Belize Bound: Packing Essentials For Your Tropical Adventure

Belize is a small country in Central America that offers a wide range of attractions, from eco-adventures and cultural heritage to stunning beaches and the world's second-largest barrier reef. When planning a trip to Belize, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to spend at least a week in the country, splitting your time between Northern, Central, and Southern Belize. Secondly, most visitors won't need a visa and can stay for up to 30 days with just a valid passport. However, those who wish to stay longer will need to apply for a Visitor's Permit Extension. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and culture, such as the laid-back pace of life and the importance of politeness and reciprocity when interacting with locals.

When packing for Belize, it is essential to consider the hot and humid climate. Lightweight and breathable clothing, sun protection, and insect repellent are must-haves. It is also recommended to bring a reusable water bottle, as tap water is not safe to drink. Other essentials include sturdy walking shoes, a raincoat or lightweight waterproof jacket, and any necessary travel documents and electronics.

In terms of safety, petty crime is the main concern in Belize, so it is important to remain vigilant and avoid isolated areas. Additionally, Belize has a high rate of violent crimes, including sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder, so it is crucial to take precautions and follow local safety guidelines. Overall, with careful planning and awareness of local conditions, a trip to Belize can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Packing essentials

Belize is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Pack plenty of regular lightweight cotton t-shirts, and loose-fitting tank tops. Long-sleeve shirts are also recommended, both for sun protection and for hiking in the jungle. For similar reasons, a sun hat or baseball cap is a good idea.

For the bottom half, shorts or skirts are ideal—preferably made from cotton. You'll also need two pairs of long pants: one for smarter occasions, and one for hiking. Beachwear is a must, and women may find a sarong particularly useful and versatile.

Footwear is important. You'll need sturdy walking shoes, and if you plan on visiting the jungle, hiking boots are essential. Waterproof boots are best, as there may be unexpected rain outbursts.

Don't forget your swimming gear, and perhaps a rash guard if you plan on snorkelling.

Some other useful items include:

• Insect repellent
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
• A small first aid kit
• A waterproof phone case
• A dry bag
• A reusable water bottle (the tap water in Belize is not safe to drink)
• A good guidebook
• A passport that will not expire within 30 days of arrival, plus photocopies
• Other important documents (ID, insurance card, etc.)
• Chargers for electronics

Travel documents

To enter Belize, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your arrival. Some sources state that the validity period should be more than 3 months after your arrival, and some airlines may refuse entry if the expiry date is not more than 6 months after the date of arrival. It is also important to note that your passport should be valid for the length of your stay.

Visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries for stays of 30 days or less. However, citizens of certain countries, including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, India, Mozambique, Haypy, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and West African countries, must issue a visa or a permit. If you are unsure, please consult the appropriate embassy or consulate.

When entering Belize, you must provide proof of your intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket. Sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay may also be required. If you are travelling with children who are under 18 years of age, you must have proper documentation, including a valid passport and a notarized letter of parental consent if the child is travelling without one or both parents.

It is also recommended to make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency, leaving one copy with a trusted contact.

Transport options

There are several transport options for getting around Belize. These include planes, buses, cars, boats, bicycles, and even horses.

Plane

Local flights are a popular way to get around Belize, especially for those combining different in-country locations. The local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft, known as 'puddle-jumpers', to the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances in Belize, although it can be expensive. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two main airlines in Belize, with flights to destinations including Belize City, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, and San Pedro. Both airlines offer scheduled and charter flights, with prices ranging from $70 to $150 depending on the route and ticket type.

Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to travel in Belize, although they can be slow and crowded. They run along the major highways and connect nearly all towns. The longest trip in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, takes between 5 and 7 hours and costs BZ$25. The main towns are served by fast and comfortable express buses, while slower local services connect villages off the main highways. These local buses are usually old, brightly painted, recycled North American school buses, and they can be flagged down anywhere along the roadside. Tickets are purchased on the bus from the conductor, and fares are low, ranging from BZ$3 to BZ$7 for longer trips.

Car

Car rental is available in most larger towns, although it is expensive, with daily rates ranging from BZ$70 to BZ$125. Driving in Belize can be challenging due to poor road conditions, including potholes and speed bumps, and the lack of lighting or street markings. It is recommended to drive during the day and not at night. The Hummingbird Highway is known for its scenic views and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Boat

Boats, known as water taxis, are the primary means of transportation between the islands and the mainland. They are also commonly used to travel between the cayes. There are two main water taxi companies operating ferries from Belize City to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, with trips taking around 1.5 hours and costing BZ$10-15 one-way. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat.

