BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

 

By Clay Larroy

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Attractions in Belize City, Belize

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island off the coast of Belize, and it's a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for sun and activities in the sparkling Pacific Ocean. The 25-mile-wide (40km) island is long and slender, averaging only one mile (1.6km) in width, and is ringed by white sand beaches with mangrove swamps taking up much of the middle.

The most popular attraction in Ambergris Caye is its lovely beaches, drawing visitors for activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and sail boating. The island is conveniently situated for those wanting to dive at
the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located just south of San Pedro Town, while the Bacalar Chico Reserve is in the north.

Ambergris Caye has a lovely, laid back feel with a notable absence of high-rise resorts, and traffic jams are more likely to be from golf carts than anything else. The largest settlement on Ambergris Caye is San Pedro Town, the only real town on the island with a population of just over 12,000 people. The town is a jumble of small hotels, dive companies and souvenir shops, and there are a few bars and restaurants. While food and drink are notoriously expensive, tourists can travel to nearby Caye Caulker for the annual July Lobsterfest.

 

Mayan Ruins

A little-known fact about Belize is that its central lowlands were the original home of the ancient Maya world - and to this day, travelers to the region can visit the fascinating ruins of ancient Mayan cities, dating back more than 2,000 years. The region's lush, steamy tropical jungle - where the screams of howler monkeys fill the air - is a spell-binding, other-worldly setting in which to view the Ruins, which themselves offer astonishing insights into one of the most famous and most revered of all ancient cultures.

Modern-day Belize contains (among others) the sites of Caracol, Cerros, and Cahal Pech - all of which are significant archaeological locales in the history of Mesoamerican culture.

The ruins at Altun Ha are popular with tourists due to their easy distance from Belize City; the pyramids are well-preserved and feature the unique jade sculpture of the sun god, Kinich Ahau. Lamanai, located in Northern Belize, is the site of some especially picturesque and interesting pyramids, as well as an ancient ball court and other structures. Other popular sites include Tikal, El Pilar, and Xunantunich.

Glovers Reef Atoll

 

A World Heritage Site located just 28 miles (45km) from mainland Belize, Glover's Reef Atoll is one of only four atolls (ring-shaped reefs made of coral) in the western hemisphere, and a truly mesmerizing place to visit. The

partially-submerged coral island, which is also a marine reserve, is 20 miles (about 32km) long, and is home to the richest variety of sea life in the Caribbean. The atoll is ringed with white sand beaches, dotted with coconut trees, and its interior lagoon boasts more than 800 coral patches with pinnacles rising above the water's surface. While Middle Caye and North Caye are uninhabited, there are luxury resorts along Southwest, Northwest, and Long Cayes. Active types can spend all day diving, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in the turquoise-blue water; Glover's Reef is ideal for scuba diving, and visitors can catch a glimpse of abundant marine life that includes eagle rays, bonefish, groupers, brightly-colored reef fish, and even whale sharks (usually seen between April and June).

If you're not in the mood to be active, the atoll is also the perfect place to just lie on the sand and do nothing at all. One thing is for sure: with its pristine setting, and relative obscurity, Glover's Reef is an undiscovered gem and a honeymoon destination to put all others to shame.

Website: www.glovers.com.bz

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Live Life and Travel Often!

 

BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

 

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Belize City

In Belize nearly, all journeys begin and end in Belize City, the country's biggest urban enclave and port of entry, although in truth not a very enticing tourist destination in itself. Belize City sits in a swamp that stretches across

Haulover Creek at the mouth of the Belize River, crisscrossed with narrow streets and rather smelly canals which are lined with a jolly jumble of buildings, some little more than dilapidated shacks and others attempts at rather pretentious modern stores. In between are some pretty wooden houses and colonial landmark buildings.

