Discover The Mayan World In Belize: Part 2

In case you missed out on our previous article, we took a look at five Mayan ruins that you need to visit while in Belize. We listed Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Caracol, Cahal Pech and Santa Rita as part of the ultimate historical and cultural experience.

To add to this, we’ll be taking a look at the second half of our “10 Mayan ruins worth visiting” list.

1. Mayan ruins worth visiting – continued

6.  Lamanai

The area one of the largest Maya ceremonial centres. This city has been occupied for over 2000 years making it one of the longest-occupied cities. It is home to over 719 structures that related to different periods of time. For example, two 16th century churches and a 19th-century sugar mill.

7. Cerro Maya

This coastal trade centre is located in the Bay of Chetmal. It’s believed that the city fell as a result of changing trade routes. The area is partially underwater, but that doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of the stunning designs and structures and the picturesque views. A Dallas-based company acquired the site a few years ago with the intent of excavating the ceremonial centre to become a major tourist attraction. Unfortunately – for them – the company went bankrupt, and the development never took place.

8. Barton Creek Cave

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cayo. Not only is it a natural beauty, but it also contains all of the cultural remains left in caves by the ancient Mayans. The remains and artefacts discovered along the river’s ledges reveal that the cave formed an important part of ancient ruins.

9. Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit received its name from one of the site’s 26 stelae that resembles a figure wearing a headdress. Nim Li Punit means big hat, in honour of the stela. This site is smaller than the others but is nonetheless breathtaking. It is believed to have served as a royal place of worship.

10. Lubaantun

Lubaantun, or the place of fallen stones, is a ceremonial center with an unusual cultural construction style. The structures are made of stone blocks with no mortar or agent to bind them. The buildings built on top of the pyramids were made using perishable remains and therefore didn’t survive.

It’s Time To Travel Back In Time

Belize is home to hundreds of famous sites and ancient Mayan ruins as well as beautiful waterfalls, volcanoes, lush jungles and, of course, its impressive barrier reef.

When it comes to visiting the country, you’re spoilt for choice, just like when you visit this website. The recent announcement by the Belizean government to allow vaccinated travelers to enter the borders without having to be tested for COVID-19 makes this one of the few global destinations that you can explore during this confusing time.

Belize Announces That COVID-19 Tests Are No Longer Required If You’re Vaccinated

Travel restrictions have become a reality for many countries as the pandemic forces them to close their borders or block off potential visitors from high-risk countries. As a result, the tourism industry is taking a knock. To help travelers enter Belize, the Belize government has updated its COVID-19 protocols to allow vaccinated travelers to enter the country without needing to present a negative COVID-19 test.

How will this be controlled?

To ensure the safety of the citizens of Belize as well as its visitors, all travelers need to provide proof of vaccination, in a similar way as they would a COVID-19 test. The vaccine needs to have been administered at least two weeks before their arrival in Belize. In the event that they’re unable to prove their claims, they’ll need to undergo a COVID-19 test as a safety precaution.

What does this mean for unvaccinated travellers?

If you are travelling to Belize and have not yet been vaccinated, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result four days before your flight or a negative rapid Antigen test result two days before your flight.

In the event that you do not have the medical certificates to support your claim, you’ll need to go for a COVID-19 test at the airport at your own expense, which is $50.

The bottom line is that to ensure the safety of all people travelling and the country that you’re entering, you’ll need to do your part in stopping the spread of the virus and building immunity.

What implication does this have on people travelling from Belize to other countries?

This will depend on your destination; however, Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has put measures in place to test travellers departing from Belize and headed for countries that require a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

These updated COVID-19 protocols and travel requirements have come about as a result of the drop of daily cases within Belize. It proves that the government’s efforts in slowing down the spread of the disease have been successful and that future efforts to maintain control of the spread should follow the same trend. All that staying at home and having the kind of fun you can enjoy when you check this site has worked.

What does this mean moving forward?

All tourism officials and other travel stakeholders that are on the frontline will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine to ensure their safety when dealing with travellers from multiple countries. Existing health and safety protocols will remain in place and need to be adhered to at all times.

We need to remember that we are still living in a the time of a global pandemic and while restrictions have been adjusted, this does not mean that the virus is any less of a threat.

Belize is trying to position itself as a safe tourism destination and has even received the official World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels that confirms the validity of their claim.

Flying for long periods of time can be draining – mentally and physically. In addition to the stress of airport security procedures, ensuring all your essentials are packed and aboard the plane, you’ll also be navigating tense personal emotions and traveling companions.

