How to Save Money While Vacationing in Belize | Belize Budget Suites

26 Ways To Save Money While Vacationing in Belize

Plan in Advance - Book your flight and lock in your hotel room as early as possible. Many airline carriers and hotels offer "Early Bird" specials, which can reduce your overall travel costs.
Travel During Off-Season - Consider traveling during the off-season (or low season). Airlines and hotels often lower their prices by 30-50% during this time, to add an incentive for many seeking to travel. Off season, also means fewer crowds, so you might enjoy the added space.
Plan Meals & Eating Expenses - Just like meal prep at home, set up a budget on how much you'd like to spend each day on food. Look for ways to enjoy snacks and meals, without spending a lot of cash.
Hotel Room with Kitchen or Kitchenette - Get a hotel room with a kitchen or kitchenette, this will allow you to prepare a lot of your meals right in your room. Breakfast is typically the easiest meal to eat in your room, because there are so many choices - which do not require cooking.
Use Public Transportation - Public transportation may take you longer, but it's also going to be alot cheaper than renting a golf cart or a car. FYI, there are no car rental companies on the island.
Cash - Cash is king in Belize. If you're going to live like a local and eat where locals eat, then you're going to need cash. Many of these smaller establishments don't have credit card machines or strong enough WIFI to operate them.
Bring Reusable Water Bottle - A reusable insulated water bottle is a life-saver. It will not only keep your water cool and refreshing, but keeps a chill for hours in a hot humid climate. It's a lot cheaper to buy water and refill your container, than to constantly be buying a fancy beverage.
Find Hotel in a Central Location - Stay somewhere, where it's easy to get around. Somewhere that has things within walking distance that help you acquire the commodities that you need at reasonable prices.
Walk Around - Don't be afraid to explore on foot. Pack a light backpack in your stuff to use while here (to carry your snacks, and reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug repellent). Enjoy the beach, walking around downtown, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. (at the end of the day when you're tired), simply take a taxi back to the hotel.
Purchase Gifts or Souvenirs at Local Stores - Try to limit your spending on these items. We by nature tend to think souvenirs are so important when you're here (then as we get home), we realize they really aren't a big deal. Souvenirs tend to be more expensive in airports, resort gift shops and tourist areas. Look for the little shops, off the beaten path.
Download Movies - Many airlines charge to watch a movie these days in flight. Plan in advance and download some movies you think you might want to watch during the flight to Belize.
Pack Light - Avoid annoying baggage fees by packing light. By packing right, you can get everything in a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. All you need in Belize, is cotton light weight clothing. Put your clothing in your suitcase, and your personal items in your backpack.
Local Convenience Store - Be sure to keep snacks and goodies on you (at all times), for those moments when its inconvenient and you’re craving a snack (say on that long boat ride to the island).
Use Reward Points - If at all possible, try to redeem your travel points with your credit card company and get discounted/free flights or other sweet rewards like double points on future flights, discounts at hotels, restaurants, and free checked bags.
Save on Phone Bill - Be sure to stay at a hotel which offers free WIFI. This allows you to use many internet apps (like Whatsapp, Skype, Facebook), to communicate with your family and friends.
Book Hotel Room with Breakfast Included - Many hotels will offer some sort of breakfast as included with the room. This checks off one less meal you'll be paying for during the day.
Befriend Locals - It always helps to spark up a conversation with a local. They can help you get the inside scoop on where to find the best food, best entertainment, nightclubs, restaurants, and up & coming events.
Shopping - Women particularly love to window shop, but if you want to save money fight the temptation to do this. A good rule of thumb to follow, if it looks like something you could get back home - then put it down.
Skip Dessert - Alcohol and desserts are the number one reason your food costs will skyrocket. So keep drinking to "Happy Hour" drinks (2 for 1), and pass on the dessert tray.
TSA Requirements - Remember a 50 pound bag going will also be a 50 pound bag returning home. If you buy several items while on vacation, you may be exceeding the weight requirement on your bag coming home. You may not think about it now, but the airlines may hit you up for excessive weight in baggage fees on your trip home, so think before you shop. You may laugh at this suggestion (but it works). If you think you it's important to come home with souvenirs (say for the kids or grand kids), take clothing you don't care about, clothing that is old and worn out. Enjoy your vacation, and purchase the souvenirs you want. Then when it comes time to return home, leave the old clothing in your hotel room, and pack those souvenirs for the kids. This "almost always" guarantees, you won't get hit with excessive weight in baggage fees. Plus who weights a carry-on?
BYOB – You may want to consider bringing your own bottle to some of the local events you enjoy. For example, a trip to Secret Beach can get expensive if you're sitting in the sun with nothing cold to eat or drink. So plan ahead, pack your munchies and bring your favorite bottle of liquor to enjoy for the day. Remember to be discrete.
Don't Forget the Snacks - Keep snacks on you at all times. This will help you avoid buying expensive munchies in between meals.
Tip on Top of Tip - Some restaurants charge an automatic service fee on all their sales tickets (which basically means), the tip has been included. Just another reason to stay away from high-end resorts and touristy areas. Look carefully at your sales ticket for anything that says "service charge", because you might end up tipping on top of tip.
Travel Insurance - Never go on a trip without purchasing travel insurance. It protects you in case of cancellations, sickness, or anything else that would cause you to miss your flight, lose your luggage, or belongings. You can purchase flight insurance on your own or through the airline.
Alert the Bank & Credit Card Companies - Some banks flag your account when you travel to a new destination, in fear of fraud or stolen identity. Give your banks and/or credit card companies a heads up the week before you travel. It's a horrible feeling to be stranded in another country, with no access to your money.
Rent a Bike - Renting a bicycle is much cheaper than renting a golf cart or a vehicle, another great way to save money on your vacation.

