Ms. Terry's Blog: Brooke's Belize Adventure

Well, it has certainly been a long time since I was able to post anything about my international adventures! COVID-19 has changed how we live and how we travel, and derailed several trips I had planned for 2020. But fortunately, with the availability of vaccines, we are starting to get back to normal. So before I share any of my thoughts about Belize, I just to encourage everyone to get their COVID vaccine if they have not done so already!

So first and foremost, this was my first international trip since I went to South America in late 2019. Furthermore, it was my first ever trip in which I was truly a "solo traveller." Previously, I've always been with family, friends, or a tour group. But I enjoyed traveling solo. I could really focus on the activities I was doing and what I was learning, which is always a plus for me. And I could set my own schedule. If I wanted to get a massage, I could get a massage. If I wanted to go to the pool, I could go to the pool. I just had to make sure I was on time for my pick-ups and drop-offs.

I did reach out to tour company to help plan my trip, since I just don't have time for all that. And they did a great job! All of my hotels and guides were fantastic. Here is the link to the company I used: https://www.anywhere.com/.

Now, a few thoughts about Belize.

1. I'm calling Belize a beginner country for international travelers from the US. Since it's part of the commonwealth (which I did not know), English is the official language and most everyone speaks English. Most places take US dollars, and the exchange rate to Belizean dollars is pretty easy to use/remember (2 BZ:1 US). They also present information in Fahrenheit, miles, feet, etc., which most places don't. And they bring you ice for drinks. And have chicken tenders on their menus. For many Americans, these are everyday facts of life, but they're also things that make us pretty unique. But Belize has been strongly influenced by the US and US tourism, and that can make travel a little less jarring for beginning international American travelers. And it was nice for my first international post-COVID trip.

2. Belize has a lot more to offer than just the beach. Many people I spoke to only stayed in one part of the country, either in the islands or on the coasts. But Belize has much more to offer, including Mayan ruins, rainforests, beautiful nature reserves, and more. It's not a big country, and different places are connected by buses and regional flights. So, if possible, don't just stay in one spot. Explore.

3. That being said, the tourist areas are a lot different from the local areas. Whenever I'm looking for somewhere to travel now, and I always check to see if that place is a Peace Corps country, just out of curiosity. Not that I particularly like Peace Corps, as I think I have made my thoughts on that organization quite clear, but it does provide some indication of a country's level of development. And Belize is a Peace Corps country. Tourism is its biggest industry, and that was obviously hit hard this past year. They are anxious and excited for travelers to return.

4. The Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM, Cave was one of the coolest things I've ever done. It's intense and it's a workout (the guides call it the another tourist missing cave), but it was fascinating. Cameras aren't allowed inside the cave, but I learned so much and was amazed by the whole experience.

And so that's it! Country #28. Next up is Costa Rica in July, and my mom has decided to come with me! Also, here are some pictures from my adventure!