.

By Sea

Belize is a popular stop for cruise ships, with over a million cruise visitors per year. Major cruise lines that stop in Belize include Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

It is also possible to enter Belize by boat from Guatemala or Honduras. There are daily boats to Punta Gorda from Puerto Barrios in Guatemala and Puerto Cortés in Honduras.

Attractions in Belize

Belize is a small slice of tropical heaven, with a captivating blend of cultures, natural wonders, and rich biodiversity. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Belize:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve is in an area world-famous for its excellent diving. It offers one of the best snorkelling experiences in Belize, where you can see pristine coral gardens and swim with marine wildlife such as sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM Cave, is an impressive Maya ceremonial cave filled with relics left over from the Mayans. It contains rare bloodletting altars, sacrificial human remains, and over 1400 catalogued artefacts. It is Belize's top cave tour and one of the most popular adventure excursions in the country.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is Belize's most famous monument and one of its top tourist sites. It is a giant marine sinkhole near Lighthouse Reef Atoll that draws divers from around the world. A scenic flyover tour is a popular way to experience this natural wonder.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island known for its relaxed and authentic island experience. The primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart. It offers great snorkelling opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. The island also has street grills cooking up delicious seafood until late afternoon.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the Cayo District. It features the impressive "El Castillo" pyramid, which offers spectacular views of nearby villages and the Guatemalan mountains. Visitors can also explore six plazas containing more than 26 temples and palaces.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is an institution that cares for over 150 native wildlife species and promotes conservation, education, recreation, and research. It is the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. The zoo is home to rescued animals, including jaguars, tapirs, and the infamous fer-de-lance snake.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Belize has to offer. Whether you're interested in cultural experiences, natural wonders, or outdoor adventures, Belize has something for everyone.

Belize travel tips

Belize is a small country in Central America, but it has a lot to offer, from eco-adventures and cultural heritage to Maya temples and hundreds of islands with white sands. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Belize:

• Spend at least a week in Belize, and split your time between Northern, Central, and Southern Belize. This will allow you enough time to explore the country at a relaxed pace.
• Most people don't need a visa to enter Belize, but be sure to verify the requirements for your specific citizenship. All visitors will need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days.
• Driving is a great way to get around Belize, with rental cars available for as little as $50 per day. However, stick to driving during the day, as the roads can be dimly lit and single-lane.
• Watch out for wildlife on the roads, especially at night. Tapirs and coatimundis are commonly seen crossing the Hummingbird Highway.
• Try the street food! Belizean cuisine features aromatic, franchise-free bites, with coconut milk-infused rice and beans, fried plantains, meat pies, and "johnny cakes" (coconut-based baked biscuits).
• While it's generally safe to drink tap water in Belize, filtered water is more commonly used. Bring a reusable water bottle, as single-use plastic is banned in the country.
• Time operates at a slower pace in Belize, so be prepared for a laid-back atmosphere and flexible schedules. Public transportation and government offices may run on "island time."
• Petty crime is the main safety concern in Belize, so take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas and not flashing valuables or large amounts of cash. Belize City, in particular, should be avoided at night.
• Tipping is common in Belize, especially for exceptional service. A 20% tip is recommended for exceptional tour guides, while servers and housekeeping staff appreciate a gratuity in cash.
• Carry some US dollars, as they are accepted across the country at a rate of two-to-one. US$10 and US$20 notes are easier to use for smaller purchases, as you'll likely receive change in Belize dollars.
• Don't be afraid of the rainy season (June to November). Hotel rates are cheaper during this period, and major attractions like Maya sites and hiking trails remain open unless there are extreme weather events.
• Buy travel insurance, especially if you're visiting during hurricane season. This will protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations or delays.
• Marijuana has been decriminalized in Belize for small amounts used on private property, but selling, growing, or smoking weed in public remains a federal offense.
• The LGBTIQ+ community is generally accepted in Belize, and the country was the first former British colony in the Caribbean to overturn its anti-sodomy laws. However, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may still attract attention.
• Solo women travelers are welcomed in Belize and the country is considered fairly safe. Harassment is usually limited to catcalling, and respecting yourself will usually make nuisances back off.

Belize is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of cultures, natural wonders, and rich biodiversity. With its laid-back pace and friendly locals, you're sure to have a memorable and relaxing trip.

Frequently asked questions