How To Save Money by Planning Ahead

Before Visiting Belize

Do Your Homework - Planning ahead, can save you a ton of money right from the very beginning.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay? - You can spend hours looking through website after website to find the perfect place to stay. There are so many things to consider, no doubt you're looking for the best location, the best hotel, the best price, the best of everything. BINGO! We've eliminated all the hours you're going to spend by answering all your questions just in this one website alone.

Airline Ticket Prices - By planning ahead (far enough in advance), you can take advantage of "Early Bird" travel discounts and special offers.
Belize Budget Suites (Facebook) - Follow Belize Budget Suites on Facebook. We offer many insider tips on travel adventures and things to know, when visiting Belize.
Belize Budget Suites (Website) - Read through all the drop down menus, we've tried to provide as much details as possible, to ensure your vacation to Belize will be a success.
Belize Travel Guidebook - Buy yourself a good Belize travel guide book. These books are typically written by professionals whose only job is to research the topic they are writing about.
Make a List of Things You'd Like To Do - Start making a list of the things you'd like to do. Try to find the cost associated with each adventure you have in mind.
Look For Free Things To Do - Read through your guidebook and this website, there are many suggestions on free things to do and local attractions. To include parks, museums, nature walks, beaches, swimming holes are all great ways to stay entertained without spending a lot of money.
Flexible Dates - Have some flexible dates in mind. If you're willing to travel during low season (May to October), you can pick up some unbelievable discounts on airfare with airlines and tour operators. Take advantage of off-season travel and save some cash.
Flight Departure Dates - Look for flights that leave on Monday-Wednesday, these are typically cheaper than flights that leave and return on weekends.

How To Save Money When Packing

Laundry Services - Stay somewhere with a washer/dryer (or) laundry services. This allows you to take less clothing. Less clothing means less baggage, which means less baggage fees. Belize Budget Suites offers laundry services (relatively inexpensive).
Pack Wisely - If you pack wisely, you can get everything in a "carry-on suitcase & a back-pack" for a 1-2 week vacation in Belize. Keep your clothing cotton and lightweight. No 100% polyester items, they retain heat by not allowing your body to breath. Put your clothing in the carry-on suitcase, and your personal items in the backpack. Wear your heavy (winter clothing) on the plane (i.e. jeans, tennis shoes, wind breakers and/or coats).

