Belize: Surf & Turf
In and around Central America / Caribbean
Prologue
My position was recently ‘eliminated’ and I found myself without a job and more than a week off for the first time in my life since I was about 16. I spent the first two months looking for work, working out, and attempting to fix all the things that had broken in my life while I was too busy working to notice or care or do anything about it. I quickly realized that December would likely be a slow month for job searching given the deteriorating state of the economy. I had also hurt my hip from overdoing it on the trails, so my half marathon training had to be put on hold for a while.
Nervous about spending the money and spending time away from the job search, I tentatively began to research travel options. Traveling alone is definitely more expensive than traveling with someone else. A hotel room costs the same whether it is for one or two people. A cruise actually costs double the listed price, as that price is based on double occupancy. Given the season, I knew I was going to need to go south for warmer weather and I had never been to Central or South America. I wanted to learn. I wanted to be around other people. I wanted adventure. I wanted an ‘experience’. I looked into volunteer travel and photography workshops. Eventually I found Elevate Destinations, a boutique travel service dedicated to customizing adventurous, high-end trips that give back to the local communities in each country visited. Jess, listened to what I was looking for and put together an amazing Belize itinerary for me. Just one week before the departure date I pulled the trigger and wired the money.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Tracy
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Day One: Overnight in Dallas
To use my frequent flyer miles and in order to get a reasonable connection, I fly to Dallas the day before my flight to Belize. I spend the night at t... Continue reading » -
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Day Two: The Jungle
I try to sleep as late as I can, but I’m excited for the trip and am up early. I grab breakfast and a latte at the coffee shop downstairs. At the l... Continue reading »
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Day Three: Caracol
Breakfast is family style, but I need to leave at 7am for my tour so I eat my eggs, bacon, toast and fruit alone. (I pass on the beans.)
Cara... Continue reading »
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Day Four: Acton Tunichil Muknal Cave
I meet Dennis, another Pook’s guide, at 9:30. He walks me to meet the PAX tour guide. We cross a log over a stream and forge a river. The path is c... Continue reading »
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Day Five. Barton Creek Cave & Butterflies
My ankle hurts most of the night and I awake unable to place much weight on it. Good thing today’s tour is low impact because given the swelling an... Continue reading »
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Day Six: Transfer to Placencia
Jose picks me up at 9 for the 3 hour drive to Placencia, which according to my Frommer’s guide is Belize’s premier beach destination. It’s now time... Continue reading »
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Day Seven: Monkey River
Robert’s Grove arranges a tour for two of the couples and me to Monkey River. The weather is overcast due to a cold front coming in from the north... Continue reading »
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Day Eight: Snorkling at Laughing Bird Caye
Today Jason and I go snorkeling. (Selina doesn’t want to come because she thinks it will be too cold and plans a spa day instead.) We are supposed... Continue reading »
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Day Nine: Sun & Return to reality
The sun is finally shining brightly today. I spend the morning at the beach. I kayak up the coast seeing starfish and flying fish. I float outside... Continue reading »
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