Hello All,

I will be traveling in Belize the start of May 2009 and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for accommodations that would be safe for a single traveling woman. I'm on a budget and looking for spots that are $20USD or under.

First off is Belize City, I will have to stay there for one night. Any suggestions of places to stay that have a great staff that will make the initial part of my trip safe. Hopefully something close to the Water Taxi, and with airport pickup!


Next is Caye Caulker and Ambergris, any top picks for people that have been there this year?

Also what is the best way of travel for a single traveler on a budget, I'm either wanting to go to San Ignacio or down to Placencia from the Northern Cayes.


Any other tips would be awesome! I'm a newbie traveler! Thanks!

How long will you be in Belize? When does your flight arrive? Are you interested in a visit to Tikal in Guatemala?

I can't help you with Belize City and would recommend you head at least a bit west and/or splurge a bit on that night for safety and appeal. I prefer to do the inland bit 1st, then the blue water time, which also puts you close to the airport for your flight home. Unless you have at least 3-4 each, I wouldn't split your time between Ambergris and Caulker, pick one (and Caulker is likely to be kinder on your budget). Placencia will take much more time and/or expense to get to and from than Caulker.

Check out The Trek Stop www.thetrekstop.com in San José Succotz west of San Ignacio. You can hike to Xunantunich there and shop in the little Chinese grocery in the village to cook for yourself in the share kitchen, or they can cook for you. There's a lovely butterfly enclosure and we enjoyed the little cabins and the friendly, helpful owners, Judy, John, and Tino.

We enjoy the public buses - cheap, interesting, and convenient for the routes you're likely to want. There are ferries to the cayes but it might be worth flying back to BZE at the end if it saves you from a night in Belize City.

My best advice is to avoid moving around too much and to travel really light, just a loosely-filled carry-on sized bag (I like conversion packs). My packing list is #14 on the FAQ thread of the CA Thorntree forum:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...28622&tstart=0
You might want to check out the following sites for opinions and advice about traveling light:
www.onebag.com
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm
My photos and travelogues are here if you want to check them out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails and keep us posted!

Your budget is very low for safe lodging...

Choose top rated hotels/B&Bs

Do review you consular advisories for a heads up...

Dress down to blend buddy sytem money belt

www.dnestinn.com best for price in Belize City

there is also the Red Hut Inn cheaper but just OK.

Public Xport your budget option watch your stuff

For budget to mid-priced lodging you can check out the Toucan Trail section of the Belize Forum. Also, Lan Sluder's website has a free download that has hotel options and ratings: www.belizefirst.com

This is all great advice, thanks! I'm going to check out all these links.

In terms of lodging I'm not to picky, my only requirements is that its clean, safe, and has helpful owners. No A/C, shared bathrooms are not that big of a deal for me (just need to be clean)

Also in terms of Belize City, my flight is arriving a little later than planed so I think I might miss the last water taxi to the Cayes (when do they stop running BTW?) Has anyone stayed at http://www.belcove.com/ - they seem to get good reviews on tripadvisor.

thanks

FYI I will be there for 10 days, and want to hit the cayes first to just RELAX and do some snorkeling. Then after that do some exploring of the inland areas, temples, and beaches of the south etc.

Also does anyone have experience with this place on Ambergris, it seems really cheap and in a prime location.
http://ambergriscaye.com/rubys/ I've been researching Caye Caulker and it has been highly recommended, but this place sounds interesting.

Thanks!

I've never stayed at Ruby's, but have lots of friends who have. Most have enjoyed their stay, but I've heard some complaints of rooms being noisy. The location is perfect for a woman alone, on the beach, in the middle of town.

I was on Ambergris by myself for a couple weeks in February. Lots of friendly people to chat with. Never had any issues as far as safety. I was never out late though.

Now what do you mean when you say noisy, like parties going on all the time? I read this a lot in books and forums and don't understand what they are referencing to. I live in new york city so I think my noise level tolerance is pretty high, gotta love those earplugs ;P

Also what are some of the top $20/under accommodations on Caye Caulker?

BTW - hopefulist - thetrekshop sounds awesome and I think I'm going to put that on my list of places to go! That looks like an amazing place for the price!

Thanks!

Also.....

Does anyone have any budget tips for good snorkeling/atoll trips off Caye Caulker or Ambergris.

thanks again!

I think you'll enjoy the Trek Stop; check out the download at www.belizefirst.com for good Caulker lodging tips. Keep us posted!

www.toucantrail.com for rooms under 60.00

Here's a link to the water taxi - looks like the last one to Ambergris is 4:30 and the last one to Caulker is 5:30 (probably want to reserve ahead).

Depending on where your room is at Ruby's, the noise may be from the kitchen staff who arrive and start cooking/baking at about 4am. Also, street noise, but if you're on the beach side, that probably isn't an issue.

The most popular snorkel trips off Ambergris are Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley and Mexico Rocks. Between Ambergris and Caulker is Coral Gardens, I enjoyed the snorkeling there. More and more boats seem to be stopping at the reef right in front of my condo for diving and snorkeling, but I don't think that area has a name.

For safety & price, my first choice would be Freddie's or Three Sisters.

Freddie’s Guest House, 86 Eve Street, Belize City, private room, shared bath. Cost: about BZ$55.

Three Sisters Guest House, Queen Street, Belize City. Also about BZ$55 and less than 5 minute walk to water taxis.

Seaside Guest House, 3 Prince Street, Belize City.
Phone: 227-8339. Email (not sure if this still works): [email protected]
I don't have updated info on this place, but they once had dorm beds for about BZ$25. I think they have private rooms too. It wouldn't be my first choice.

Use taxis to get around at night; BZ$6.00 per trip within the city.

Tina's is a good hostel on Caye Caulker.

In San Ignacio, I've stayed at the Tropicool Hotel. Private room, shared bathroom for about BZ$25. San Ignacio is fairly safe when walking around at night.

Here's some info for getting around:

http://belizebus.wordpress.com/

Oops - here's the water taxi link: http://www.cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com/

Thanks for all the good tips everyone!

traveling thru the international airport, i visited with the couple that own the Embassy, right across the parking lot from the airport. Really nice folk, i've stayed there before, the rooms are being remodeled, definitely for budget travelers.
you would be arriving early enough in caye caulker to look for a room, plus look at gocayecaulker.com., placencia.com, ambergriscaye.com on the internet, look at accomodations.
when in belize, do not hang out at the bars too much, or drink too much. use your new york instincts about socializing.
most of all, have a great time.

While in Caulker, check out staying at Tom's Hotel. It is a great place that is super clean and cheap.