Belize
Information/Vacation for Belize
Land and Climate
- Belize covers about 8,867 square miles.
- About 60% of Belize is forested.
- Belize has a wet season (August to January) and a dry season (February to July).
- Belize's coast is plummeted by hurricanes from June through October.
- Belize contains the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world.
History
- The Maya thrived in what is now Belize in the 3rd to 9th centuries (200-800 AD).
- The Europeans came here in the 16th century (1500s AD).
- British pirates came here in the 17th century (1600s AD).
- Belize became a British crown colony in 1862 and became an internal self-rule in 1964.
- Britain removed their troops in 1993.
- Guatemala claims most of Belize.
Government
- Belize is ruled by a Parliamentary Democracy.
- The House of Representatives has 31 seats.
- The Senate has 12 seats.
- Representatives are reelected every 5 years.
- Belize consists of 6 districts.
- The two main political parties are People's United Party (PUP) and United Democratic Party (UDP).
- The voting age is 18.
Economy
- 10% labor force is agriculture production.
- The main exports are sugar, citrus, molasses, bananas, wood, and wood products.
- The US, UK, and Mexico trade with Belize.
- Belize is currently building oil reserves.
- Tourism is becoming larger and more important.
- About 1/3 of Belize's population is in poverty.
- Belize uses the Belizean dollar (BZD) witch is like the United States' dollar using the 2-1 ratio.
- The unemployment in youth is becoming a big problem.
Vacation Plan
- Day 1--Travel--Wednesday
Arrival 9:30 pm ATL Atlanta, GA
Departure 10:00 pm : ATL Atlanta, GA
- Day 2--Travel/Arrive--Thursday
Arrival 12:40 pm BZE Belize City, Belize
Baggage claim, cab to hotel 12:40 pm-2:30 pm
Arrive at Princess Hotel & Casino Belize 2:45 pm, $80 per night, total room cost $560
Check into hotel change for hike 3:00 pm
Manuel Antonio National Park hike $57 each, total $94 for 3.5 hrs from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Arrive back at hotel for dinner 7:30 pm, $4.66 each, total $9.32
- Day 3--Adventures--Friday
Ocean Kayaking and Snorkel Adventure, 4 hr duration, Cost $71 each, total $142
Other daily expenses
Breakfast--Free
Lunch--$9.32 total for both
Dinner--$9.32 total both
Meals total--$18.64
Shopping--$100.00
- Day 4--Adventures--Saturday
Horseback Riding Adventure Tour, 5.5 hr duration, Cost $71 each, total $142
Other daily expenses
Breakfast--Free
Lunch--$9.32 total for both
Dinner--$9.32 total both
Meals total--$18.64
Shopping--$100.00
- Day 5--Adventures--Sunday
Jet Ski Snorkeling Adventure, 3.5 hr duration, Cost $132 each, total $272
Other daily expenses
Breakfast--Free
Lunch--$9.32 total for both
Dinner--$9.32 total both
Meals total--$18.64
Shopping--$100.00
- Day 6--Adventures--Monday
Damas Island River Safaris 4 hr duration, Cost $67 each, total $134
Other daily expenses
Breakfast--Free
Lunch--$9.32 total for both
Dinner--$9.32 total both
Meals total--$18.64
Shopping--$100.00
- Day 7--Adventure & Departure--Tuesday
Rainforest Canopy Tour 4 hr duration, Cost $69 each, total $138.
Other daily expenses
Breakfast--Free
Lunch--$9.32 total for both
Dinner--on plane
Meals total--$9.32
Shopping--$100.00
Departure 6:00 pm BZE Belize City, Belize
- Day 8--Travel--Wednesday
Arrival 9:37 pm ATL Atlanta, GA
Departure 10:30 pm ATL Atlanta, GA
- Day 9 Travel & Home
Arrival 1:45 am ORD Chicago, IL
- Vacation costs
Starting amount: $6,500.00
Flight: $1,886.00
Meals: $102.52
Shopping: $500.00
Adventures: $922.00
Total spent: $3410.52
Remaining balance: $3,089.48