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.

If you are going anywhere near Belize City, arm yourself. Or be very,very careful and know where to go and not to go...

Powerful bug spray - and use it! There are some nasty insects in Central and South America. Don't think sand beaches are immune. My wife is in medicine and she tells a tale of a Belize vacationer who came back with a wound that wouldn't heal. After a bit of treatment (that didn't work), he said "it feels like something is moving around in there". She cut out a huge botfly larva! Yeuch!!!

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.

-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.

If you are survival oriented and concerned, you wouldn't travel to Belize.

Believe it or not, bug spray was not on my list, but now it is!



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.



Yes, carrying a self-defense tool is standard for me.

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

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'!

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.