Packing For Your Trip
We did a lot of research on how to pack for our trip, and most of it paid off handsomely. However, we also learned a few things from bitter experience that we didn't find on other websites. A few notes for the would-be traveler are below.
Humidity: No Longer Just a Word
We'd been all over Hawaii, Florida and Japan during their rainy seasons before this trip. Some of what we learned there was applicable to Belize. We figure we had this tropics thing figured out, right? Wrong.
Unless you are staying in an air conditioned room (and you likely won't be in the Cayo), be prepared for the effects of humidity on your belongings. Everything, and I mean everything that can possibly absorb water will do so. What this means:
What to Wear
What worked best for us were the quick-drying fabric shirts/pants, such as those from Columbia or Ex Officio. They didn't absorb moisture like cotton shirts/shorts/jeans, and after a sudden downpour dried quickly even in the humidity. You won't stand out in those, either--they're common enough that even our native guides wore them.
You will want to wear long pants for any activity involving jungle. It will only take one encounter with ants to convince you that this is a Good Idea(tm).
Likewise, I brought long-sleeved shirts for bug/sun protection. Personal preference, but I ended up with almost no bites on my arms.
With regards to socks, I just bought some cheap quick-drying microfiber athletic socks at a local mall. They worked fine.
Shoes
We brought our waterproof cross-trainer shoes (not full hiking boots), and were extremely glad we did. Having waterproof shoes will make your trip so much more enjoyable. It can (and does) pour at any time. Standing water and mud is everywhere. The last thing you want is wet feet all day!
We also brought some Keens cloth sandals for caving in water and, later, the beach. I'm much more on the fence about these; they're heavy and gave me blisters. I think you could get by just fine with a pair of cheap water shoes, but either will work.
Electrical Plugs?
The same as US. Don't worry about it, and pack your chargers.
Humidity: No Longer Just a Word
We'd been all over Hawaii, Florida and Japan during their rainy seasons before this trip. Some of what we learned there was applicable to Belize. We figure we had this tropics thing figured out, right? Wrong.
Unless you are staying in an air conditioned room (and you likely won't be in the Cayo), be prepared for the effects of humidity on your belongings. Everything, and I mean everything that can possibly absorb water will do so. What this means:
- Anything made of paper will absolutely hate life. Your books will swell up. Cardboard covers curl into tight rolls. Kleenex and paper towels will no longer absorb anything and just shred on use. Keep your Kleenex in a plastic bag until you need it, and your books in your suitcase when not in use.
- Leather will stretch and deform. I had a pair of earphones with leather earcup coverings. The leather relaxed to the point where it drooped like saggy skin. I stopped using my wallet while I was there because it started to fall apart. Avoid bringing leather items where possible, and leave them in your suitcase--my "wallet" for most of our trip was a plastic zip-lock bag to protect our cash against downpours.
- Anything cotton will soak up moisture and feel like wearing a sponge. Sweatshirts are particularly bad at this. Just leave them at home or in your suitcase.
What to Wear
What worked best for us were the quick-drying fabric shirts/pants, such as those from Columbia or Ex Officio. They didn't absorb moisture like cotton shirts/shorts/jeans, and after a sudden downpour dried quickly even in the humidity. You won't stand out in those, either--they're common enough that even our native guides wore them.
You will want to wear long pants for any activity involving jungle. It will only take one encounter with ants to convince you that this is a Good Idea(tm).
Likewise, I brought long-sleeved shirts for bug/sun protection. Personal preference, but I ended up with almost no bites on my arms.
With regards to socks, I just bought some cheap quick-drying microfiber athletic socks at a local mall. They worked fine.
Shoes
We brought our waterproof cross-trainer shoes (not full hiking boots), and were extremely glad we did. Having waterproof shoes will make your trip so much more enjoyable. It can (and does) pour at any time. Standing water and mud is everywhere. The last thing you want is wet feet all day!
We also brought some Keens cloth sandals for caving in water and, later, the beach. I'm much more on the fence about these; they're heavy and gave me blisters. I think you could get by just fine with a pair of cheap water shoes, but either will work.
Electrical Plugs?
The same as US. Don't worry about it, and pack your chargers.