Belize Packing List: Don’t Forget These Essentials At Home

So you’re heading to Belize, eh? LUCKY YOU! I’d love to help you with your Belize packing list. Belize is my favorite country on the planet (so far). The great news is Belize has absolutely perfect weather so no matter what time of year you will be visiting you’re sure to have great weather. This also makes packing for a trip to Belize a little easier.

Let’s Talk About the Weather

One of the best things about Belize is the weather. Although it is a tropical destination, the yearly average temperature is only 84° F (29°C). Belize’s coastal breezes and expansive jungle and rainforest provide relief on even the hottest of days. Temperatures in the summer average around 86°F (30°C) and dip down to 60°F (16°C) in the winter.

Belize has two seasons, the wet and the dry. Belize’s dry season is between February and May. June through December are the wet seasons- we’re talking 150 inches of rain.

The Nitty Gritty

Shopping in Belize isn’t ideal, you’re definitely going to want to make sure you pack everything that you need! To make sure nothing important gets left behind, I’ll be breaking down the ultimate Belize vacation packing list. I hope this packing list and these travel tips will help you have a great time on your vacation!

Belize Packing List Essentials

When you’re getting ready for Belize, there are some things that you absolutely must have with you. All of these items should be in your suitcase, purse, and/or carry-on.

Passport

You absolutely must have your passport to travel to Belize. If you are visiting as a tourist, you do not require a visa. Visitors planning to stay more than 30 days must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay an additional fee for every additional month they wish to stay, up to six months.

Driver’s License

Visitors planning to drive in Belize will need to be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license or international driving permit in order to rent a car and/or drive around legally. If you have a US driver’s license do not worry, it is a valid driver’s license in Belize.

Portable and Plug-in Chargers

Obviously, you’re going to be taking a ton of pictures on your trip. You most definitely are going to want to pack a portable power bank for your phone. While you’re thinking about chargers you better grab all of the chargers for your electronics: phone charger, laptop charger, tablet charger, smartwatch charger, and maybe even an electric toothbrush charger!

The Anker PowerPort Cube Power Strip has 3 outlets, 3 USB ports and includes a 5 foot extension cord.

I use the Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger for charging things on the go.

Belize uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have 3 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter.

Camera & SD Card

Sure, you could just bring your phone along for photos but you’ll probably want to bring a legit camera along as well. I suggest a Nikon D5600 for high-quality photos. While you’re grabbing your camera, don’t forget our SD card! I travel with a 64 GB memory SD card. If you’re feeling wild, you can go for a 128 GB SD memory card.

If you’re planning on spending time at The Blue Hole, Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, or anywhere else on the coast you’ll probably want to have an underwater camera, as well. Those of you who will be using a phone as a camera, make sure you get a waterproof phone case. I take one of these with me on all of my trips to Central America and the Caribbean.

Cash $$$

It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Be careful about carrying around large amounts of money. I suggest only having $100 (broken into small bills) on your person.

You do not have to exchange your money for Belize dollars. Belize merchants will gladly accept US dollars.

Credit Cards

You most likely won’t be able to use your debit card in Belize however, most major credit cards are accepted. Larger hotels, restaurants, and shops will typically be able to accept Visa and MasterCard. You can also use a credit card to obtain cash advances at major banks. I use a travel wallet to keep my passport, cards, and money safe in one place.

Travel Umbrella

If you’re traveling to Belize during the wet season, you’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella. June through December are the wet seasons- we’re talking 150 inches of rain. I pack an EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella.

Sun Care

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburned on a vacation. Plan on using a“> strong sunscreen to protect your skin. If you are hitting the Blue Hole or reefs, you’ll want to pack coral reef-safe sunscreen. While you’re at it toss some Chapstick with SPF into your bag. You may also want to consider a hat and a sun shirt, as well. I always pack a bit of aloe with me on vacation- just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?

Mosquito Repellent

Belize has a subtropical climate so there are mosquitoes, bugs and other insects buzz around mostly in the early mornings and late evening. However, in most areas, most time of the year they are that not annoying.

If you’re spending time in the jungle or rainforest, you’ll want to pack some insect repellent. As Floridians (aka people used to mosquitos) we travel with Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets everywhere we go. Bullfrog always makes a Mosquito Coast 2 in 1 Sunscreen and Insect Repellent that is water-resistant. I always toss it in my day bag when I’m in the jungle and rainforest.

Medications

You should always pack your necessary prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are in their original containers.

What to Wear on the Plane to Belize

Although you’ll be traveling to a tropical destination, you may want to dress a little more warmly on your flight. Since airplanes are typically cool, you’ll want to dress in layers. Consider wearing a tank top with a light sweater, a light hoodie or a long sleeve shirt. I also usually don’t wear shorts on a plane because my legs tend to get cold.

Make sure you wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off and consider leaving your belt in your suitcase. If you plan on packing a large floppy sun hat, you may want to bring it on the plane so that it doesn’t get squished in your suitcase.

FUN FACT:

These adorable little cocktail sets are perfect for a drink on the go. Believe it or not, they are TSA compliant! They are great for travel days but also would be handy on an impromptu picnic!

What to Wear During the Day

Keep in mind that the average temperature in Belize is 84 degrees. It’s also typically super humid. Consider packing clothing that will be comfortable in this climate.

You’ll also want to consider what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re spending most of your time on the coast you’ll want to focus on coverups, bathing suits, and sandals. If you’re heading to the jungle and rainforest to zip-line or going to the ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech you’ll want to pack activewear. I usually wear breathable yoga pants, a t-shirt, comfortable tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a hat when I’m in western Belize.

The dress code in Belize is super laid back. It’s cool if you stick with casual outfits.

Misc. Electronics

Kindle

If you don’t want to lug a guide book around, you may want to invest in a Kindle. These are a great alternative to packing physical books. They take up way less space! The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof making it a great option for travel.

AirPods

These headphones are MADE for travel. They are compact, lightweight, and recharge themselves when they are in the case. AirPods are great to have on the plane, train, or when relaxing by the pool or on the beach!

Other Items for Your Belize Packing List

Scanned Copies of Important Items

It is always smart to carry a scanned copy of the information page of your passport. That way, if you misplace it it’s easier for you to get a replacement. Make sure you pack it in a different place than you keep your physical passport. You can also take a photo of it and store it on your phone.

Packing Cubes

Guys! Packing cubes are LIFE! They are the perfect way to keep your suitcase neat and organized. They have been a total game changer for me!

First Aid Kit

Raise your hand if you’re a klutz like me! Anybody? If you’re anything like me then you totally need to pack a first aid kit. I take one with me when I travel.

Guide Books

If you are a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you may want to pack along a guide book. I’m a Lonely Planet fan.

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