Belize family vacations

Belize may be small but it is by no means lacking on family-friendly activities and fun in the tropical sun. In fact, its size is just one of the many reasons that this country is such a great destination for your family’s next trip. Traveling from place to place her is easy and interesting, with so much to see along the way. Animal-loving families won’t be disappointed by the huge array of animals that call this beautiful country home; add a visit to an animal sanctuary to your trip to Belize, or head out on a snorkeling or horseback riding excursion. Whatever you choose to do, it'll be a vacation you’ll never forget.

Best things to see and do in Belize with kids

Action-packed adventures can be found all over Belize and you and your family will have the time of your lives horse-riding through the jungle or through a ruined Mayan temple, learning about the medicinal plants that surround you and the buildings that once housed an ancient empire. If its wildlife that you’re after, Belize is the perfect destination, with designated sanctuaries and centers dotted around the country. Spotting animals in their natural habitat, however, can be tiring for younger eyes and can often involve trekking and so a trip to Belize Zoo is sure to provide the perfect alternative, with tours specially designed for children. You can also visit a Belizean butterfly farm which is a beautiful, colorful and interesting day out for the whole family. If your family likes adrenaline, then head over to Barton Creek Cave to kayak through cave complexes, (be warned, this is not an activity for those who are scared of the dark) before going zip lining, white water rafting, or even cave-tubing. For the best snorkeling around, visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where the whole family will love exploring this underground paradise of coral gardens, colorful fish, turtles and manta rays. After all that adventure, you’ll be able to relax on a beach, and with 240 miles of coastline with plenty of child-friendly accommodations and resorts throughout, Belize gives you plenty of choice.

Best time to travel to Belize as a family

As a tropical country, Belize has a wet season and a dry season. The dry season falls between December and April and is generally considered the best time to visit. However, this does mean that it can become buy during these times, with prices rising and accommodations filling up. The rainy season, therefore, does have its benefits and choosing to go between May and January is sometimes a good move. Rain showers last for a few hours at most and are interspersed with beautiful sunny weather. This rainy, or low season is therefore an excellent choice for families looking to avoid crowds of tourists and save money, or families who want the freedom to be more spontaneous during their trip. Whichever one you choose, you will have to make the decision based on what you and your family’s needs and what you want to get out of your trip.

Family vacation tips for traveling to Belize

With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Belize, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your vacation.

• Belize can be great value for money if you take a few things into consideration. Consider the time of year that you wish to visit and how this can impact the price of accommodation, activities and attractions. Hotels in Belize often offer reduced rates for children 12 years old and children under 3 or 4 are quite often accommodated for free. Check with your agent that the hotel offers this if you are traveling with children in either of these age groups. For families traveling with older children and teenagers, it is common in Belize to find hotel rooms with kitchenettes and so this can be a great way to save money as well as to ensure that fussy eaters get enough to eat.
• Even the most spontaneous families may want to plan out vaguely what they would like to do during their trip, to ensure that they have left enough time to enjoy this country without feeling rushed from place to place. We recommend spending slightly longer here to give you time to unwind and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the coast for a day or two- you will deserve a rest after all that adventure!
• Since Belize is a fairly low cost country, tipping is highly appreciated here and adding a small amount to your bills is always received well if someone has helped you or been of particular service.