Hello,

Its our first time to Belize. What is the weather like in January? We are also very active and want a FULL angenda of fishing, snorkel, diving etc. Our hotel says it has all the info, but we all know that sometimes they dont have the best deal, or they are so "torrist" centered its dumb. We love to get to know locals and meet new friends and explore. Any suggestions?

Where are you staying? If close to town, the great folks on this board will give you all kinds of leads up and down the island to talk about excursions and rates.

This message board is great, but we have also found the resort staffs to be very informative and helpful. The staff could be the first locals you befriend! Are you staying in San Pedro? It is a great place and you will be able to fill every minute with activities. Don't forget to plan some time to just hang out and enjoy the magic!! Have fun.

We are staying at The Belize Yacht Club. We are used to Mexico and all the BS sometimes that you have to go through. Its nice to hear such wonderful things about Belize and the people. What about Night Life? We do love a great place to party. How about great food and romantic resturant?

With all the rain we have been getting here, we are going to be MORE than ready for some fun!

Also, we have heard that when you use a credit card, there are fees from the US and Belize. what about a debit Card and a Cash Machine? What would you suggest, I just hate "loading" up on travelers checks, but if we must....we must.

Oh and once again, we are staying at the Belize Yacht Club in San Pedro. How far will we be from town?

The Belize Yacht Club is .67 miles south of Central Park in town. (Thanks to Simon....I just looked on his message..."distances from Central Park"... from a while back.)
Email BYC with some of your questions, too. It is good to know what they think. Also, I like having a relationship with the resort before I get there. When I arrive it is fun to put faces with the names I already know.

there's usually an exchange fee for credit cards, debit cards, atm cards, travelers cheque cards. some don't tho like discover (which is not widely accepted), but very very few. in addition, their exchange rate is usually less than $2BZ for $1US. but if convenience is your priority, then you can use your cards. call all your card companies and compare their exchange rates and fees.

Before you book yourself solid I suggest you walk along the beach and talk to the various operators. Within a few hours you will know who it is you click with. Be sure and ask about package discounts.

To me it is more important to be with the guide I enjoy than it is to save a dollar or two. I suggest you take at least the first day to relax and look around.
Those of us who are on the board have our own favorites as you will see if you cruise back through some old posts. Some people have a hidden agenda, pro or con and others are in business for themselves. Nothing wrong with any of this just know that it exists.

Hi Red,
for ease of use you can't beat the hotel's tour setups. As you probably know, they'll make it very easy for you. Usually you can just sit in the lobby and wait for the tour guide to pick you up.

Myself, I'm not crazy about "ease of use". For me, part of the fun is running around hustling up tours. I like meeting people and finding out about the different activities while I'm on vacation. Sometimes I end up wishing that I had just booked a tour bus, but more often I have a great deal of fun doing whatever I darn well please.

As far as money is concerned, I like cash. More cash is better. I have friends who say "I always use plastic, so I never have to carry cash". The concept doesn't work for me, I'd prefer to be so overburdened with cash that I had to hire somebody to help me carry it. Myself, I hate going to an ATM overseas and finding that my card doesn't work. That sucks. I don't enjoy getting charged for exchange rates. I don't like getting my credit card bills and finding "hidden" charges for using ATMs while I was on vacation.

Carry at least some cash with you and keep most of it it in the hotel's safe. You can always use cash.

Dan

Than you, you have been wonderful. We are leaving Tuesday night and will be there Wed for two weeks. You sure have made things less complicated for me on planning this trip and I I thank you.