10 Things Belize Visitors Want
I estimate that over the years, from my Web site and from the books I've done, I've answered nearly 10,000 questions about Belize. Many of these were from prospective visitors trying to decide where to stay.
Of course visitors have different expectations and are looking for different types of lodging at different price points, but I'd say the majority of visitors have the following "ideal" in mind.
Here are the 10 things most visitors planning a trip to Belize say they want.
I've listed these in the order in which they're most commonly mentioned.
1. They "want to be on a beach" directly on the water.
2. They "want snorkeling and swimming from shore."
3. They "want to stay in a little cabaña" (typically thatch), not a hotel or condo.
4. They "don't want a big resort."
5. They don't want to pay a lot of money for this -- most commonly they have a "budget of less than US$150 a night," and often less than US$75 or $100.
6. They want to "feel safe."
7. They want to be able to "visit Maya sites and see the rainforest," and do sightseeing and other activities without moving to another location.
8. They want to "be in a quiet area but near town" for restaurants and drinks.
9. They want to come at the best time of the year to "avoid rain" and to have good weather.
10. They "don't want to bothered by mosquitos," sandflies and other bugs.
Of course, few if any accommodations in Belize meet this Platonic ideal in every respect.
--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com