Ways to Save Money When Traveling

Airport Parking - Have a friend drop you off and pick you up at the airport. This saves you from having to pay for airport parking while you're gone on vacation.
Food & Drinks - Bring food, drink & snacks with you, both for the plane and the following day. We also recommend bringing an insulated refillable water bottle. Then as you travel and need to empty liquids, it's easy pour out the liquid, retain the container and keep going. After your checkpoints, you can refill again later.
Baggage Fees - Often airlines have had to make numerous changes in order to remain competitive. Many of these airlines are now charging for checked bags. Make sure the hotel you're staying at has laundry facilities, as this will allow you to keep your packing as light as possible. Travel with one carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This avoids extra baggage fees you might encounter along your trip.
Concierge Fees - Carry your own bags. If an airport porter offers to carry your bags, polite fully decline. Typically this service is associated with a tip. If you're looking to keep your costs down, decline the offer, stating that you'll simply carry your own bags.
Public Transportation - Use public transportation whenever possible. Gas can be expensive in Belize, therefore taxi cabs and private shuttles will be more expensive than public transportation. When opting to get to the island (Ambergris Caye), take the water taxi (vs. private aircraft), simply because it's cheaper.
Cash is King in Belize. There is no need to worry about exchanging money after you arrive, losing some of your hard earned cash to exchange fees. United States dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere you go in Belize. I have yet to meet someone who has turned down American money.
Credit Cards - Use a credit card that doesn’t charge you for international exchange fees. Avoid using ATM's, they can seriously eat away at your travel savings with all their fees.
Create a Checking Account - Which exclusively holds all your vacation money. If at all possible, apply for a debit card (tied to this account), and use this card (in lieu of cash) whenever possible.

Travel During Low-Season (May-November)

Travel In The Off Season - Off season is a time to save money on airfare and accommodations. It's a well known fact, the Belize tourism season lasts from mid December to April. Many hotels and resorts actually close down during the peak hurricane months (September & October) due to the lack of tourists. You can drive a hard bargain and get discounts of as much as 50% off during low season. Definitely a buyers market!

Don't Fly Direct to Belize

Do Not Fly Direct To Belize - Flights to Belize from the main hubs in North America are very expensive. Instead, fly to Cancun and catch the ADO bus. You will save about 50% off your airfare and get to see two countries at the same time. If you must fly direct to Belize, be flexible on your travel dates. Fly in the off season, when airlines offer discounts which help make flying to Belize affordable (you can expect 10%-40% in discounts). Most airlines have super saver discount alerts, you can sign up for.

Take Water Taxi Instead of Plane to the Island

Take Water Taxi, Instead of the Plane - There's a huge difference when it comes to traveling back and forth from the mainland to the island, you have two options. #1) A puddle jumper flight, will cost you about $90.USD one way (travel time 15 minutes). #2) Water taxi, will cost you about $38.USD one way (travel time 1-1/2 hours). By taking the water taxi, you will be saving $52.USD one way or $104.USD round trip. If you're looking to save money, take the water taxi to the island.

Stay at Belize Budget Suites

Stay At Belize Budget Suites - Email us at: caribbeanislandgirl@gmail.com
Telephone: Whatsapp (501) 632-3589 or Landline at 501-226-4402
Belize Budget Suites caters to the traveler looking for first class accommodations traveling on a budget. Other rooms on island typically charge between $210-$650. USD per night. Belize Budget Suites charges $65.-$120.USD per night. The property is located 1.5 miles south of San Pedro (which equates to about a 10 minute drive) to and from the property.

How To Save Money Once You've Arrived

Ask For Assistance

Once you arrive to Belize Budget Suites, the front desk will provide you with a quick briefing on the island. This briefing will help you quickly access all the things you may immediately need in the next 24 hours. In your room you will find a guest handbook, which explains everything you need to know about enjoying the island and living like a local. It explains where the local restaurants are, how to get there, what to do in case of an emergency, who to call, what's available within walking distance of the hotel and events you may want to participate in and enjoy while visiting. One of the best ways to save money, is to ask the front desk for assistance.

