Belize On A Budget: Strategies For An Affordable Tropical Getaway

Belize is a beautiful Central American country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, pretty beaches, and friendly locals. It is one of the most expensive places in Central America to visit, with the cost of food, accommodation, and transportation being notably high. However, it is still possible to visit Belize on a budget.

The average daily cost per person is around $105, including $29 on meals, $21 on local transportation, and $93 on hotels. A one-week trip for two people costs, on average, $1,474, including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

There are ways to save money when visiting Belize. Eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants can save money, with a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein costing around $5-7. Street food is also generally very cheap, with snacks such as tostadas and empanadas costing less than $5.

Public transportation is also inexpensive, with bus fares costing between $5-25, depending on the distance traveled. Hitchhiking is a common custom among locals and can be a free way to get around.

When it comes to accommodation, prices vary depending on location. A room in a shared house on Airbnb averages $40 per night, while an entire home averages around $200 per night.

Overall, while Belize can be an expensive destination, there are ways to save money and make the trip more affordable.

Save by booking a package deal

Booking a package holiday can be a great way to save money on your trip to Belize. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:

Book Early or Late

Booking your holiday either early or late can often result in significant savings. Tour operators tend to buy holidays in advance, so if you can be flexible and wait until the last minute, you may be able to grab a bargain as they try to fill up empty spots. On the other hand, booking early can also get you some great discounts, as many tour operators offer early booking codes or discounts. Keep an eye out for these deals and be ready to book when they become available.

Compare Prices

Don't just settle for the first package deal you find. Compare prices from different travel agents, tour operators, and websites. Prices can vary significantly between them, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal. Websites like Kayak, TravelSupermarket, Expedia, and Icelolly are great places to start your search.

Pick the Right Board Basis

Choosing the right board basis can also help you save money. All-inclusive can be a great option if you plan on spending most of your time at the hotel, as it includes unlimited food and drinks. However, if you're going to be out and about exploring, paying for all-inclusive might not be worth it. Consider a self-catering option or half-board if you plan on eating out for some meals.

Travel During Off-Peak Season

Travelling during the shoulder season (April to June and September to October) can be a great way to save money on your Belize holiday. Prices tend to be lower during these months, and the weather can still be good. You'll also find fewer crowds, which means more opportunities to explore and enjoy the local attractions.

Look for Discount Codes

Keep an eye out for discount codes and special offers from tour operators like TUI and easyJet Holidays. Sign up for their email lists to be notified of any promotions, or check their websites regularly. These codes can save you a good chunk of money on your holiday package.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding the best package deal. Be open to different destinations, travel dates, and accommodation options. By being flexible, you increase your chances of finding a great deal that fits within your budget.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to saving money on your Belize holiday package. Happy travelling!

Travel off-peak

Belize is a year-round destination, but travelling off-peak can save you money and help you avoid the crowds. The off-peak season in Belize is from May to November, which is also the rainy season. However, this doesn't mean that it rains all the time during these months. The rain tends to come in short, heavy showers that only last an hour or two.

If you travel to Belize during the off-peak season, you can take advantage of lower prices on tours and accommodations. Many hotels and tour operators offer discounts of up to 40% during this time. It's also a great opportunity to interact with locals and experience the country's culture, as there are fewer tourists around.

The summer months of June, July, and August are particularly good for water sports and jungle adventures. The weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that this is also the lobster season, so you may find higher prices for seafood.

September and October are the rainiest months, but even then, the rain usually doesn't last all day. And, if you don't mind a little rain, you can take advantage of even deeper discounts on accommodations and tours.

Travelling off-peak to Belize can be a great way to save money and have a more authentic experience. You'll find fewer crowds and lower prices, making it a great time to explore the country's beautiful beaches, jungles, and ruins.

Hitchhike or use public transport

Hitchhiking or Using Public Transport in Belize

Hitchhiking is a great way to get around Belize on a budget, and it can be a fun way to meet locals and have unique travel experiences. However, it is important to exercise caution and use common sense when hitchhiking, as it can be dangerous.

Public transportation in Belize is affordable and offers a great way to experience local culture. Most Belizeans travel the country using public buses as their primary form of transportation. These buses are usually repurposed North American school buses and are well-decorated and fun to ride. They run frequently, about every 30 minutes, on the Northern and George Price Highways, and less frequently on smaller highways and roads. In some locations, buses may only run once a day. To catch a bus, you can either go to a bus terminal in larger towns and cities or flag one down on the road. There are two types of bus services: Regular runs, which are the usual price, and Express runs, which are faster and slightly more expensive. It is recommended to pre-plan your departure time, as there is usually a long line for buses, and aim for express buses, which run at fixed times during the day.

Water taxis are another affordable option for travelling between the mainland and popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, offering daily departures. Water taxis are also available in Placencia and Dangriga, providing access to secluded cayes such as Tobacco Caye and Glovers Reef.

Taxis are another option for getting around Belize, and they are more prevalent than buses. You can find them at bus stations, water taxi terminals, and downtown areas. They have green license plates, making them easy to identify.

By using a combination of hitchhiking, public buses, water taxis, and taxis, you can explore Belize on a budget and experience the local culture and hospitality.