 

The city has clung tenaciously onto its muddy roots since it was abandoned as a Mayan fishing camp in the 1600s and taken over by pirates and buccaneers as a logging camp. Late in the 17th century, along came the Spanish, who cut down the mahogany upriver, floated the logs downstream and exported them from the motley little encampment at the river mouth. Later the British established Belize Town, which began the city's formal, rather tragic, passage into modern times. Three times devastated by fires, scourged by disease epidemics, flattened by hurricanes and tidal waves, the city somehow survived and today, in the new millennium, it subsists on tourism and fishing, remaining the cultural, commercial, and social center of Belize despite the capital having been moved to Belmopan in 1969.

Most visitors to Belize City come ashore on tenders from dozens of luxury cruise liners which include the city in their itineraries, mainly to allow passengers to take adventure excursions to see and experience the wonderful natural attractions of the interior and coastline of Belize. Cruise passengers are welcomed at the showpiece Belize Tourism Village, where courtyards and attractive buildings contain a variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, craft stalls, and other facilities to cater for their needs. It is the departure point for numerous land and marine tours.

 Independent visitors to Belize also generally start their exploration of the country in Belize City, and can find some sights of interest to fill a few days layover in the town, including the world's only manually operated swing bridge, some colonial architectural treasures like the Paslow Building, the novel St John's Cathedral built by slaves from bricks brought as ballast in ships from Europe, and the art gallery at the Bliss Institute, bequeathed to the city by British Baron, Henry Bliss, who died on his yacht in the harbor. Also well worth a visit are the Maritime Museum and Museum of Belize.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

        

 

 

BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

 

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of the Attractions in Belize

 

Belize is an under-the-radar travel destination that's growing in popularity, with more and more tourists drawn to the exotic locale by its many attractions. Sandwiched between the steaming jungles of the Amazon and the sparkling coastline of the Pacific, there are plenty of attractions in Belize to tempt travelers. Belize is home to a number of ancient ruins from the Mayan civilization, and touring these sites is a popular activity. Ranging from mysterious pyramids to ancient ball courts and ornate temples, there are a few sites that are within easy distance of the major cities and are worth visiting. These areas are also great for activities like hiking and horseback riding.

The coast of Belize is another kind of paradise, with sparkling beaches and the world's second-longest barrier reef. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Belize and gives visitors the chance to come face to face with marine life like stingrays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.

Port of Call - Belize Harbor

Belize City, the largest city in the nation of Belize, is also the main port, attracting cruise liners to its rugged jungle backdrop and amazing array of sights under surrounding tropic waters. Top attractions are divided between the sea and land and include snorkeling or diving over the beautiful Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world, and a visit to the Altun Ha, an excavated Mayan temple.

Belize Harbor itself is too shallow for cruise liners to dock at the city pier so ships anchor a surprising distance away from the city. Fast tenders transport passengers from the cruise liners to the Fort Street Tourism Village located directly in downtown Belize where most amenities can be found within three terminals.

Shopping in Belize Harbor

Most the shopping is limited to the Front Street Tourism Village where a crafts market and shops spread over three terminals. There are a few shops downtown although many of the same goods are available in the Tourism Village.

Best Buy: The shopping is limited, but there are great local crafts on offer. Avoid items made from coral and sea turtle shell.

Dining in Belize Harbor

The Jerk Shack - Simple and delicious local jerked chicken. Belamari at Seashore - International cuisine with a great view. Taka Kitchen - Popular sushi spot, with a variety of Asian dishes.

Best Dish: Jerked chicken.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Live Life and Travel to create marvelous memories!

        

BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

 

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Safety Notes when travelling to Belize

Although most visits to Belize are trouble-free, there have been incidents of tourists falling victim to violent crime. Muggings have been reported in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, and in parts of Belize City. Visitors

should take sensible precautions to minimize the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewelry, keeping valuables out of sight, staying in groups, avoiding dark alleys, and not walking alone on the beach at night.
It is also advisable to use qualified guides for exploratory trips off the beaten track. The country is prone to hurricanes between June and November.

