A large group (3 families) with 5 kids are going to Belize next summer. I believe we've decided on San Ignacio, Takal, Belmopan and San Pedro as our destinations. What is the best way to save money on food, lodging, transportation, etc. I want us to have a GREAT vacation but would like to cut corners (on excursions, etc) if there is a way to do it. Suggestions?

How much time do you have? Do you have a specific place you want to stay in Belmopan? It's not a place most people stay, unless you're talking about Caves Branch or the zoo.

One way to save $$ is to move around less - the transitions can be expensive. Another is to stay in places with kitchens or kitchenettes and do some/all of your own meals.

Let us know how much time you have and your general budget and we will be able to help you more. In the meantime, my photos with blog and travelogue links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Happy trails! http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Oh - just remembered this kid-oriented list of links I put together.
__________________________
My photo collections with blog, travelogue, and review links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

My travel blog starting in 2012 (earlier ones linked with the photo collections):
http://hopefulistinlatinamerica.blogspot.com/

My descriptions and reviews on Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/hopefulist

Guidebooks I like: Moon Handbook, Fodor’s Guide, and Explorer’s Guide.

Laminated wildlife identification cards: http://rainforestpublications.com/be...des/index.html

A very cool checklist book for Belize for the young or young-at-heart: http://www.amazon.com/Play-Belize-Me...0549187&sr=8-2
- - -
Budget to midrange lodging site: http://www.belizeexplorer.com
Great island and lodging downloads: http://www.belizefirst.com
Informative transportation blog: http://www.belizebus.wordpress.com
- - -
Shuttle recommendation: http://www.parrot-nest.com/belize-shuttle.html
Zoo: http://www.belizezoo.org
Great jungle camp in Cayo: http://www.belizecamp.com
Great budget lodging in Cayo: http://www.thetrekstop.com
Great value hotel with pool in Cayo: http://www.aguadabelize.com
Don't miss cave trip: http://pacztours.net/actun-tunichil-muknal/
Another, less-visited amazing cave option in Cayo: http://www.actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/
Lodge with lots of adventures: http://www.cavesbranch.com
- - -
Roxy Ortiz - fabulous, fun tour guide: http://www.tikalroxy.blogspot.com
My favorite hotel at Tikal: http://www.tikalinnsunrise.com
Good choice in El Remate, Guatemala: http://www.30minutesfromtikal.com/
Favorite midrange places in Flores: http://www.corpetur.com
Good value budget option in Flores: La Mesa de los Mayas, [email protected]
- - -
Great inn in coastal Garifuna town: http://www.hopkinsinn.comf
Garifuna drumming center: http://www.lebeha.com
- - -
Apartment on the beach on Caye Caulker: http://www.staycayecaulker.com/sailwinds.html
Another Caye Caulker option: http://www.gocayecaulker.com/accommo...xhapan-cabanas
Great day snorkeling trip: http://raggamuffintours.com/hol-chan-snorkel/
- - -
Secluded resort on N. Ambergris Caye with snorkeling and flyfishing from shore: http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com
- - -
Very rustic atoll experience, cheap if you have a week: http://www.glovers.com.bz/
- - -
Great jungly place near Punta Gorda: http://www.hickatee.com
Rental apartments in the heart of Placencia: http://www.oneworldplacencia.com
Good Monkey River Trip guide: Jason Williams <[email protected]>
Good Placencia area fishing guide: Wayne Castellanos (dial 011 501 1st from US): 661.1151 or 634.2852
- - -
Off the beaten track diving and snorkeling, Sapodilla Cayes: http://www.reefci.com
(haven’t stayed there yet thanks to Hurricane Ernesto in August 2012)

a great vacation always involves money doesn't it?

Food
If you can get accommodation with cooking facilities, shop at grocery stores and markets. Eat lots of fruit & vegetables.

Accommodation
Is there any reason for staying in Belmopan? There's not a lot to see or do in Belmopan, and it does not have a good selection of accommodation. If you spend a half day there, I'd suggest staying at San Ignacio which has a better selection of accommodation for all budgets.

Transportation
Buses are cheap, but with that many people, you might prefer to rent a vehicle (or two). You don't really need a vehicle for your destinations, but it gives you more freedom than buses.
Check the BelizeBus site for bus info.

Tours
Ask about group rates/discounts.