Hello Sirenian Bay friends!

So you’ve booked your vacation to our sunny shores, and now you’re trying to get on top of your pre-trip organization. You’ve got passports, accommodation and flights sorted out – but what should go in your suitcase?

A couple of basic tips first. Pack just the essentials, as less baggage means less hassle and less risk of extra fees at the airport!

Belize is warm and casual all year round, so pack accordingly. If a light breeze does kick up, you can always just add a layer on top. You’ll stay comfortable without the bulk of heavier gear.

With that out of the way, here’s our list of must-bring essentials:

• A passport with 6 months remaining before expiration from the date of your departure from Belize, plus ID (need to renew?)
• T-shirts – long and short-sleeved. Long-sleeved ones keep you safe from the sun and biting insects.
• Light shorts or skirts (including sarongs), ideally in a natural fabric like cotton
• Socks (preferably cotton)
• Swimwear/beachwear (and a spare – you may find you live in your swimwear). Staying at Sirenian Bay?  No worries, we provide beach towels.
• Light-colored long pants for jungle hikes (no leggings)
• A light jacket or waterproof alternative for the rainy season
• A hat and reef-friendly sunscreen
• Insect repellent for jungle hikes
• Flip flops (for the beach) and closed-toed shoes (for most excursions)
• Toiletries, contact lens solution/cases and prescription medications
• A small backpack or carry bag for day trips
• Outlet adapters (US travelers will only need them for devices with 3-prong plugs)
• Waterproof cases for devices – and a waterproof camera for reef photography!
• Some cash for tipping and small purchases. While most restaurants and tour companies accept MasterCard and Visa, very few accept American Express or Discover.  There are places that only accept cash, including a few restaurants and small, local artisans.  When you pay with USD, expect to get Belizean dollars in return – but the exchange rate is easy and you can convert back to USD before you leave.
• We also recommend having a printed itinerary as well as printed emergency contacts and important local phone numbers. Even if your phone goes flat you’ll still have a backup.

So what shouldn’t you bring to Belize?

• Clothing for cold weather climates. Belize is perfectly warm all-year round. You may want a light jacket for the plane.
• Heavy, non-breathable fabrics (i.e., denim)
• Fancy, dressy clothing. We keep things casual here!
• Valuables like jewelry or expensive electronics. Why risk it?
• Lots of extra cash. It’s never a good idea to travel with lots of cash (and you may have to declare it when entering or leaving Belize).

That’s about it! If you have any questions about the specifics of what to bring on your Belize trip, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. Until then, happy packing!

This is Hugh Manatee signing off for now – stay tuna-ed for the next installment from Sirenian Bay!