Money-saving tips are always handy, especially when you’re traveling. And since travel to Belize isn’t cheap, I’m sure you’ll appreciate my list of 30 ways to save money on your Belize vacation.
Overpaying for things should be avoided. However, don’t be too frugal because it might dampen your experience in Belize; so browse through my money saving tips below and decide which are best for you! They are organized in two sections: before you visit Belize and while you are in Belize.
Before you visit Belize
1. Research and plan your vacation well
Taking the time to plan your Belize vacation right can save you a ton of money. This involves researching for the best tips and trip ideas. For example, a great Belize itinerary will allow you to enjoy the best of Belize and also minimize time and money wastage.
2. Browse for deals
After doing your research on where to stay and things to do, browse the Internet for the best deals offered by the different hotels and tour suppliers. Look far in advance so that you can take advantage of promotions and special deals.
3. Follow hotels and tour operators on social media
As a marketing tactic to grow a wide fan base and gain repeat visits, many hotels and tour operators offer discounts that are only available for their social media followers. Get ahead of this by adding hotels and tour operators on social media.
4. Barter with Belizean businesses
Do you have a talent, skill or side hustle that can be of value to a Belizean business? Marketing? Photography? Videography? If yes, offer your services in exchange for freebies or a good discount. In the past, e.g., places such as the Belize Rainforest Retreat, which is in the jungles of San Ignacio, Cayo, has offered barter options with bloggers and travel influencers.
5. Sign up for newsletters
Similar to tip number three, by subscribing to blogs and mailing lists, you gain access to regular discounts and promotions from hotels and tour operators.
6. Check travel deals sites
Travel deals sites like Travel Zoo work with businesses who are willing to offer bargains and feature daily deals. If you keep a lookout, you might end up bidding on a dream vacation to Belize.
7. Use a budget guidebook
Budget guidebooks work wonders because they are written by professionals whose job was specifically to search for the best budget-friendly deals in Belize!
8. Have flexible flight dates
Having flexible flight dates translates to being ok to fly on off dates and take advantage of last minute offers. For example, it isn’t a secret that flying on Monday-Wednesdays is cheaper than weekends.
9. Travel during the tourism off-season
As soon as Belize’s low-tourism season starts, most hotels and tour operators immediately drop their prices by 30 to 50 percent. Belize’s high tourism season has its advantages but waiting for the off-season can save
While you’re in Belize
10. Befriend locals
Befriending locals has many benefits, one of them is gaining access to insider information. Perks involve information on good cheap restaurants and tours and going on free adventures. If you’re lucky, they might even invite you to their homes.
11. Take public transportation
Gas is expensive in Belize so shuttles and private transfers are expensive. However, buses run throughout Belize (in the daytime) and the cost is really low.
12. Rent a bike
Renting a bike is a good way to cover a lot of ground when exploring a small town. Or even better, stay at a hotel or hostel that provides free bikes.
13. Walk or hitchhike
If you’re in small towns, many attractions are within walking distances. Hitchhiking in Belize is not popular but definitely doable, just wait at the countless speed bumps on the highways.
14. Book tours as a group
Gang up with other travelers that are staying at your hotel or travelers you’ve met at the local bar’s happy hour to book discounted tours. If you book tours as a group, you get a much better rate.
15. Do self-guided tours
There are always tours that don’t require a tour guide. This can be done for all the Maya ruins in Belize. You just have to pay the entrance fee which is typically around $10 U.S.
16. Find out about free or cheap things to do
Google “free things to do in (destination) Belize”! And you will certainly see things pop up such as visiting the local farmers’ market and visiting not-so-touristy beaches.
17. Avoid high-end touristy areas
It’s common sense that things in touristy areas cost more. For example, even though Caye Caulker is just 1/2 hour away by water-taxi from Ambergris Caye, things are way way cheaper.
18. Stay at hostels and cheap hotels
Travel cheaply by staying at hostels and hotels that don’t cost much. For example, take a look at my Belize on the cheap and top hostels in Belize posts.
19. Rent a local apartment
Local apartments, many which can be found on Airbnb, are often cheaper than staying at a hotel or resort. The downside of this is that often staying at hotel or resort is better for socializing with locals and meeting other tourists.
20. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
B&Bs and guest houses usually cater to budget travelers and the best part
21. Couch surfing
Couch surfing is a great way to stay for free and hang out with locals. However, this option is limited in Belize.
22. Camp
Look for areas that allow camping. It’s always cheaper than renting a room.
23. Work for your stay
There are many places that allow people to volunteer in exchange for food and accommodations.
24. Skip the restaurants
Eating out all the time is costly, therefore, by cooking your own meals, you’ll save a lot of money. Btw, cooking your own meals is much easier if you’re renting an Airbnb or staying at a condo-style hotel.
25. If you’ll eat out, go for lunch
I don’t really know why but it’s proven that lunchtime is the best bargain if you’re eating out. For dinner, the entrées are smaller and cost more.
26. Eat street food
Eating street food saves you tons of money and it’s a great option even if you’re not watching your spending. Street food is simply delicious!
27. Minimize drinking at bars
Drinking at bars is a great way to experience Belizean culture, but the cost can quickly add up. If you desire the bar experience, go to bars during happy hours or look for drink specials at certain bars.
28. Buy a bottle of rum
Head to the grocery store and stock up on Belizean rum. It’s delicious and cheap. Rum and coke is the most popular drink.
29. Bargain
When buying goods or booking tours, use your judgment and if you think it’s overpriced, ask for a discount.
30. Avoid getting charged tourist prices
This one is the worst. Do your research and ask around before paying for anything. You will save a lot of money by not paying inflated “tourist” prices for everything.
These are 30 tips that I listed off the top of my head. Help me add more to this list by sharing your tips in the comments. Thanks!
Voyage Vietnam - Photos Vietnam says
Nice tips that help to save money while travel in belize
Vicky and Brian says
Thanks for taking this information! We’re visiting in Feb, landing in Cancun but the more we research Belize, the less time we’re spending in a Mexico!
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
hehe thats nice to hear 🙂
tour packages in chennai says
Yes all the tips are very much important. Thanks for sharing
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Thanks
Dan & Alissa | ThisWorldRocks. says
Great list Lorenzo! We have Belize on our list of places to see and this will help a lot. Thanks!
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Thanks. When you decide to visit, send me an email for additional recos..