Belize, Caribbean - Full-Time Travel

Belize, Caribbean

Belize

Laid-Back Land of Engagement

Crystal clear waters, unbelievable rainforests, Mayan ruins, and now, a growing number of boutique eco resorts, Belize packs an incredible punch in a relatively small geographical footprint. (It’s about the same size as Massachusetts.) It’s also the only Central American country where English is the first language, making it that much easier to explore its sandy roads, beach-shack restaurants and incredible natural wonders.

FIELD NOTES

Explore extensive Mayan ruins located throughout Belize. Here are some of the top sites:  

1.  Caracol is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize, and includes Caana (AKA Sky Palace), the tallest manmade structure in the country. Climb to the top and get a 360-view of the rainforest canopy that surrounds it.

2.   Located 70 miles from Belize City, Xunantunich includes six plazas surrounded by 26 temples. Climb to the top of El Castillo and you can see all the way to Guatemala.

3.  Cahal Pech ruins are just a short walk from downtown San Ignacio, but feel totally remote once you arrive at this royal acropolis-palace that was first settled around 1000 BC and abandoned by 800 AD.

INN CROWD

Located on a relatively narrow sliver of white-sand bordered land, Itz’ana Resort and Residences gives a far-flung island vibe while maintaining easy access to some of Belize’s best natural wonders: The Great Blue Hole of Belize, one of the planet’s largest barrier reefsand a massive rain forest. Within the 20-acre property, luxurious solar-charged structures perch over bright blue waters, with interiors that play laid-back décor against jaw-dropping views of the majestic Maya mountains. Lush grounds meander from private beaches to swimming pools while dining options include the stunningly designed Limilia Restauantand the Great House, which serves one of the largest rum selections in the country.

BY THE NUMBERS

LAUNCH PAD

Founded by marine conservationist Todd Robinson, Copal Tree Lodge is a luxurious tree-house retreat gem-set within a rainforest teeming with caimans, howler monkeys and jaguars. The 16 private suites, pair of pools and thousands of acres of untouched jungle offer zero shortage of adventure: Hiking, biking, fly-fishing and river kayaking earn plenty of cardio points, to be cashed in at the hotel’s rum bar and restaurant where handmade chocolate bars are not to be missed.

SWEAT EQUITY

One of the world’s hottest destinations for cave exploration, Belize has thousands of underground limestone formations carved out by millennia of erosion. These subterranean worlds range from easily accessible walks to jaw-dropping rappels through the forest canopy. Actun Loch Tunich, known by the Maya as “the Mother of All Caves” is legendary for the gaping black hole that appears to swallow part of the rainforest. Visitors can repel down into the belly of the cave—which is pitch black during the 400-foot descent—then land on a floor illuminated by natural light.

Crystal Cave is equally mesmerizing, a whopping 600-foot descent with nature’s greatest jungle gym waiting inside. Slide down mud ramps and wedge yourself between rock faces, then find your way to the otherworldly “Cathedral,” which is draped in chandelier-like stalagmite and stalactite formations cascading over clear turquoise pools.

In the latest episode of our podcast, author Meg Stafford joins her daughter on a high school project to Nepal and Bhutan researching happiness. It was a mother-daughter trip that pushed Meg outside of her comfort zone. She found herself avoiding avalanches while climbing to Annapurna basecamp and dodging paint at the Holi Festival in Kathmandu. It also gave her the opportunity to examine what it means for a parent to love and to let go. 🎧 Link in bio to listen! ...

24 0

Istanbul`s beauty lies in its historic architecture, the Bosphorus Strait`s scenic charm, vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, rich cuisine, Sufi traditions, captivating sunsets, street art, and its unique blend of cultures as a crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Reel: @samisrt
...

159 0

Sweeping mountain views of the Dolomites, beautiful wildflowers, and the most delicious dinner included with your stay at @hotel_dolomitenhof_u_altepost.

Reel: @tc.travels
...

257 3

In the latest episode of our podcast, Christine Winebrenner Irick, entrepreneur (@lotussojourns) and podcaster (@souloftravelpodcast) shares the story of her first big trip to Asia. In the midst of a period of rebirth, as her career and marriage were crumbling, Christine took inspiration from Alex Garland`s book, The Beach, and set off for Thailand with one good friend and no solid plans. What unfolded was a perspective-shifting experience that would, in Christine`s own words, "reveal who she would become." 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#tttcm #traveltok #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast #thailand #travelthailand
...

41 0

Is it too early to think about Fall? Daydreaming of autumn in Patagonia.

Reel: @ramirotorrents
...

693 5

A lovely town on the French Riviera, Menton is known for its beauty, mild weather, colorful buildings, and lemon production. Enjoy beaches, history, and a laid-back vibe.

Reel: @sofikulin
...

101 0

Full-Time Travel`s sister brand, @kingdomgolf, invites you to a join special guests from the world of golf and entertainment, including Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam, for a luxury island experience. Play the incredible courses at Wexford and Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club. ⛳️ Link in bio to reserve your spot at the 2023 Kingdom Cup on Thursday, September 21st thru Sunday, September 24th. ...

49 4

One night in the desert inspires a corporate worker to follow her dream of becoming a travel journalist.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel journalist, podcaster, and entrepreneur Yulia Denisyuk (@insearchofperfect) shares the story of a career-altering trip to Morocco. It`s an ode to the power of looking for signs when you need confirmation you`re on the right track. If you`re harboring a dream but it never quite feels like the right time to make the leap, this episode is for you. 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#fulltimetravel #travelreel #ftt #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast
...

23 1

Submerged beneath the ocean waves or inside a kaleidoscopic aquarium, these rare underwater restaurants serve meals alongside a cast of aquatic creatures. Book a table and enjoy a whole new spin on dinner and a show. ...

121 1

Bike through the world`s largest salt flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

Reel: @islayjoy
...

1113 8

Known for its stunning sand dunes that create a landscape resembling white sheets (lençóis in Portuguese), Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique national park located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

The park`s most iconic feature is the series of turquoise lagoons formed by rainwater that collects between the dunes. These lagoons are a stark contrast to the surrounding white sands and provide a refreshing oasis for visitors.

Reel: @melly_ba
...

1971 208

A travel entrepreneur rows 3,000 miles in 36 days, completely unsupported.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel entrepreneur, Jimmy Carroll (@jimmyalexandercarroll), shares his experiences of participating in the world’s toughest rowing race: the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

For 36 days, Jimmy and his three teammates rowed in alternating two-hour stints for 24 hours a day, through storms, sleep deprivation, and an unexpected attack from a 12-foot blue marlin. It was an experience that pushed them to the limit of their resilience but one that was also full of profound beauty and awe.

🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#thetripthatchangedme #fulltimetravel #ftt #travelpodcast #podcast #jimmycarroll
...

114 7