Family vacations are a great time to bond and get away from the stresses and distractions of modern life, and one of the best places to unplug, unwind, and enjoy some fantastic adventures is the country of Belize.
Just 2-3 hours' flying time from cities across the United States, Belize is a natural wonderland where monkeys and iguanas far outnumber people. With no malls, Starbucks, or fast-food joints, Belize is a land with unspoiled landscapes that are teeming with plant and animal life. Indeed, Belize is the perfect place to get away from video games, cell phones, and tablets.
In Belize, the official language is English, making it very easy for both kids and adults to talk to locals and learn more about the country's rich history. Belize is home to more ancient Maya cities, temples, and palaces than anywhere else, and few kids can resist the fun of climbing to the top of an ancient Maya pyramid.
Other fun activities for the family to enjoy in Belize include canoeing down a pristine river, exploring the depths of a sacred cave once used for human sacrifices, and sailing through the canopy on a zip wire. Other popular activities include cave tubing or using an inner tube to float down an underground river, a natural "ride" far superior to anything you'll find in an amusement park.
Best of all, Belize has some truly delicious food and drinks. Even the pickiest kids will love the fresh food in Belize which includes papayas, mangos, pineapples, and rare bananas that you can't find anywhere else. Belize is also home to delicious seafood like lobster, grilled fish, and conch, all of which comes from the country's long Caribbean coast. And for adults, nothing caps off a long day of outdoor fun better than a cold Belikin beer or a savory rum cocktail made with fresh-squeezed tropical juices.
One of the best family friendly lodges to stay in Belize is the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. Located in central Belize in an area teeming with birds, flowering plants and wildlife, Caves Branch offers visitors a luxury experience in the heart of the jungle.
The Jungle Lodge has a number of family vacation packages available so that families can enjoy all of the amazing sights and sounds in Belize. The Lodge also works with beachfront and island resorts for families who want to experience the best of both worlds.