Front Desk - Can steer you in the right direction, to the business and services you need, at the cheapest possible prices. Ask them about who's serving the best "Happy Hour" drink specials (2 for 1 on rum drinks).
Ask A Local - Asking locals for recommendations, is a great way to find out insider information. For those of us who live in Belize (we all know), more gets done by word of mouth than any form of advertising.

Use a Bike to Get Around the Island

Bicycle Rentals - You have several options when it comes to getting around the island (walking, riding a bike, renting a golf cart or taking a taxi). The cheapest by far is walking, renting a bike is your second best option. A bike rental will cost you about $10-15. USD per day, a gold cart will cost you about $65. USD per day (plus gasoline), and a taxi will cost you about $5.USD for every stop you make. Here at Belize Budget Suites we rent bicycles for $10.USD per day.
Travel Insider Tip - If you think you might like to go to Secret Beach, you won't be able to do this on a bicycle. Secret Beach is about 9 miles north (one way), on a dusty, bumpy dirt road. It's best to rent a golf cart for the day, and drive. We can help you secure a (good quality golf cart), at a competitive rate. Simply ask our front desk for assistance.

Belize Budget Suites

Within Walking Distance of the Hotel

Within Walking Distance From Belize Budget Suites You'll find many small family owned businesses just like us. This makes it easy, when you need to grab a bite to eat and/or purchase a few groceries to take back to your room. Things you can expect to find within walking distance of the hotel are:

3 Restaurants
2 Grocery Stores
Produce Stands
Paleta Popsicles
Barber Shop

Because this is a relatively small island, almost everything can be accessed with a 10 minute drive in either a golf cart or taxi cab. For tours and adventures that involve diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, most tour operators (if they know in advance), can pick you up at the dock closest to the hotel (which means only about a 1-2 minute walk) for you. You'll find as well, while walking the streets, many of the locals aren't opposed to giving you a lift, if politely asked.

Travel Insider Tip - Purchase more food than you think you'll eat. Box it up and take your leftovers back to your room. Later than evening or the following day, simply heat them up in the microwave. This makes for a quick & easy meal without alot of fuss.

Food-Drink-Snacks

Additional ways to save money is by staying at hotels which have a kitchen or kitchenette, which Belize Budget Suites has. This allows you the ability to fix a few things in your room, without always eating out. Here at Belize Budget Suites, each room includes: A full size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee pot (unlimited coffee), dishes, utensils, silverware, and glassware. Some ideas for creating meals in your room include:

Breakfast Ideas - Sliced fresh fruit, toast, jam, cereal, granola, milk, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, coffee, juice.
Lunches Ideas - Sandwiches, deli meats, cheeses, peanut butter/jelly, fresh fruits & vegetables, salads, ceviche, microwave popcorn, chips, cookies, biscuits, sodas, juices and beers.
Coffee - Belize Budget Suites offers unlimited coffee, so enjoy this little vacation PERK.
Snacks - Be sure when going out each day, to put enough snacks (purchased at the local grocery store) in your bag. These come in handy when feeling hungry, and will prevent you from over spending on expensive snacks options when tempted.

Travel Insider Tip - Additionally, one of the things we've always done when (traveling), order more food than you typically think you'll eat. Eat a portion of it, usually the portion that doesn't store well (like salads with dressing, french fries, etc), then box the rest up and take it back to your room. Leftovers come in handy later in the evening or the following day, when heated up in the microwave. This gives you a quick, easy meal without alot of fuss.

Stay Away From Luxury Resort Prices

Avoid Luxury Resort Tourist Areas - If saving money is your goal, then avoid high-end fancy, luxury resorts. Typically the drinks and/or food at these establishments are more pricey than you can find elsewhere. Even resort restaurants (open to the public) can take a serious hit on your wallet. The easiest way to save money on your vacation in Belize, is to live like a local, eat where they eat, and drink where they drink.

