My very first international trip was to Belize in March of 2019! I was invited by one of my line sisters, who at the time was a certified travel agent and a seasoned world traveler. I’m talking about having lived in Italy for some time as part of a study abroad program—something I never would have dreamed of doing during college. She sent the itinerary about six months in advance, which I found incredibly helpful because I had never had a passport! I submitted my paperwork for an expedited passport immediately and thankfully received it by February.

This spring break trip included a full itinerary with two different hotels over 6 days, with the last day being a travel day. What I loved most about this trip was the day we traveled to Tikal, Guatemala, to see the Mayan ruins and actually touch some of that sacred ground! I received my second and third passport stamps that day and felt so well-traveled, lol! This Viator activity included transportation to and from San Ignacio, Belize, so we took a taxi from San Pedro to San Ignacio. The hotel we stayed in was located in a cougar sanctuary, but we were very thankful not to encounter any. This location provided a more jungle-like experience, whereas our first location was ocean-side.

What Happened? Trip Highlights 

What went well?
-To get to San Pedro from the airport that lands in Ambergris Caye you have two options: a smaller plan or a ferry ride. So glad she planned for us to take the ferry which included free wifi and only took about 75 minutes and was not packed!

What could’ve gone better?
-This was my first international trip and I had no clue that my cell service didn’t work in other countries so when I landed and got to the customs, the gate agent asked me for the address to the hotel we were staying, how long we were going to be there, and what was the reason for my visit and I had no idea I needed these details so I was totally unprepared and if I’m being honest offended because why would you need those details & why are you asking me so many questions to get into this country! But I was able to connect to wifi in the airport and find the hotel details in the itinerary!

What we didn’t plan for but turned out great?

-On the Itinerary, she scheduled a free day for the rest of our group while she completed her dive certification and we decided to use that time to participate in a yoga class on the beach that morning for about $15USD. I had never done something so relaxing in my life!

-I completed very minimal research before this trip and had no idea we’d be driving golf carts as cars for this trip! In San Pedro it’s more common to see people driving a golf cart than driving a car and I loved it! Even though we were chased by what appeared like some wild dogs at one point it worked out!

-With four stamps under my belt I was thirsty to start filling up my passport and explore more of the international world! One of my friends on the trip suggested I join her and her friends on an all inclusive trip to Jamaica in October. I couldn’t resist & immediately said yes!