Customs in Belize

 

Homosexuality is illegal and considered to be socially unacceptable.

Duty Free in Belize

Travelers over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; wines or spirits not exceeding one liter and personal goods or souvenirs to the value of 200 BZD. Restricted items include plants, meat and meat products, live animals and processed food items.

Doing Business in Belize

Belize has a fairly informal business style, although punctuality and politeness are appreciated. Handshaking, the exchanging of business cards and some small talk is expected before getting down to business. Dress is usually casual, but neat, with men in short-sleeved, collared shirts without a tie; however, government-related business is more formal. Business hours are usually 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communication in Belize

The international dialing code for Belize is +501. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Belize City is (0)2. International Direct Dialing is available.

Mobile telephone coverage is available throughout most of the country with the Belize Telemedia Ltd GSM 1900 network, and cellphone rental is available. There are two Internet service providers in Belize, with Internet cafes in urban centers and tourist areas. Postal services are reliable.

Tipping in Belize

Tipping in Belize is voluntary but as in any country, good services should be rewarded with a 10 percent tip. Upscale hotels and resorts may add a 10 percent service charge to guests' bills and this usually goes to the porter

and maid who assisted you. Tour guides should be tipped a few extra dollars for their effort and taxi drivers should be tipped only if they help carry your bags or take you on a guided tour.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors to Belize (except cruise ship passengers) must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. We recommend, however, that passports be valid for six months after departure from holiday

destinations. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person per day. Visas are usually granted on arrival for 30 days but extensions are usually possible for
a fee.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

        

 

 

BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

 

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Travel to Belize

 

Overview

Belize is an under-the-radar travel destination that's growing in popularity, with more and more tourists drawn to the exotic locale by its many attractions. Sandwiched between the steaming jungles of the Amazon and the sparkling coastline of the Pacific, there are plenty of attractions in Belize to tempt travelers.

Belize is home to a number of ancient ruins from the Mayan civilizations, and touring these sites is a popular activity. Ranging from mysterious pyramids to ancient ball courts and ornate temples, there are a few sites that are within easy distance of the major cities and are worth visiting. These areas are also great for activities like hiking and horseback riding.

The coast of Belize is another kind of paradise, with sparkling beaches and the world's second-longest barrier reef. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Belize, and gives visitors the chance to come face to face with marine life like stingrays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.

Climate in Belize

Belize weather features a temperate climate marked by two distinct seasons, the rainy and the dry. There is a notable transition from the one to the next. Rainfall during the rainy season occurs between June and November

with rainfall averages ranging between 60 inches (1,524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4,064mm) in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year. Average temperatures range from 81°F
(27°C) along the coast to 69°F (21°C) in the hills. The coldest month is January and the warmest temperatures are experienced in May.

 

Health Notes when travelling to Belize

No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize. Travelers arriving from a yellow-fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Cases of dengue fever have occurred, and seem to be on the increase, so insect repellent is

strongly advised. Malaria prevention is recommended for those travelling outside Belize City. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize but it is advisable, if in doubt, to drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are
poor in the city, and almost non-existent elsewhere. Cases of severe illness or injury usually require expensive medical evacuation. Adequate medical insurance is therefore vital. For divers there is a hyperbaric chamber at
Ambergris Caye.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

        

BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience. When you wantto plan a vacation contact me!

 

Belize

Belize is a small country of roughly 8,000 square miles (20,000km sq). It is located on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala: an exotic, English-speaking, adventurer's paradise, just a couple of hours away from three major United States cities. Almost half the country has been preserved as nature parks and reserves, including tropical forests teeming with wildlife and hiding mysterious Mayan ruins, and 174 miles (280km) of coastline featuring the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

The reef and the country's numerous offshore cays, or atolls, have made this one of the world's most desirable destinations for scuba divers and marine researchers. They come to explore unique features like the famous 'Blue Hole', a collapsed submerged cave 1,000 feet (305m) in diameter and 412 feet (126m) deep.

