First time visitors will want to enjoy discovering Belize’s array of natural land and sea wonders. Expect the unexpected and pack accordingly.
Savvy travelers will enjoy their stay more. Here are a few suggestions for packing sensibly for your visit to Belize:
Clothing: Climate is subtropical with annual average temperature of 80 degrees F. Dress accordingly. You’ll mostly wear casual, lightweight clothing, jeans, shorts and short sleeved shirts. Take a sun hat to protect your skin. Include a sweater, lightweight waterproof jacket, long sleeved shirt and long pants. They may be needed on boat trips as well as at night and early morning in higher cooler elevations, or unexpected cool days during winter. Be sure to take a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case it is temporarily lost or misplaced in transit.
Footwear: Hard-soled shoes should be packed for upscale dining in Belize City or a night out. But you'll mostly wear rubber-soled shoes, hiking boots for interior trips. Tennis shoes, sandals, boat shoes or no shoes at all are in order for visiting the cayes.
Eye Wear and Care: Bright sunny days necessitate sunglasses. Dusty road conditions on Ambergris Caye and off the main highways are very testy for contact lens wearers. Lens lubricant may not be readily available. Take plenty of eye lubricant and wetting, soaking and cleaning solution. Lens wearers who also use eyeglasses should plan on wearing glasses rather than lenses more often to give eyes a break.
Sunscreen, Lotions & Repellents: Its necessary to protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Temperatures are generally balmy but you’re also exposed to strong rays. Pack plenty of sunscreen. Yours may not be readily available and an unfamiliar brand may cause a bad reaction. By now, you probably know that Belize is subtropical and includes jungles. And bugs live in jungles, so take along insect repellent if you plan on traveling to the jungle areas.
Diving, Snorkeling, & Fishing Equipment: Bring your own or leave it at home. Its your preference. Many divers will want to bring their own BC, regulator, wet suit, fins and mask. Leave your weights at home, they can be rented. Do not bring spear guns, they will be confiscated at the airport. Although most fishing trips include bait and tackle, serious fly rod and spin casting anglers will probably want to bring their own gear and equipment.
Cameras and Film: Specific kinds of film may be hard to find. Bring extra batteries for your camera along with plenty of film. Its less of an expense and more convenient to bring your own. Upscale gift shops sell pocket type cameras. Keep film in a cool place.
Other items: Bring a package of baby wipes to clean off the days accumulation of dust and grit from your face and hands. Take a small flashlight along. Photocopy important documents such as your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, medication forms, airline ticket and other important information. Always carry important medication on your carry on luggage, and bring an extra supply in case you misplace yours.
|
|
|