Eat Like a Local

Eat Like a Local - To help save money on your vacation, you'll want to eat where the locals eat. Which means stay away from the big fancy restaurants, with the big fancy prices.
Here are some pointers for keeping your food costs down, while on vacation in Belize:

Eat Where Locals Eat - There are restaurants tourists go to and then there's restaurants locals go to. To save money, you're going to want to go to the restaurants locals go to. Ask our front desk to help you find these local island restaurants. Street vendor food is also another great option (for saving money), we've gotten some fantastic breakfast burritos at Norma's (located on Back Street by Super Buy) for just $2.00 USD for each loaded burrito.
Eating Out - Try to eat breakfast in your room, and the rest of your meals out. Breakfast is probably the easiest meal of the day to have inside your hotel room. There are some great selections of things to eat, that don't require cooking like: Sliced fresh fruit, toast, jam, cereal, granola, milk, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, coffee, and juice. Many have chosen to purchase more food than they can eat (while at restaurants), boxing up their leftovers and bringing them back to their room to heat up later.
Food & Drinks - Try to stick to bottled water, as much as possible. It hydrates very well and is the cheapest drink you can purchase here in Belize. If you're looking for something (that packs a punch), check out the local bars offering "Happy Hour" drink specials (2 for 1 rum drinks). Still better yet, buy yourself a bottle of Belizean rum (at the local grocery store), add your favorite mixer, maybe a few local beers and take it back to your room. When getting out for the day, take along your own snacks and drinks, as it avoids the urge to pay for expensive options.

Travel Insider Tip - Before going back to your room for the night, make sure you have enough in stock to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your room the following morning. This may mean, stopping at the grocery store before returning to the hotel. This will save you a trip in the morning and certainly add to the enjoyment of a relaxing morning while on vacation.

La Divina Providencia

A local restaurant within walking distance of Belize Budget Suites

La Divina Providencia Serves great local food & homemade papusas. Most meals can be purchased between $6-$12.USD | $12.-$24.BZD. I think you'll agree, by the looks of these pictures, local food looks pretty delicious if you ask me.

Waraguma's - Located downtown San Pedro

Waraguma's is located in downtown San Pedro, about a 10 minute ride from Belize Budget Suites to the restaurant. If you're looking for local seafood, then don't miss this spot. Our families favorite entree', is the seafood burrito (to die for). Prices range from $12.-15.USD | $24.-$30.BZD. If you want my opinion, I honestly don't know if luxury resort food can look any better than this.

Robyn's Kitchen - Jamacian BBQ

Local barbecue located within walking distance of Belize Budget Suites

Robyn's Kitchen BBQ - Robyn specializes in Jamaican barbecue, anything from BBQ chicken, jerk chicken, curry chicken to fried fish. Most barbecue can be purchased between $7-$10.USD | $14.-$20.BZD All meals are served with accompaniments of (cole slaw or potato salad), rice & beans. Some of our guests have told us, Robyn's barbecue is the best barbecue on the entire island.

Drink Water Instead of Fancy Drinks

Make Bottled Water Your Main Beverage - Water is the cheapest beverage you can drink, and bottled water is widely sold in all stores in Belize. We recommend bringing a reusable, insulated water bottle with you when you come. Bottled water can be purchased in small (8 oz.) containers for $.50USD, one liter (32 oz.) bottles for $.75USD, one gallon containers for $1.50USD, and five gallon containers for $2.50USD. The sun can get hot here in Belize, so be sure to stay hydrated. Water is cheaper than soda, juice, beer, wine, or any hard alcohol. Avoid buying bottled water at resorts, or other touristy areas (like gift shops), as the prices are typically higher. Buy your bottled water either at our front desk (which we price the same as grocery stores), or at supermarkets and community stores.

Drink Like a Local

Drink Like a Local - First rule to drinking in Belize is do not open a bar tab. Like anywhere, tourists can be targeted by a dishonest bartender who slaps on a few extra drinks on the bill. Pay for drinks as you go, this way there isn't a dispute as to how many you actually ordered verses how many you are actually paying for. Because in the end (if there is a dispute), the bartender will always win. Here are some ways to drink in Belize and still save money.