Archaeologically Belize is fascinating too, having been the site of mighty Mayan cities from around 1,000 BC until the inexplicable disintegration of that great civilization around 900 AD. There are believed to be thousands of Mayan ruins in Belize, of which about 600 have been discovered and excavated, many now open to tourists. Like most Caribbean countries Belize was occupied by British and Spanish colonialists over the centuries before gaining independence (only lately recognized by neighboring Guatemala which laid claim to the territory) in 1981.

Today it is a happy-go-lucky multi-ethnic nation of warm, friendly people, very welcoming of the tourists on whom the country's economy relies heavily. The main urban city (although not the capital) is Belize City, which offers some attractions like a zoo, museum, historic buildings and the Maya site of Altun Ha. Mainly, Belize is a destination for the outdoor enthusiast and active traveler and visitors should not expect urban adventure. There are not many nightclubs, expensive shopping venues or fancy restaurants, but there is plenty of scope for diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring.

 

Currency

The unit of currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is fixed against the US$ as BZ$2 = US$1. Most tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept US currency. Credit cards are also accepted, and most banks in Belize City and Belmopan will advance cash against Visa or MasterCard. When using credit cards most establishments will add a five percent service charge to the bill. First Caribbean International Bank has several ATMs in Belize City. Always make sure you understand which dollar rate is being quoted, either Belize Dollars or US Dollars.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel  and create magnificent memories for your family!

        

 

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE,“TRAVEL AND LEISURE 2017 BEST CITY IN THE WORLD”

By Clay Larroy

 

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

 

San Miguel de Allende

 

San Miguel de Allende is a postcard-perfect colonial town filled with 17th and 18th-century Baroque buildings. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the small city has retained its historical charm with restrictions on construction and development. The city center remains much as it was 250 years ago, and the narrow-cobbled lanes are framed by yellow, orange and ochre buildings twined with bougainvillea vines. The city has a number of beautiful buildings, including the pink Gothic parish church, La Parroquia (one of the most photographed churches in Mexico); the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramiez, with its magnificent courtyard; the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, which houses the historical artwork collections of the Banamex Cultural Center; and the richly-decorated Oratorio de San Felipe Neri Church.

  

A center of Bohemian creativity in the 20th century, San Miguel de Allende is very popular with foreign expats and tourists in Mexico, having been noted as a desirable retirement destination for Americans. The city blends the relaxed atmosphere of a small town with the cosmopolitan nature of a much larger city. Houses are intermixed with shops and businesses, and there are a wide variety of restaurants, art galleries, and more than 80 bars and cantinas. San Miguel de Allende has a lively arts community, with productions hosted regularly at the Angela Peralta Theater and the Otra Cara de Mexico; the town also has its own bullring.

 

  

Tourists will also enjoy wandering the outdoor markets selling local handicrafts and souvenirs; the best are the Zacateros Market and the Mercado de Artesanias. The overall attitude of San Miguel de Allende is a festive one, and the citizens will take any excuse to hold a festival or celebration. The largest celebrates the town's patron saint, the Archangel Michael. Popularly known as the Fiestas de San Miguel de Allende, the week-long celebration includes parties, sporting events, cultural celebrations and dance performances.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

 

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS “HIGHLAND JEWEL”

 

By Clay Larroy

 

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Attractions in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

 

San Cristobal de las Casas is, more than anything, a cultural hub, and there are many wonderful cultural attractions: the Na Bolom Cultural Centre is a wonderful place to learn a bit about the Lacandon people in a colourful and charming compound full of interesting artefacts and personal effects (it is even possible to spend the night in the centre if you fall in love with it); the Museo de Trajes Regionales, a museum of Mayan textiles, is also a fantastic cultural experience; and the highland villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, home to the Tzotzil people who are descendants of the ancient Mayans, are nearby, but travellers should be very respectful and it is best to go with a local guide.

