So I am back from the family vacation of my dreams. I promised a recap for the blog, so I will break it up into two parts. I didn’t realize how much I actually did on the trip until it was time to organize the pictures for this post. This first recap will encompass the first five days, and part two the last, since we did a total of 10 days in Belize City! Let’s get into it!
August 5. After two flights, we arrived. We pretty much chilled the first day. Unpacked and got set up in the house. The house concierge arranged for a driver to take us to the market to get groceries etc. I called my cousins later that evening, surprise I’m here. They came over that night to see us and we caught up and relaxed!
August 6. Anniversary Photo Shoot. I did some research ahead of time to find a photographer to capture some images for our 10 year wedding anniversary. Being that our anniversary actually falls on the 10th, I needed to find someone who can deliver on my vision and the quick turnaround time. After reaching out to two different photographers, I ended up going with Lupita of Frozen Instants Photography. She was punctual, gave great direction, and promised me a quick turnaround. I was happy to support a local creative while I was back home!
Later that evening after the shoot, we hit the town with my cousin’s. They took us around the city on a mini-tour and we went to have a couple of drinks for one of their birthdays.
I didn’t pack any heels on this trip. I knew it wasn’t necessary for the things I had planned. My suitcase was filled with stylish flat sandals, slides and one pair of sneakers. The less fussy on this vacation was for the better, especially with all the walking, etc.
August 7. The Belize Zoo & Mayan Ruins Altun Ha. We scheduled an excursion with the tour guides that come with the house rental. They charged us $395 USD for the day. This included transportation to all sites, a stop for lunch, guided tours and admission. It was super expensive if you ask me because I know there was a serious upcharge on actual admission prices to the zoo and the ruins. But I digress. We learned so much and had a great day nonetheless.
The zoo tour took about an hour. It was very hot that day, hydration was key. Bug repellent was definitely necessary for this excursion as well, the mosquitoes were on another level. Caleb even got a little sick towards the end from the heat. We had to take a break and pour water all over him to cool him down. I kept the boys wardrobe super light for the trip. Light-colored tee shirts and shorts with breathable and quick-dry fabrics.
After stopping for a brief lunch by the waterside, we headed to take the climb of our lives. The Ruins were a MUST see for me on this trip. Altun Ha isn’t one of the taller ruins, which was perfect for the kids and my Mom who was also on this trip. It was a great bonding experience for us all. We all felt accomplished when we made it to the top. The education at seeing how the Mayans lived was also great to come back with. My goal was to live like a tourist for a majority of this trip even though I was born in Belize.
August 8. Day of Rest. We were all BEAT from the previous day’s excursion that we just stayed home and rested.
August 9. Caye Caulker. Belize is known for its cayes or private beach islands. They are off the coast and you can take a water taxi for about an hour to get there or a small plane. We opted for the water taxi and ventured out for a day of relaxation on Caye Caulker. $28 pp for adults & $24 USD for the kids up to age ten.
The weather wasn’t the best on the day we traveled out to the island. It was cloudy and dreary, but we can’t turn back now. I was also sick, coughing and congested but I pushed through. The boys will have a great time once there’s water, they don’t care about anything else. The island is lined with all kinds of shops and restaurants. There isn’t anything you couldn’t find on the island. We were able to get the boys pizza that they had been missing.
That sums up the first half of the trip. We are off to an amazing time here in Belize and I am so glad that I got to experience it with my family and you all. So many of you responded to my stories that you will add Belize to your travel wish-list and that warms my little heart. Any questions so far, leave them below!
Being a native Belizean, what are some must have foods when visiting Belize?
Author
Okay, this is a great question! Most of the cuisine is made of fresh corn, like fresh corn tortillas. So we have Panades, Tamales, garnaches and salbutes. All with different fillings and options, like chicken, fish, and beef.