lazuliangel

Well, it's that time again: BFF and I are embarking on one of our world class, spring break adventures in a few months, so we've begun to gather ideas. Had a spectacular time in Hawai'i last year, so we have decided to ditch the cold weather locales again and head to the Belize coast (at least, we're thinking about it). The problem is this: Fodor's and every other guidebook we've consulted strongly recommend against flying into BZE and instead, flying into Cancun with further travel via bus or car. A preliminary airfare search tells me why, too: our budget can't afford the extra $400 from the looks of things (though a rental car would certainly make up for that). So here's the question: who's done which, and which option is better? Anyone who has read my postings in the past knows we're super big on fly/drive holidays--it's what we're known for--but if it's going to be too much hassle and expense to do the driving, we'd like to know. For what it's worth, we're looking at staying in Placencia, probably close to Maya Beach.

hopefulist

If your time is short - just a week - I wouldn't be willing spend a full day coming and going rather than having that time on the beach or exploring inland. Likely you'd have to spend the 1st and last night's nearer the airport as well. Heading to Placencia by road will add a big chunk of an additional day.

Keep watching the airfares - they get down to below $600 most years from the Pacific NW.

Katie_Valk

The direct drive from Cancun to Placencia would take 11.5 hrs each way. You could instead visit Ambergris Caye, which would be a 6 hr drive to the border, cross the border and catch a 20 mins flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. but I would fly into BZE direct, too much time traveling on a weeks vacation and you do not want to drive at night.

colokid

Most car rental companies will not allow you to take the vehicle from Mexico into Belize. I can only remember one that will and it's name escapes me now.

RAC

Why not just do the Maya Riviera in the Yucatan instead? It would be a lot cheaper, and you can still do snorkeling/scuba, find a wide variety of places to stay, do eco-adventures, and see amazing Mayan ruins.

Also, the infrastructure is much more modern in Mexico.

joan95448

RAC has a great suggestion. Fly to Cancun, then drive (very easy drive) the one to two hours to Playa del Carmen, Akumal or Tulum. I would not want to drive the length of Mexico these days with what's been going on--specially for females alone.