Belize is perfect for solo travel. For my trip, I first visited Caye Caulker and then ventured to less-visited places in Belize such as Hopkins, Tobacco Caye, and San Ignacio. After traveling through Mexico and Guatemala, the distinctive Caribbean vibe of Belize was mesmerizing. Belize’s unique people and lifestyle taught me a lot about myself. I made friends, learned about the Garinagu culture, and I found out how to truly enjoy solitude and quietness.
See also: Belize on the cheap and Go off-the-beaten-path in Belize
Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience, especially if you’re not comfortable being by yourself. However, be conscious that traveling alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely. During your travels, there are always tons of opportunities to meet other people — locals and international travelers. And whether you’re male or female, I personally don’t think the experience is too different. Just be safe and have an open heart and a positive mind.
5 Tips for Solo Travelers to Belize
At first blush, Belize doesn’t seem safe to visit because of its high crime rate. But don’t let that scare you off. The country as a whole isn’t dangerous and it has so much to offer! Just follow the tips below and you will feel safe and comfortable.
1. Take your time!
Even at the more touristic hubs of Ambergris Caye and Placencia, everything in Belize is LOW KEY and RELAXED. And this is especially visible when visiting the villages or traveling in the tourism offseason. In fact, you might not meet as many travelers as you had hoped for. Yet this is perfect if you want to get involved with the local culture. In my experience, it’s definitely worth spending an extended period of time at a less-visited destination. Become a regular at the small restaurants, take the time to just sit down and make conversations.
2. Make local friends
For me, traveling, in general, is about meeting new people. I really enjoy making local friends and learning about their culture and traditions. Another bonus of this is that it also increases your safety. As a female solo traveler, hanging out with locals in Belize introduced me to the Belizean lifestyle and helped to shield me from unwanted flirting advances. When I met my “crew” in Hopkins, it was like an entry ticket to a new world. I got a glimpse of the Garinagu life and also felt super safe at all times.
3. Only walk on main streets
You may be accustomed to a well-established touristic infrastructure with many fellow travelers and hotels when you travel. In Belize, this isn’t the case. A lot of places you visit during your journey are going to be pretty quiet. Apply common sense and take the main roads and stay away from dark side streets, especially during nighttime.
4. Avoid Belize City
Belize City is not a great place for tourists. Despite not offering many things for visitors to enjoy, the city is quite dangerous, especially for solo travelers. Stay away from the city and you will be fine.
5. Don’t be shy
Talking from experience, it’s effortless to get in touch with other travelers or locals while traveling solo. I have made friends for life with people I met at a bus station. So walk the streets, visit the local bars, and go on tours. You will see that a lot of people will try to talk to you, most of them with genuine intentions. Slow down, take your time, and engage in a conversation.
Bonus Tip:
I highly recommend that you have a photocopy of your passport and important IDs during your travels. In case your passport gets lost or stolen, it will be easier to replace it at the local embassy or consulate.
Where to Go
Personally, I recommend traveling to more secluded places in Belize, however, even the most popular destinations in Belize aren’t
For a sample itinerary, check out UniqueUniverse’s Belize itinerary. Laura and I have visited Belize more than once and overall our favorite places are Hopkins, Tobacco Caye, Caye Caulker, and San Ignacio.
What is your opinion about traveling alone? Let me know in the comments.
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