Happy Hour Drinks - Many local bars offer "Happy Hour" drink specials (typically made with local rum). You get two drinks for the price of one, so this is a great way to save money.
Minimize Drinking at Bars - Drinking at bars is a great way to experience Belizean culture, but it can quickly add up and take a serious ding to your wallet. If you desire the bar experience, go to bars during "happy hour" when they offer the drink specials and do the rest of your drinking in your room.
Buy a bottle of rum - Buy a bottle of local rum (at your local grocery store), along with your favorite mixer, perhaps even a few local beers, and head back to your room. This is a much cheaper option, than drinking at a bar. Rum is locally made in Belize, and is the most inexpensive liquor you can buy.

If you'd like to know who's offering drink specials around town, simply ask the front desk and they can steer you to a few local bars with the best drink specials.

Limit Your Souvenir Purchases

Keep Your Souvenir Purchases to a Minimum - If you're packing light (with a carry-on), chances are you won't have alot of luggage space left over, so keep your souvenir purchases to a minimum. Tell family/friends (back home) before you leave, not to expect anything in the way of a souvenir when you get back. Another great suggestion is, don't buy a souvenir the moment you see it. Throughout the course of your trip, make a mental note of who's selling what and for how much. Then during the last few days of your trip, go back to the stores with the best prices and purchase your souvenir there. The only exception to this would be if you're somewhere and not coming back (like a remote place on the mainland), or if your souvenir is a rare or limited item, not commonly found. Snag it while you can, because it might not be there, when you come back.

Taxi's & Cabs - How to Save Money

Taxi's & Fares - Taxi's are a great way to get around the island. The typical fare from one point to another point (in town) is $10.BZD or $5.00 USD for about 1-2 people (the more people, the higher the fare). The more drop offs, the higher the fare, so make each stop count.
Travel Insider Tip: Prior to getting into a taxi, state your destination and ask what the cost will be to take you there. This is the best way to prevent being overcharged once you arrive at your destination. Upon exiting the taxi, be sure to ask for driver's name, telephone number and/or business card. After you've finished enjoying yourself, you will no doubt need someone to take you back to your hotel for the night. Best person to call is the person who just dropped you off.

Use Public Transportation

Water Taxi from Mainland to Ambergris Caye

Public Transportation - Retired School Buses

Use Public Transportation - There really isn't alot of public transportation on the island, other than the water taxi's to and from Ambergris Caye and motorized taxi's (often mini-vans) on ground. Public transportation (typically retired school buses) applies more when doing things on the mainland. Gas can be expensive in Belize, so shuttles and private transfers tend to be a bit more expensive (so for this reason), many locals choose to use public transportation. Public buses run throughout Belize during the day, and the cost is very in-expesnsive.

Un-Guided Activities

Unguided Activities - Belize in general, has a variety of things you can do, without being escorted by a guide. You simply show up, pay the park or entrance fee and take off. Keep in mind, some of these sites are not easy for most tourists to find. After you've just spent a few hours playing around, you're going to need someone to pick you up and take you back to your original destination. Who will do that, and how will you contact them? Additionally where will you go for lunch or find something to eat? and How far is it, to the next gas station? All questions you'll need to answer if doing activities alone. Keep in mind, that many of these activities, parks, and monuments are located deep in Belizean rainforest/jungle (so for this reason), many chose to be escorted by a licensed tour guide, to get them to and from the site safely.
Travel Insider Tip - For those on island (you don't need a guide), to go to Secret Beach. It's located about 9-10 miles north of Belize Budget Suites, and can take you about 45 minutes to drive one way. The best way to do this, is by renting a golf cart for 24 hours (or for the day), rather than taking a taxi. Use this opportunity (while you have the cart), to drive around the island and check out where you might want to go when on foot. Belize Budget Suites can help you obtain a good quality golf cart (at a competitive rate), simply ask our front desk to help you.

Guided Activities

Guided Activities - For many of the activities in Belize, the government will require you to use a license-tour guide. These tour guides have been put through months of extensive training, as to visitor safety, text book discussions and testing as to Belize history and ancient Mayan civilizations. They have been taught how to identify various snakes, how to respond to emergencies, identify plants, artifacts, and trees. Most of the monuments protected by the government of Belize, are protected by these licensed-tour guides.

We hope you found this information extremely helpful.
Here at Belize Budget Suites, we look forwarding to hosting your next vacation to Belize.

How To Save Money