Travel tips coming to Belize
Belize is a small Caribbean country south of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea. The famed explorer, Jaques Cousstau, called Belize the Jewel of the Caribbean. Belize is much more than just a jewel—a treasure chest of adventure, history, and culture filled with natural beauty and man made wonders.
It may even be a bit overwhelming for a first time traveler to decide what areas to visit, which attractions to see, and what adventures to experience. Even though the land is small, travel can take longer than the mileage indicates!
So, you made your accommodation reservation at Blue Parrot Beach House, booked your airplane ticket, and planned your tours. In a blink, your dream vacation is here, and you have to start packing!
What to bring???
Clothing
Belize has a comfortable year round tropical climate and a very laid-back, relaxed culture. Casual, light weight moisture wicking and natural fiber clothing is recommended. If you are planning an active adventure filled vacation, ensure you bring the correct clothing, shoes, and equipment for your activity. Although almost all accommodations and guides will provide equipment and regular clothes and footwear will surfice, having the right gear will make your vacation more enjoyable.
Good sun protection is essential while in Belize, as you will spend a lot of time outdoors. Consider long-sleeved, light weight "fishing shirts" to wear into the jungle and light weight long pants—not only will this protect against the sun but also against mosquitoes. Don't forget your wide rimmed hat and water shoes or hiking sandals for activities like cave tubing and ziplining.
Restaurants are very laid back in their dress code. Linen is a great choice for the tropical climate, and you don’t need to dress for dinner, unless you want to.
Recommended Packing List
Essentials: Clothing & Accessories
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Swimsuit & cover-up
Short-sleeved shirts (quick drying) Light colored, preferably.
Long-sleeved lightweight shirt (at least one for protection from the elements) Light colored clothing is recommended because dark colors attract mosquitoes and heat.
Shorts (plus one pair of lightweight long pants)
Lightweight sweater
Pajamas/sleepwear
Underwear
Sandals/flip flops
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or waterproof hiking shoes) & socks
Toiletries & prescription medications
Sunscreen: Reef-friendly, please!
Bug repellent: there are a lot of all natural bug repellents available in Belize, made by local entrepreneurs. I am a biting insect magnet, and after trying all the commercially DEET and DEET free products, my go-to is the local stuff, especially the mosquito repellent from Jungle Infusions. Not only is it an all-natural repellent, it is also an after-bite itch reliever!
Tip: Apply sunscreen first, and then bug spray.
Tip: Be prepared for rain showers at some point every day. (Disposable) rainponchos are a great space saver to pack!
Strongly recommended items to remember:
Smartphone (check with your carrier; beware of roaming charges)
iPad or e-reader
Headphones
Chargers
2 Pens (to fill out customs and arrival forms)
Camera and/or video recorder (and charger)
Draw string or a small backpack (waterproof, ideally).
Water bottle (the water at Blue Parrot is drinkable, although we do provide drinking water to our guests)
Hand sanitizer
Prescription medications
Binoculars
Snacks like Pringles and Trail Mix—all imported snacks are expensive. The "local" brands, i.e., imported from Mexico and other Caribbean nations, are much more affordable, but trail mix is not readily available.
Required Documents
Passport
Driver’s License (if you plan to rent a car)
Health/Travel insurance information
Dive Certification Card (if applicable)
Arriving in Belize
Tip: There are bathrooms before the passport control desks, which is usually very "busy." If you can, go through passport control and visit the bathrooms by the luggage carousels.
At the international airport in Belize, you will be required to hand in certain forms:
An arrival form—one per person in the family
Custom declaration—one per family
These forms might be handed out while you are flying, or you will get them at the entrance of the arrival hall—hence the need for more than 1 pen!
Once you proceeded through passport control, you will gather your luggage.
In the arrival/luggage area, you will see several Duty Free shops selling mainly cigars, cigarettes, and alcohol.
Tip: If you know you will buy any alcohol, other than beer or the local rum, buy alcohol and cigarettes at the duty free shop at the airport. Belize has a 100% import duty on any liquor and wine not produced in the country.
Once you have done your shopping and gathered your luggage, you will proceed to the customs lines. All luggage will be scanned, and most everyone's luggage will be opened and examined, regardless of taking the declare or nothing-to-declare line.
If you bring more than $10,000 USD into the country, you have to declare it—it is to combat money laundering!
Once you cleared customs and passport control, a wonderful adventure awaits in the Jewel of the Caribean!