Money-saving tips are always handy, especially when you’re traveling. And since travel to Belize isn’t cheap, I’m sure you’ll appreciate my list of 30 ways to save money on your Belize vacation.
Overpaying for things should be avoided. However, don’t be too frugal because it might dampen your experience in Belize; so browse through my money saving tips below and decide which are best for you!
| These tips are organized into four sections |
|---|
| Planning and Booking Your Trip |
| Accommodation |
| Getting Around and Sightseeing |
| Food and Drink |
Planning and Booking Your Trip
These tips involve preparation before arriving in Belize. These strategies focus on research, booking, and making decisions that will save money during the planning phase.
1. Research and plan your vacation well
Taking the time to plan your Belize vacation right can save you a ton of money. This involves researching for the best tips and trip ideas. For example, a great Belize itinerary will allow you to enjoy the best of Belize and also minimize time and money wastage.
2. Browse for deals
After doing your research on where to stay and things to do, browse the Internet for the best deals offered by the different hotels and tour suppliers. Look far in advance so that you can take advantage of promotions and special deals.
3. Follow hotels and tour operators on social media
As a marketing tactic to grow a wide fan base and gain repeat visits, many hotels and tour operators offer discounts that are only available for their social media followers. Get ahead of this by adding hotels and tour operators on social media.
4. Sign up for newsletters
Similar to tip number three, by subscribing to blogs and mailing lists, you gain access to regular discounts and promotions from hotels and tour operators.
5. Barter with Belizean businesses
Do you have a talent, skill or side hustle that can be of value to a Belizean business? Marketing? Photography? Videography? If yes, offer your services in exchange for freebies or a good discount. In the past, e.g., places such as the Belize Rainforest Retreat, which is in the jungles of San Ignacio, Cayo, has offered barter options with bloggers and travel influencers.
6. Check travel deals sites
Travel deals sites like Travel Zoo work with businesses who are willing to offer bargains and feature daily deals. If you keep a lookout, you might end up bidding on a dream vacation to Belize.
7. Avoid high-end touristy areas
Visit lesser-known destinations in Belize! It’s common sense that things in touristy areas will cost more. For example, even though Caye Caulker is just 1/2 hour away by water-taxi from Ambergris Caye, things are 1/2 the price.
8. Use a budget guidebook
Budget guidebooks work wonders because they are written by professionals whose job was specifically to search for the best budget-friendly deals in Belize!
9. Have flexible flight dates
Having flexible flight dates translates to being ok to fly on off dates and take advantage of last minute offers. For example, it isn’t a secret that flying on Monday-Wednesdays is cheaper than weekends.
10. Travel during the tourism off-season
As soon as Belize’s low-tourism season starts, most hotels and tour operators immediately drop their prices by 30 to 50 percent. Belize’s high tourism season has its advantages but waiting for the off-season can save
Accommodation
These tips are specifically related to finding budget-friendly places to stay in Belize, whether you’re looking for hotels, hostels, or alternative accommodations.
11. Stay at hostels and cheap hotels
Travel cheaply by staying at hostels and hotels that don’t cost much. For example, take a look at my Belize on the cheap, top hostels in Belize and the best cheap Belize hotels posts.
12. Rent a local apartment
Local apartments, many which can be found on Airbnb, are often cheaper than staying at a hotel or resort. The downside of this is that often staying at hotel or resort is better for socializing with locals and meeting other tourists.
13. Opt for a Bed and Breakfast
Resorts in Belize typically cater to mid-range and luxury travelers but B&Bs and guest houses usually cater to budget travelers so seek them out. And the best part
14. Consider Couch Surfing
Couch surfing is a great way to stay for free and hang out with locals. However, this option is limited in Belize.
15. Camp instead of booking a room
Look for areas that allow camping. It’s always cheaper than renting a room.
16. Work for your stay
There are many places that allow people to volunteer in exchange for food and accommodations.
Getting Around and Sightseeing
In this section, the money-saving tips are related to transportation and exploring Belize on a budget.
17. Take public transportation
Gas is expensive in Belize so shuttles and private transfers are expensive. However, buses run throughout Belize (in the daytime) and the cost is really low.
18. Rent a bike
Renting a bike is a good way to cover a lot of ground when exploring a small town. Or even better, stay at a hotel or hostel that provides free bikes.
19. Walk or hitchhike to places
If you’re in small towns, many attractions are within walking distances. Hitchhiking in Belize is not popular but definitely doable, just wait at the countless speed bumps on the highways.
20. Find out about free or cheap things to do
Google: free things to do in “blank”, Belize! And you will certainly see things pop up such as visiting the local farmers’ market and visiting not-so-touristy beaches.
21. Do self-guided tours
There are always tours that don’t require a tour guide. This can be done for all the Maya ruins in Belize. You just have to pay the entrance fee which is typically around $10 U.S.
22. Book tours as a group
Gang up with other travelers that are staying at your hotel or travelers you’ve met at the local bar’s happy hour to book discounted tours. If you book tours as a group, you get a much better rate.
23. Befriend locals
Befriending locals has many benefits, one of them is gaining access to insider information. Perks involve information on good cheap restaurants and tours and going on free adventures. If you’re lucky, they might even invite you to their homes.
24. Avoid getting charged tourist prices
Tourist-heavy areas like San Pedro or Placencia may have higher prices. Instead, consider shopping in less touristy areas or at local markets. Ask locals for advice on fair prices for tours and transportation.
25. Bargain
When buying goods or booking tours, use your judgment and if you think it’s overpriced, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. E.g. Ask for a group discount if you’re in a group!
Food and Drink
And this final category focuses on ways to save money on meals and beverages during your stay in Belize.
26. Skip the restaurants
Eating out all the time is costly, therefore, by cooking your own meals, you’ll save a lot of money. Btw, cooking your own meals is much easier if you’re renting an Airbnb or staying at a condo-style hotel.
27. If you’ll eat out, go for lunch
I don’t really know why but it’s proven that lunchtime is the best bargain if you’re eating out. For dinner, the entr茅es are smaller and cost more.
28. Eat street food
Eating street food saves you tons of money and it’s a great option even if you’re not watching your spending. Street food is simply delicious!
29. Minimize drinking at bars
Drinking at bars is a great way to experience Belizean culture, but the cost can quickly add up. If you desire the bar experience, go to bars during happy hours or look for drink specials at certain bars.
30. Buy a bottle of rum
Head to the grocery store and stock up on Belizean rum. It’s delicious and cheap. Rum and coke is the most popular drink.
These are 30 tips that I listed off the top of my head. Help me add more to this list by sharing your tips in the comments. Thanks!
Nice tips that help to save money while travel in belize
Thanks for taking this information! We’re visiting in Feb, landing in Cancun but the more we research Belize, the less time we’re spending in a Mexico!
hehe thats nice to hear 馃檪
Yes all the tips are very much important. Thanks for sharing
Thanks
Great list Lorenzo! We have Belize on our list of places to see and this will help a lot. Thanks!
Thanks. When you decide to visit, send me an email for additional recos..