Bicycle

Bicycles are a popular way to get around in Belize, especially for reaching more isolated areas and ruins. They can be rented in several towns, including San Ignacio and Placencia, for BZ$15-25 per day. However, cycling along major highways is uncommon, and cyclists should remain alert as drivers may not be watching for them.

Other Options

Other transport options in Belize include taxis, which are licensed and can be identified by their green plates, and golf carts, which are commonly used on the cayes, such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Helicopters are also available for private air transportation and tours.

Local customs

Belize is a diverse country, with each of its seven districts offering a unique cultural experience. The country is home to several distinct cultures, including Mayan, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, and Kriol.

Traditions and Ceremonies

Belizean culture differs significantly from that of the United States, especially when it comes to death and mourning rituals. In Belize, a wake is more like a celebration, with traditional music, food, and drinks. It is considered poor manners and bad luck to turn anyone away from a wake. The next day, a group of male volunteers will transport the casket to the burying ground.

The Garifuna people, who are descendants of slaves brought to Belize from the coasts of Africa, have a unique death celebration called Dugu. This ceremony is performed when a person falls ill and Western medicine fails to provide a cure. It is believed that the illness is caused by a displeased ancestor's spirit. The ceremony, led by shamans, involves traditional Garifuna dress, food, and music.

In October, Mayans honour their ancestors by placing food and drinks near the doorway. It is considered bad luck to walk forward into a house when returning from a funeral, as it is believed that doing so will allow spirits to enter the home.

The Caribbean Nine Nights ritual is practised by the Mestizo, East Indian, Garifuna, and Kriol cultures. Nine nights after a person is buried, family members return to the grave with food, alcohol, cigarettes, a candle, and other items, including a machete.

Food

Rice and beans are a staple food throughout Belize, and traditional wake sandwiches consist of bread with a simple meat spread. During wakes, rum and beer are commonly served, along with traditional Garifuna dishes such as Hudut, a fish dish made with coconut milk, ripe plantain, green plantain, okra, onions, whole fish, herbs, and seasoning. Pigtail is sometimes added to Hudut, although traditionalists frown upon this practice.

The East Indian population in Belize enjoys Cohune cabbage, which is cooked with curry, rice, and chicken. The process of obtaining Cohune cabbage from the cohune palm tree is labour-intensive and time-consuming.

In Mayan culture, women typically prepare an early breakfast of corn tortillas with beans or leftover caldo, a simple chicken or pork soup. Lunch usually consists of food harvested from their yards, such as chicken, cooked over an open fire.

Social Customs

When visiting a Mayan village, it is customary to seek out the village leader (Alcalde) or the priest to announce your presence and be welcomed into the community. While visiting a house, it is considered disrespectful to greet the female of the house first; instead, seek out the man of the house.

In Mayan culture, it is believed to be disrespectful for children to answer "What?" to an adult. Children are expected to respond respectfully, using phrases like "Yes, mom/dad/name?" or simply "Yes?" or "Mom/dad/name?"

Superstitions

Belizeans hold various superstitions. For example, it is considered unlucky to carry a rooster over a creek or get them wet, as it is believed to render them infertile. Additionally, it is believed that putting a pepper in someone's hand will lead to a quarrel.

Animals

Belizeans typically do not view cats and dogs as beloved pets or family members but rather as tools for protection, hunting, or pest control. As a result, you may encounter malnourished, ill, or mangy dogs roaming around.

Health and safety

Belize has a questionable reputation when it comes to safety. While it is technically a safe place to visit, it is not the safest place in Central America. The US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) advise citizens to exercise caution and vigilance when travelling to Belize, and to be aware of local crime. The top safety concerns are violent crimes (mostly due to gangs) and petty crimes (theft).

Violent crime is on the rise in Belize, especially in urban areas like Belize City, and the country ranks consistently in the top 10 countries worldwide for its homicide rate. However, tourists are rarely the target of violent crime. The main danger for tourists is petty crime, particularly in tourist areas.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended that you:

• Travel in a group and avoid travelling alone.
• Avoid deserted areas, especially in larger cities like Belize City.
• Avoid going out at night.
• Don't wear or carry anything valuable, such as jewellery or large sums of money, when walking on the street.
• Don't flash your cash.
• Stay alert in tourist areas during the high season, as pickpocketing increases.
• Be cautious when using public transportation.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially if it's your first time in Belize.

Belize also has a high prevalence of the HIV virus (1-4% of adults are seropositive) and there is a potential presence of the Zika virus. There is also a risk of insect-inflicted diseases like chikungunya, so insect repellent is a must.

The tap water in Belize is not safe to drink, and the public health system is underfunded and under-equipped. Private hospitals, mostly located in Belize City, may be better equipped and provide better healthcare. It is recommended that you get medical insurance before travelling to Belize.

Frequently asked questions