Belize
 

Could you tell me about Belize? Worth it vs a Caribbean island? Is it safe ESP an AI

We've taken a couple of trips there and really enjoyed it. We stayed on Ambergris and did fantastic snorkeling via boat at Hol Chan; there are lots of hotel and restaurant choices. Also stayed at Lamanai on a beautiful river next to some nice ruins that you can explore and in San Ignacio at a jungle lodge. We've felt safe everywhere that we've gone - but follow the usual precautions not to flash expensive jewelry, lots of cash, don't leave anything in your car, etc. Belize is pretty diverse depending on where you stay. Most people tend to do a split between the jungle and the beach.

What is worth it is too subjective for us to answer for you. Worth many return trips for us, though!

If you don't have one already, in my opinion you should buy a guidebook and devour it. If you don't want to purchase 1, consider borrowing 1 from a library, even if it's oldish. They have good historical and cultural background sections and suggested itineraries in addition to travel, food, and lodging specifics. When you have a better idea of what you’re wanting, come back with more specific questions and we can help you better.

In the mean time here's a link to my photos, blogs, and travelogues - all of my recommendations are embedded there. Happy planning!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

Belize features vast rainforest, Mayan sites, caves with artifacts, river and horse trips, butterfly farms and botanic gardens, rappelling and zip lines, beautiful waterfalls and scenic vistas all on land and the largest barrier reef in the hemisphere for grt diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing and kayaking. Nice restaurants and spas and mostly smallish intimate hotels and friendly welcoming English speaking Belizeans1

In your 4-5 other posts you included information that seems relevant for the Belize experts to know about your trip request. Before you said: 4-5 days, $3000 budget total for an all inclusive package, leaving from upstate NY, right?. I'm not sure Belize fits those part requirements.

Aren't all AI's safe??

I find Belize to be safe. I spend months here at a time, sometimes by myself.

Very few all inclusives here though. Most properties are small, less than 50 rooms. There simply isn't the tourist base here to support a resort with 500+ rooms with multiple bars and restaurants.

Most of the 'touristed' areas have plenty of choices for food and drink. The local population is friendly and welcoming. No need for a 'fortress' all inclusive resort.

For those who want a vacation that involves huge all inclusive resorts, Belize probably isn't the place.

Belize has some nice food. I think you would be doing yourself a disservice by staying at an AI. It can be fun to get out and explore. We even had a cooking lesson at a restaurant when we were there. Do you have your heart set on an AI?

if you want to do an AI, going up the coast a bit to the Riviera Maya is a much better choice. Same general attractions and climate.