 

Other attractions worth seeking out in San Cristobal de las Casas include the Orquideas Moxviquil, a botanical garden sheltering more than 450 indigenous plant species, including some stunning, delicate specimens; and the Museo del Ambar, the Amber Museum, which is also fascinating. Santo Domingo is the town's most beautiful church and although it is a little rundown it is still definitely worth a visit. The main archaeological site in the area is the impressive ancient Mayan site of Palenque, the remains of a city dating back to the 7th century, which many consider the most remarkable ancient Mayan site.

 

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the most beautiful of San Cristóbal's churches, with a pink Baroque façade that is especially impressive when lit up at night. The interior is richly decorated and shimmers with gold. The ornate pulpit and golden altarpieces are the main focus of this 16th-century architectural monument. The highlight of the church is the intricately carved façade which is worthy of close examination. Santo Domingo is sadly a bit run down at present and the opening hours have become somewhat erratic, but it is certainly still worth a visit for anybody interested in churches and religious art work.

 

Visitors are welcome at services but should prepare to be scolded by local worshippers if they don't show proper respect for the place and religion. The area in front and around the church is filled each day with craft stalls and village traders and is a great place to find Mexican souvenirs like

woven blankets and shawls and amber jewelry. The market is so popular that it spills almost into the church when at its busiest, which frustrates some visitors seeking peace for prayers and meditation, but it is a fantastic place to do some shopping.

Address: Lázaro Cardenas Street 

San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan villages

These two highland villages are the home of the Tzotzil people, descendants of the ancient Mayans, and some of Mexico's most traditional indigenous communities. Each village has a distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring their patron saint and other special religious days. Visitors should respect the local traditions and customs and be especially sensitive when taking photographs. Villagers can be unfriendly and are wary of tourists - understandably they do not appreciate being regarded as tourist attractions. The best way to visit the villages is with a local guide.

 

San Juan Chamula is a center for religious festivals. The main attraction is the church on the plaza where, every Sunday, the village comes alive with streams of villagers. 

There are men in loose homespun white woolenponchos and women in embroidered finery, who pour down the hills into the candle-lit, incense-filled church, and then congregate together for the weekly market. Their religion is a fascinating mixture of Catholic and traditional Mayan rituals. The most colorful fiesta in the region is the Carnival for which Chamula is famous. The typical dress of the Zinacantan villagers is a red and white striped poncho decorated with tassels and a flat, round hat decorated with ribbons. Geranium is a revered plant that is used in ritual offerings and the countryside is dotted with crosses and offerings dedicated to their ancestor gods or the Earth Lord. Photography is forbidden in the village.

Palenque

Opening time: Daily 8am to 4.30pm.

The setting for this spectacular ancient Mayan city is splendid, a hauntingly beautiful site engulfed in the endless tropical jungle that bristles with the shriek of insects. The architecture is fantastic and for many Palenque is the most remarkable of the major Mayan sites. The city was at its peak in the seventh century, and was an important ceremonial center and the provincial capital. The buildings that are visible today form only a small part of what it once was, and only a few of the remaining buildings have been properly excavated. The reason for the city's decline is still a mystery. Early morning is the best time to capture the setting at its most photogenic, when swirling

vapors encircle the temples and the jungle. 

The slippery jungle paths climb steeply past waterfalls and between trees, past ancient settlements scattered around the jungle-clad hillsides, and rewarding views from the temple tops take in the sweeping plains in the distance. The highlight is the tallest and most important of Palenque's buildings, the magnificent Temple of Inscriptions. Constructed on eight levels, there is a steep central stairway of 69 steps leading to the rooms at the top. The rear interior wall is decorated with panels of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions describing the history of Palenque and the temple. There is a museum near the entrance of the site.

Getting there: Frequent minibus services from Palenque town.

Address: Four miles (6.5km) from Palenque town.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

  

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!