Stay in a hostel or Airbnb

If you're looking for a more affordable place to stay in Belize, consider booking a hostel or Airbnb. Here are some options to choose from:

Hostels

• The Red Hut Inn: This hostel offers a mix of dormitories and private rooms, making it suitable for all budgets. It provides a fully equipped kitchen, and airport pick-up/drop-off services.
• Sir Angel's Guesthouse (Airbnb): This guest house is perfect for digital nomads, offering a laptop-friendly workspace and fast Wi-Fi. It also provides complimentary tea and coffee, and a free shuttle to/from the water taxi.
• McKay's Hostel: Located just 150 metres from the centre of Belize City, McKay's Hostel offers a garden, shared lounge, outdoor terrace, air-conditioned rooms, and flat-screen TVs. It also serves breakfast, with American, continental, and vegan options available.
• Caribbean Palms Inn: This hostel is ideal for solo travellers, as it is just a two-minute walk from the ocean. It offers a mix of dorms and private rooms, a terrace with outdoor dining, and a tour desk for exploring the surrounding cayes.
• Bella's Backpackers (San Ignacio): With a fully equipped kitchen and regular communal dinners, Bella's Backpackers is a great place to meet other travellers while saving money. It is also close to outdoor activities like zip-lining, tubing, and exploring the ATM cave.
• Go Slow Hostel (Caye Caulker): Located in the centre of Caye Caulker, this colourful hostel is just a five-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and bars. It offers a fully equipped kitchen, seasonings, and a golf cart for getting around the island.
• Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel (Caye Caulker): This peaceful hostel provides free tea and coffee, and a roof terrace kitchen with beautiful views. It is also within walking distance of markets, cafes, restaurants, and the barrier reef.

Airbnb

• Private Guest Queen Room in the City: This homestay option offers a private bathroom and access to communal areas, including zen gardens, a patio, and a gazebo. It is located in one of the safest neighbourhoods in Belize City.
• Bagels on the Beach (Caye Caulker): These beachfront units on Caye Caulker provide a swimming pool and easy access to the village's restaurants, shops, and conveniences.
• Villa Boscardi (Belize City): Located midway between the airport and Belize City, this safe and comfortable property is just steps away from the beach and close to great restaurants. It offers a jacuzzi/swimming pool and a delicious breakfast. The friendly owner can also arrange sightseeing tours and provide local travel recommendations.
• Bella Vita Casitas (Placencia): Just a minute's walk from the beach, Bella Vita Casitas offers self-contained villas with ovens, microwaves, fridges, and bicycles for exploring the peninsula. A supermarket is also located nearby for self-catering.
• Colinda Cabanas (Caye Caulker): Colinda Cabanas is the best-rated accommodation on the island, offering lovely bungalows with beach views, balconies, and hammocks. The rooms are air-conditioned and include free drinking water, hot water showers, fast Wi-Fi, and Netflix. Complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and snorkelling gear are also provided.

Eat local food

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable food, accommodation, and transportation costs. Eating like a local is a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the Belizean culture. Here are some tips to eat like a local in Belize:

Avoid Fast-Food Chains

American fast-food chains like McDonald's, Wendy's, or Pizza Hut are non-existent in Belize. Instead, follow the locals to hole-in-the-wall places where you can order cheap, filling, and delicious local food. Try panades, salbutes, garnaches, and tacos, which are popular take-out items.

Be Prepared for Longer Wait Times

Local restaurants in Belize typically cook meals from scratch, so your food may take a bit longer to arrive. Go to dinner early, enjoy a few drinks, and people-watch while you wait for your fresh meal.

Follow the Crowds

Locals tend to gather around their favourite restaurants, so follow the noise and crowds to find the best food. Hearing loud conversations and laughter, and smelling delicious food are good signs. Don't be shy—start a conversation with the locals, or read a book if you prefer to be left alone.

Be Adventurous with Your Food Choices

Belize doesn't have extremely unusual cuisine, but there are some uncommon dishes worth trying. Be adventurous and step out of your comfort zone. Try chicken foot ceviche, stewed iguana, baked gibnut or armadillo, or cow foot soup. These dishes may be an acquired taste, but they're definitely worth sampling.

Sample the Street Food

Street food in Belize is generally cheaper than sit-down meals in restaurants. For a simple but filling meal, look for street stalls serving rice, beans, and protein for around $5-7. You can also find Mexican-style tamales for a couple of dollars. If you're craving seafood, a delicious seafood BBQ on Caye Caulker will cost you around $15-20.

Try the Local Specialties

Belize has a variety of unique dishes that are worth trying. Here are some recommendations:

• Conch Fritters: Tenderized queen conch meat fried in a savoury batter with onions, celery, green bell peppers, and spices.
• Garnaches: A flat, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans, cabbage, tomatoes, and cheese.
• Belizean Cheese Dip: A tangy blend of soft processed cheese, evaporated milk, green bell peppers, and homemade salsa, often served with tortilla chips.
• Fry Jacks: Fried dough typically eaten with refried beans and eggs, a popular choice for breakfast.
• Hudut: A traditional Garifuna dish consisting of a fish coconut stew with green and ripe mashed plantains called Fu-fu.
• Pibil: A traditional way of cooking an entire pig in a smouldering, stone-lined hand-dug barbecue pit.
• Pupusas: Small, round corncakes filled with cheese, beans, or meat, brought to Belize by refugees from El Salvador.

By following these tips and embracing the local food scene, you can enjoy delicious and affordable meals during your vacation in Belize.

Frequently asked questions