Soft sandy beaches and thatched roof cottages make the ideal setting for sunset dinners and tropical cocktails.
Staying hydrated when travelling through Belize is of vital importance, and drinking bottled water is readily available across the country.
Before traveling to Belize, vaccinations against Hepatitis A and Typhoid must also be obtained and high protection sunscreen should be packed and applied frequently.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be an essential component of your Belize trip, whether visiting Mayan ruins or heading on an adventurous jungle trek. Make sure your sunscreen contains SPF 30 or higher with coral reef-friendly properties and regularly apply reapply throughout your journey!
Mosquitoes are an unfortunate reality in Belize, particularly during the rainy season (May-November). Their breeding areas tend to include rivers, marshes, puddles, and rice fields – often near rivers or marshes with stagnant water such as marshes or swamps – making their presence all too apparent. Malaria and dengue fever can both be fatal if left untreated; both diseases are preventable by using mosquito spray with at least 20 percent DEET; for further protection wearing long-sleeve shirts/pants/shoes can help as can using nets over beds as well as buying coils which emit repellent smoke releases of smoke to ward them off.
Apart from mosquitoes, other insects may sting or bite you during your travels in Belize. Ants, hornets and bees are commonly encountered here and their stings can be very painful; to help ease their pain and itching you can use antihistamine medication or an indigenous remedy known as Cerasee/Sorosi plant leaves to rub on affected areas for relief.
Sea urchins should also be avoided when snorkeling or diving along Belize’s coastline, as their sting can injure your legs, arms, or back if stepped upon accidentally. Keep an eye out while swimming to prevent an unpleasant surprise from taking place!
If you want to reduce the risk of injury during your time in Belize, wear comfortable shoes and pack a hiking/walking stick. Most cities and towns also provide bike/kayak rentals; in addition, having a first aid kit on hand is always beneficial; most medical products and medications sold here tend to cost 25 percent more than they would back home.
Wear Sunglasses
An essential item on any trip, but especially on one to Belize, sunglasses are especially crucial. UV rays from the sun’s UVB rays are strong enough to burn retinas; so ensure your sunglasses have an adequate UV rating, and bring any prescription eyewear as needed.
Sunglasses with a UV rating should block UVR on both the front and sides, as well as fitting snugly and covering your entire face, including eyelids. When purchasing polarized sunglasses, be sure that they’re also rated against UVA exposure.
Your Belize itinerary likely involves spending some time in the water, so having a waterproof bag should be on your packing list to protect your belongings if they become wet while snorkeling or kayaking. A waterproof bag can ensure your camera, wallet, phone and any other electronics remain dry in case they get wet while snorkeling or kayaking – helping prevent water damage to devices like phones and computers!
Belize is home to an abundance of wildlife, from birds and reptiles to mammals and reptilians. As you hike or explore its rainforests, always keep a snakebite kit handy just in case an encounter with one of these dangerous reptiles occurs.
As well as packing a snakebite kit, visitors to Belize should also pack a first aid kit containing gauze, bandages and adhesive tape as well as disinfectant wipes and disinfectant disinfectant products – especially if planning on exploring any caves. You should also take any regular medications with them that might not be easily available there.
Belize’s water is generally safe to drink, though bottled water should always be preferred if uncertain about its safety. Ice-cold drinks or fountain drinks that contain fountain water could have been rinsed with tap or well water and may contain bacteria that cause typhoid or hepatitis A infections; thus bottled water offers greater peace of mind for travellers in Belize.
Wear Clothes That Block UV Rays
Belize’s tropical climate makes it an ideal location for beach days and jungle treks alike, but it’s important to remember how to protect yourself from sunburn and insect bites during your time there. Here are a few tips that may help ensure a memorable getaway experience in the sun:
Wear clothing made of tightly woven fabrics for optimal UV ray protection. Clothing with loose weaves such as crochet or mesh lets more rays through, making it less protective. Furthermore, dark colors tend to absorb less UV radiation.
As much of your skin as possible should be protected with sun-protective clothing – particularly your face and ears – to help shield from UV rays and direct sunlight. Consider wearing wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts with long brims to shield yourself from the glare of sunlight, along with sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays and bright sunlight.
If you are hiking through a rainforest, it is wise to bring along an insect repellent with a high SPF factor and regularly apply it after being in water or sweating profusely. Reapply often!
Mosquitoes are an annoying reality of life in Belize, especially during the rainy season which runs from June to November. Mosquito spray containing DEET or picardin works effectively to combat mosquito problems on jungle tours or trips to Mayan ruins.
Before traveling to Belize, it’s also wise to get both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations. Drinking unclean water could cause diarrhea; pack antidiarrheal medicine just in case! Furthermore, consider getting a rabies vaccine, especially if you plan on coming into contact with any animals while there.
Belize does have some minor crimes such as pickpocketing; however, crime levels are far less serious than in other Latin American nations. Still, travelers should use common sense when traveling abroad: for instance not wearing flashy jewelry and staying clear of places after dark on your own. By having Anywhere Travel organize your vacation to Belize you will ensure you experience its beauty without worrying about security issues.
Wear Bug Spray
Though Belize is generally safe to visit, its tropical climate and abundance of natural beauty can attract mosquitoes and other pests that carry disease. To safeguard yourself against mosquito bites and spread of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, wear bug spray with high DEET content as this will be the most effective repellent and regularly apply/reapply as necessary after sweating/swimming.
As part of your daytime excursions, it is a smart move to bring along a travel-sized insect repellent, especially when hiking or visiting Mayan ruins, especially if the trip will involve going into the jungle where bugs may be more active. Also pack an antihistamine cream so you can treat any allergic reactions due to bugs or allergens encountered on your journey.
Belize is home to 59 species of snake, nine of which are poisonous, so hikers should exercise extreme caution when exploring wooded areas. While snakebites are relatively rare here, you will have an even lower chance of encountering one when traveling with an experienced guide who knows how to react if one should bite you.
Healthcare and medical facilities in Belize are adequate, but not exceptional, so it’s wise to come prepared in case any potential health problems arise during your vacation. Make sure all vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPP), varicella (chickenpox), and flu shots have been completed prior to traveling there. Also consider getting immunized against Hepatitis A and Typhoid before traveling there.
With proper planning and common sense, traveling safely in Belize is straightforward. Anywhere can help ensure you maximize the value of your getaway – all accommodations, tours and drivers have been pre-vetted; your local expert is on hand for any questions that arise; and they’re there with ongoing support throughout your trip!
