I was really nervous when I landed at Belize International Airport. Yes I booked a solo trip so I’m always going to be nervous, but I didn’t know what to expect from the smallest country in Central America. I knew some of the activities I wanted to do but I knew nothing else about this country.
When I exited customs and into the arrivals side of the airport, my anxiety grew. I booked private transportation from the airport to my Airbnb. I remember my first time solo in Costa Rica. I booked transportation there but I ended up getting scammed by following the wrong driver to the van (I had to pay him for helping me find my real driver). Would the same thing happen to me here?
I eagerly look around for any person with my name on a paper. About 5 minutes later, I find him and he greets me warmly. Naturally he helps me with my bags. I hop up front and the first thing he asks me “Are you hungry”. Am I HUNGRRY YOU SAAAYY?! Well of course I’m hungry! He tells me that he knows of a local spot and can take me. I can’t remember our conversation leading up to the restaurant as my stomach was constantly growling, but I definitely felt more at ease.
Once at the restaurant its clear that my driver is well known. He’s chatting up with the owner and he pays for my meal. Oh you really won me over now. He ordered me chicken stew with rice and beans and cabbage with cassava bread. He tells me the history behind this bread while I looked out the window to see young men selling fruits in the street. That’s when it hit me that he isn’t just my driver, but a guide.
We leave the restaurant and he asks if I want fruit. I proclaim yes! He buys some oranges and we split it. He asks me what I want to do next. What you mean next?! I tell him I want to go ziplining but didn’t think much into it. He proceeds to tell me that its harder for me to get a good deal because I’m solo but he knows some people and HE TAKES ME TO PLACE TO ZIP LINE!
So now I’m the only one ziplining and the instructors were great. Like super nice and patient with me. Very conversational but very respectful. On the way back, a man trying to sell some gifts hits on me, naturally of course. Again, conversational but very respectful. I meet my driver by another stall and I buy a pineapple with rum in it. The perfect way to start this vacation off!
Getting suited up for ziplining!
On the way to my Airbnb (which was like an hour or so from the airport btw), my driver tells me about Belize, the culture, the people and why he loves his country so much. We make another pit stop at a convenience store before dropping me off at my Airbnb. I’m sad now because my tour has come to an end. However, my driver connects me to a taxi driver friend of his and comes up with a package deal for me to see 3 attractions in San Ignacio for $50 USD.
Now, I can go on and on about how the rest of my solo trip went but this isn’t about me. This is about why Belize is a great country for solo travelers. I’ll list some reasons below along with one con.
1. English is Widely Spoken
It’s always a huge plus when you go to another country where the official language is the same as yours. I wouldn’t been able to have those meaningful conversations if we didn’t speak the same language fluently. It’s also easy to get around because the words are written in the same language. Trust you don’t want to be standing on the street pulling out your phone to translate looking lost. And if I ever need to call for help, I can do so confidently.
2. The Locals are Friendly
It wasn’t just my private driver who came to me with open arms but everyone I came across was super nice and conversational. After I left San Ignacio, I was sad again because I became familiar with the small town feel. I knew there would be more tourists on the islands and it surely was that plus the energy was different too. But it wasn’t in a bad way. The islands are so small that it’s easy to make friends there. For instance, on Caye Caulker, the island is soo small that there are no cars. Transportation is either golf carts, bicycles or using your two legs! I saw the same people the two nights I spent there and they recognized me. It was like seeing your neighbor. The vibe is very laid back and positive.
3. Belize is safe
Aside from Belize City, this country is safe. I felt 100% comfortable walking the sanded streets at night in Caye Caulker. Like I mentioned earlier, the locals will wave and give a friendly greeting. The same was felt inland in San Ignacio. In San Pedro, there’s more of a party scene but again, the same chill vibes are there. And if you’re still worried, I stayed at Pur Boutique Hotel which had a security guard at night. And guess what happened when I came back to the hotel? The security guard started to chat with me! It wasn’t in an annoying way either (because trust, I’m quick to shut that down).
4. There’s Plenty of Activities to Do
There is no shortage of activities you can do while in Belize. If you’re into water activities, then you’ll want to spend most of your time on Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world and the perfect place to live out your bucket list activities such as scuba diving. If you’re into adventure, like me, then explore the mainland in the jungle. Here you can zip line and cave diving at the infamous ATM Tour. Or if you want a more cultural experience, Belize has numerous Mayan ruins to explore. You don’t need a tour to visit these enormous locations. If you want a more quite and serene vacation then head south to Placencia. I did not have the time to go, but it’s less visited than the other locations and I hear its quite beautiful.
You can spend time learning about iguanas in San Ignacio.
5. Belize is affordable
Yes Belize is a little more expensive than other Central American countries, but compared to the States, Belize offers affordable travel. Belize offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations from hostels to guesthouses while still giving you 5-star amenities. When I went in 2022, I paid $72/night to stay to stay at an Airbnb with jungle views, full kitchen and a hammock on an enclosed porch! It’s like Costa Rica, but at the fraction of the cost.
Enjoying the view from one of the budget accommodations in Caye Caulker.
Ready for your solo adventure in Belize? Start planning your trip today with these essential tips and pack your bags for an unforgettable journey!
