Look no further than Belize! Belize is the perfect destination to make your family’s international travel dreams a reality!
Nestled in the heart of Central America, Belize is a stunning tropical paradise that's both easy to navigate and packed with family-friendly adventures. Whether you're exploring ancient Mayan ruins, snorkeling in the world's second-largest barrier reef, or simply relaxing on a “secret” beach, Belize offers a mix of adventure, culture, and nature that will keep both kids and parents smiling.
Our family has been itching to get a stamp in our passports for the last few years. We’ve considered various locations around the globe, but nothing felt just right for us until we discovered Belize!
Belize had everything we were looking for in an international travel destination. We wanted to find a place relatively close, safe, affordable, and filled with unique outdoor experiences that every member of the family could enjoy. We found all of that (and more!) in Belize.
Here are my top 5 reasons we chose Belize as our family’s first international trip (and why you should, too!).
- Ease of travel (from the US) – Belize is surprisingly easy to get to, thanks in part to its proximity to the United States and the multitude of direct flights to Belize City. Traveling with little kids is always hard, but we didn’t have to deal with any long flights, overnight travel, or jetlag, which meant we arrived quickly at our location, ready to adventure! Navigating customs was straightforward and easy. The lines moved quickly, and the customs officers were friendly and used to families. Also, because Belize is an English-speaking country, there was no language barrier, which made it much easier when juggling kids, luggage, and travel documents.
- Access to protected nature – This may be my top reason to visit Belize…nature is all around you! Whether you’re on one of the tropical islands or deep in the rainforest jungle, nature is at your fingertips and easily accessible. Belize has a strong commitment to protecting its environments, ecosystems, and wildlife, which means you can experience unspoiled nature and feel comfortable that the rich biodiversity will be preserved for generations to come. Belize also has an eco-friendly approach to tourism, and many operators focus on sustainability and conservation, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty while contributing to its protection.
- Culture and history – Belize has a rich and absolutely fascinating history. Rooted in a unique blend of Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other cultural influences, Belize offers diverse traditions, languages, and customs. Exploring ancient Maya ruins like Caracol, Altun Ha, or Xunantunich allows families to step back in time and witness the remnants of once-mighty civilizations, complete with towering pyramids and intricate stone carvings. Our tour guides were so knowledgeable about the history of the country, the industries, and the people. We learned so much, in a way that felt authentic (and not like learning for the kids).
- Range of activities – Our family loved the variety of outdoor activities and adventures offered in Belize. My kids have a wide range of interests and vary in age (from 5 to 12), so it can be difficult finding activities that everyone in the family can do and will enjoy. In Belize, there were so many outdoor adventures and activities that the whole family loved. From water activities like snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating to mainland activities like cave tubing, hiking, ziplining, and exploring ancient ruins, everyone was included and had fun.
- Safe & affordable - Belize is both safe and affordable for families. With its friendly communities, reliable transportation, advantageous exchange rate, wide variety of affordable accommodations, and a strong focus on tourism, tourists in Belize are well-cared for and appreciated. The country's compact size and efficient transportation options mean you can explore a variety of environments—beaches, jungles, and ancient ruins—without extensive travel costs or safety concerns.
Belize is the perfect first international travel destination for outdoorsy, nature-loving families. From its lush rainforests to the vibrant coral reefs, Belize offers so many outdoor adventures for kids (and adults) of all ages. Whether you're seeking poolside relaxation, encounters with exotic wildlife, or unique outdoor experiences you can’t find anywhere else, Belize has something for everyone. For families eager to create lasting memories in a beautiful and welcoming setting, Belize is an unbeatable destination that will leave you and your kids wanting to return for more adventures!
About the author
Sara McCarty is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, magazine, online
community, and podcast, all about connecting families through outdoor activities and adventures.
Run Wild My Child offers busy parents helpful content about outdoor activities, nature crafts,
kid-friendly travel, gear recommendations, parenting advice, and more. Sara’s a mom of 3, a
wife, and a former corporate securities lawyer turned writer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and
is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her
family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or
geocaching.
