First Time Exploratory Trip – Feb 2016

[PAUL AND SUSAN HARRISON]

Ann –
We are considering Belize as a future home and are planning to visit for the month of February in 2016. As one who is a “detailed planner,” I’m working now on the details for the February adventure. So far, I have read about every article available in IL about Belize, all the documents posted on Inside Belize, and many of these forum postings. I’ve decided following an expanded/modified version of Itinerary 2 would be best for us.
At this point, I have just 3 questions: (1) Would you suggest flying in to BC, renting a car, touring the mainland, and then spending the last week on the Cayes or (as your itinerary suggests), flying in to BC, going directly on to the Cayes, then after a few days, coming back to the mainland, renting a car, and taking the driving tour?
(2) I am very interested in seeing the animals of Belize on this trip. Would you suggest seeing the zoo in BC or visiting a nature preserve elsewhere?
(3) It appears that most of the lodging suggestions are for multi-month rentals or by the night. Is there a good source for locating 5-day-at-a-time lodging for the budget minded?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sue

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Sue,
Since you will visit all areas, it doesn’t really matter which you do first, unless you think you many want to revisit your preferred area. The heat does increase as the year proceeds, so it might be best to start first on the mainland and then go to the cayes. The cayes are comfortable in the hotter weather, due to the sea breeze. Just try to avoid San Pedro at EAster time, if you are here then. It is a really busy holiday on the island.

Be sure to go to the zoo. It only takes a few hours and you will definitely see all of the animals there. At nature preserves there is no guarantee of seeing the more elusive creatures. And the Belize Zoo is really exceptional. The last time I went around 3 PM and spent two hours. The jaguars were quite active at dinner time. So I think early morning or late in the day are the best times to go. Then go to preserves as well.

Unfortunately, when you rent for only five nights there are seldom any discounts. One exception is the off season (after May). IN the off season you can wing it, and bargain for a better deal in person. But that is risky. You are coming in the high season, so there will be no discounts. So plan out your trip and book ahead to get the best deals possible. There are some good deals on AirBnB and other websites that show individually owned and rented places. Of course, you don’t get all the hotel amenities when you go that route.

[STEVEN M.]

Thanks Ann! We are hoping for our first trip to Belize in 2016 as well…probably May or later due to your info above. We are so looking forward to it! I will have to look for those itineraries.
Steve Moon

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Steve,

Not sure if you noticed that there are several example itineraries on the Belize Insider website, as well.

Best of luck in your search next year.

[PAUL AND SUSAN HARRISON]

Ann,
Thank you. I’ll start looking at the AirBnB website. Looking forward to learning more about your wonderful home. (Enjoy reading the monthly Belize Insider) Keep up the great work.

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Paul and Susan,

Thanks for the positive feedback. Good luck with your research. I hope to meet you one day in Belize!

Soon I’ll be interviewing some expats in Belize and adding that onto the Belize Insider as well. So that members can meet some of the people who have already made the move, or who are experts on a relevant Belize topic.

[STEVEN S.]

I too am looking at settling at least 6 months of year in Belize and currently looking at Ambergris or in Stann Creek area. Nothing written in stone as yet but will be in Ambergris for the 1st time December 5th – December 12th. Looking for property on the water with or without a house (2-3 bdr/2 bath). If anyone has any ideas, I am open to investigate further. I have been researching Belize for about 1 year and love what I have discovered so far and have spoken to others whom also love the area. Looking to experience it 1st hand. While in Belize, I plan on talking with other expats to get their viewpoint on their experience in Belize.

Steven

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Steve,

As always, our recommendation is to rent for six months before buying. Once you buy it isn’t always easy to sell, if you change your mind. And not all realtors will give you a complete picture for a property or the neighborhood you are looking at. It is important to know which neighborhoods are safe and desirable for expats, especially on Ambergris Caye.

Yes, do talk to as many expats as possible, but you will only be in Belize for a week, which is not enough time to get a comprehensive picture.

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