While Belize is widely known as a romantic getaway destination for weddings and honeymoons, it also has a lot to offer for solo travelers. Located just a short flight away from the United States or Canada, Belize is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy hiking through tropical jungles, scuba diving on the Northern Hemisphere’s largest reef, and exploring mysterious ancient Maya cities built thousands of years ago.
If you‘re interested in doing some solo traveling in Belize, here’s what you need to know:
Safety
Belize is an incredibly safe country for solo travelers. Violent crimes against visitors are virtually unheard of. The biggest safety concerns for solo travelers are dehydration due to Belize‘s warm climate and problems related to an excess consumption of alcohol.
For female solo travelers, it’s important to remember that Belize has a gregarious, outgoing culture. To avoid unwanted attention, simply make your intentions clear, and you won’t have any trouble.
Language, Visas, and Money
English is the official language, so you won’t have any trouble getting around or talking to natives. No visa is necessary for up to 30 days if you have a valid passport from the United States, Canada, the EU, or many other countries, but be sure that your passport is valid for at least an additional six months after the date of your arrival.
The local currency is called the Belizean dollar (written BZD or $BZD), which is permanently pegged to the U.S. dollar at 2:1. This means that one US dollar equals two Belizean dollars, making it super easy to convert prices.
American cash is accepted everywhere, but keep in mind that you‘re likely to get your change (if any) in Belizean money. Also, you can only sell or buy Belizean money inside the country or at border crossing points.
The Culture
Belize only has around 400,000 inhabitants, but they belong to several very different cultures. The Creoles are the largest group followed by the Mestizos (originally from Mexico), the Garifuna, the Maya, East Indians, Chinese, and German-speaking Mennonites.
Many companies offer cultural visits where you can learn more about the traditional handicrafts, foods, music, dance, and languages of the many cultures found in Belize.
If you‘re a solo traveler looking to experience the best that the jungle and sea in Belize have to offer, be sure to book your vacation with Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. Widely known as the premier adventure lodge in Belize, Caves Branch offers all-inclusive vacations to meet any budget, taste, or travel style.
