#211463 - 11/17/10 05:53 PM
Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
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I'm traveling to Belize for a week in December. I think I'm prepared, but I don't want to end up in a thread where people talk about the idiot who didn't bring [whatever]. How would you be equipped to survive? Here are your parameters:
-You plan on hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. -While outside your hotel, you may carry stuff in a neck bag (or fanny pack) and pockets of cargo pants. -While inside your hotel, you have whatever you brought on the plane and whatever you bought in Belize. -You will be traveling with your fiance who is not that survival-minded.
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If you're reading this, it's too late.
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#211472 - 11/17/10 08:14 PM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Newbie
Registered: 11/03/06
Posts: 27
Loc: Ohio
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If you are going anywhere near Belize City, arm yourself. Or be very,very careful and know where to go and not to go...
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#211476 - 11/17/10 08:54 PM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3238
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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Most tourists travel in a happy, rose-coloured fog (that includes me sometimes; I'm trying to reform). I'm no expert, but IMO it's not about the stuff you pack, it's about awareness, awareness, awareness ... which is based on research, research, research. Know the players and the program, and common situations that get locals and visitors in trouble; and then start to think about Plan B for these situations. Nothing macho: in the Third World, the best trick is to be someplace else when something bad goes down. My $0.02.
Edited by dougwalkabout (11/17/10 08:57 PM)
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#211478 - 11/17/10 09:01 PM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Member
Registered: 10/19/09
Posts: 112
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-Wide-brimmed hat -Sun block - can be purchased in-country. -Immodium -Camelbak or portable hydration of some sort. -Portable water filter - Katadyn or Aquamira, depending on amount of time "off the beaten path". -Flashlights - preferably water-resistant, if not -proof. -Extra batteries for above. -Camera with extra battery and memory card. -Water shoes/sandals -Day pack for towels/swimsuits/etc on excursions. -Sunglasses
This is what I've got so far.
_________________________
Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands. - Jeff Cooper
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#211487 - 11/18/10 12:35 AM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 12/18/06
Posts: 367
Loc: American Redoubt
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If you are survival oriented and concerned, you wouldn't travel to Belize.
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Cliff Harrison PonderosaSports.com Horseshoe Bend, ID American Redoubt N43.9668 W116.1888
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#211490 - 11/18/10 01:24 AM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ajax]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
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Believe it or not, bug spray was not on my list, but now it is! -Wide-brimmed hat -Sun block - can be purchased in-country. -Immodium -Camelbak or portable hydration of some sort. -Portable water filter - Katadyn or Aquamira, depending on amount of time "off the beaten path". -Flashlights - preferably water-resistant, if not -proof. -Extra batteries for above. -Camera with extra battery and memory card. -Water shoes/sandals -Day pack for towels/swimsuits/etc on excursions. -Sunglasses
This is what I've got so far. Thank you for the thoughtful response. I failed to think of a wide-brimmed hat and portable water filter. Also, I have a Camelbak but probably would have left it at home had nobody reminded me. If you are going anywhere near Belize City, arm yourself... Yes, carrying a self-defense tool is standard for me.
_________________________
If you're reading this, it's too late.
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#211494 - 11/18/10 02:00 AM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 1680
Loc: New Port Richey, Fla
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a copy of your birth certificate, shot records if required, and passport printed on waterproof paper in a money belt(this will get you past the nice Marine guarding the consulate)....
contact numbers with the US embassy/consulate quality LED headlight/batteries with center head strap quality LED flashlight/batteries for EDC multitool or small SAK whistle compass water bottle/water purification... Aquamira/Katadyn filters as stated by Ajax or tablets/clorox chem lights or candle lantern for hotel small door wedge for hotel lap top or small portable radio for information inexpensive cell phone and watch "throw away" wallet with out of service credit card and minimum amount of money waterproof map with location of your hotel, US consulate and airport couple of MRE entrees in case you get stranded at an airport
prescription meds and OTC advil/tylenol/immodium/antacid, 4x4 pads, roll Kerlix, roll cling tape, topical antiseptic (iodine can be used to purify water) cloth band aids, tweezers, couple sheets of paper towels for emergency TP..hand sanitizer
brimmed hat/sunscreen/long sleeved caped nylon shirt/sunglasses/TEVA style sandals to allow your feet to dry
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#211497 - 11/18/10 03:06 AM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Old Hand
Registered: 02/11/10
Posts: 778
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Beware of The Beggars,There are 1000's of them!Don't Eat or Drink Anything,Offered for sale on the Beach,Even on Hotel Property,Unless You happen to know they are Hotel Staff,Don't Converse anymore than is Necessary,You are likely being set-up for something to come!If you are going Snorkeling,Make sure you do it within a Group,Same thing for Kicking it on the Beach,Make sure someone can watch your stuff,Whilst You & Your Lady go Snorkeling,Swimming,Walking in the Water,etc.Find the bathroom's Before,You set foot on the Beach,& Alway's walk with your Lady,For Whatever Reason!Belize Is 3rd World,& VERY CORRUPT,Just Like it's Next Door Neighbor,Guano-Mala!Keep a few $5 bills,Folded individually for Mordida's(Bribes),While this is more common in Guano Mala,The Belizean Police have adapted this practice,& They Can/Will Accoste You,for Merely Spitting Sea Water from your mouth,Whilst walking ashore from a swim!Other than That,& Anything Along those lines,Be Careful,& Don't Get Drunk,There are Eyes Alway's watching for your guard to be Down!Something Like 75% of the Population is & Has Been-Unemployed,For many yrs.!!!This is 1 of those places,Where going Cheap(because,Itineraries are cheap to Belize)Can Drastically Backfire on you! For a Tad bit More,Hawaii Much Mo' Betta'!
Edited by Richlacal (11/18/10 03:20 AM)
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#211501 - 11/18/10 03:27 AM
Re: Belize Trip: How to Prepare?
[Re: ireckon]
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Member
Registered: 10/19/09
Posts: 112
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Thank you for the thoughtful response. I failed to think of a wide-brimmed hat and portable water filter. Also, I have a Camelbak but probably would have left it at home had nobody reminded me.
I call it "Tourist Pragmatic". Not a lot of survival gear but some stuff that you might blank on. It sounds like you'll be in proximity to a decent hotel so shelter and camping gear seems a bit much. Couple other things I might add: -packable ponchos - I don't know when the rainy season is in Belize but they might pay off. -an Aloksak/otterbox/drybag for your kayak trip.
_________________________
Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands. - Jeff Cooper
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