Though the aforementioned traveling challenges are commonly mentioned, the physical toll your body takes during traveling is sometimes underestimated. Besides the feet swelling, dehydration, dry skin, headaches, poor sleep, there is – of course – jet lag and often dramatic changes in temperature and humidity.

It’s clear: the body and mind need to be extra prepared for these stressors, and simple steps can be taken to avoid the fatigue and overwhelm that too often accompanies flying. Especially if you suffer during longer flights and are looking to ease your flight comfort, these flight tips are for you!

1. Get a good seat

When you check-in, ask the person assisting your flight details if they could book you a specific seat. Some people prefer to sit in a window seat, to better enjoy their view and lean against the cabin. Others, mainly people who prefer extra space or those who may feel uncomfortable going to the toilet throughout the flight, enjoy the aisle seat. Whichever seat or location in the place suits you better, see if you can book your ideal seat!

2. Upgrade your flight comfort

Of course, if it’s possible, it’s recommended to upgrade your flight. Moving into business and especially first-class allows you to sleep, eat and rest in complete comfort. One should not undervalue the impact that even medium-haul flights take on the body. The top tip is to fly in comfort.

To enjoy utmost comfort during your flight, there are also options to fly to your dream destination in absolute style! Traveling all around the world are luxurious air services, such as bitluxtravel.com/, which specializes in high-end travel options. If traveling in style is more to your liking, consider whether a private jet or even helicopter charter would work better for you.

If you’re flying to a smaller, more secluded destination like Belize, its small runway cannot comfortably accommodate larger planes. Therefore, you may as well take advantage of this perfect excuse to spoil yourself and your loved ones – with the holiday starting before you even arrive!

3. Check in early

If you are traveling on a commercial flight, it’s important to check in early – ensuring your seat, punctuality, and relieved nerves. If you choose to fly privately, this does not apply to you, as your flight will cater well to you, prioritize your every need and satisfy any time concerns.

4. De-stress on the flight

Though the physical impact of travel is only now becoming better understood, it is best to make sure you feel comfortable and physically fit during your flight. Ensuring physical relief will be easier if you choose to fly in comfort (tip number 2), but it’s essential to remember to use a pillow, a blanket, and even some earplugs for better sleep. To make sure your body is relaxed, stretch whenever you feel the need. If you are on a smaller plane, personalized care will ensure your comfort will not be a concern.

5. Dress wisely

Dressing smart is about understanding your comfort needs and preparing for temperature fluctuations. It is advisable to wear layered clothing during your flight, as you can remove or items as you need – affording you many options during your flight.

It’s also wise to consider your shoe wear, making sure your feet won’t feel too restricted by potential swelling or uncomfortable while you’re relaxing. Avoiding heels and heavy boots are a great idea. Plus, consider bringing along some socks to assist with swelling.

6. Proper nutrition

Good nutrition is essential before, during, and after your flight. It’s important to stay hydrated and to eat some light snacks during the flight to boost mood, stabilizing blood pressure, and reducing your risk of motion sickness.

If you’d like to take your own snacks onto the plane, make sure they’re compliant with flying regulations. Additionally, there are some recommended foods to eat and those which are better to avoid before and during the flight. Do some research and see what works best for you.

7. Personal entertainment

Lastly, bring some entertainment for yourself. From music, podcasts, a journal, or a book, longer flights are likely to be somewhat restrictive. So, allow yourself to make good use of your travel time. Side note: Another benefit of higher-end travel is the likelihood of wifi on the plane, plus a great selection of movies and in-flight entertainment.

Enjoy your travel – and flying – experience! It may make all the difference to your restful time away, minimizing the physical impact of flying and leaving you more energy for your days in paradise.

For many of us trying to stay fit and healthy during these troubling times with Covid-19 has become a paramount concern. With governments and health organizations suggesting that we all try to do at least 1 hour of exercise each day to help with our physical and mental condition. Whilst it is difficult to safely practice social distancing and keep fit at the same time there are many options that should ensure our safety and the safety of others.

Water sports are one of the best ways in which to keep in shape and ensure a lack of contact with others. It is not always easy to do so for people who are in inner-city environments but many of us live near lakes, the ocean, or rivers. There are many different water sports and activities that can be practiced on these bodies of water that we are lucky enough to live by. Amongst them is kayaking. Kayaking can be great fun for all ages and relatively inexpensive but without the proper means to access the water safely, a Kayak Lift is a great option to help lower the craft into the water and also help to retrieve the craft, they can also be used for other vessels to enter or exit the body of water you have been enjoying.

The Health Benefits of Using A Kayak

Kayaking is a very popular sport and hobby throughout the world it has become very popular whether it is kayaking in the seas of Belize or lakes and rivers in Switzerland people enjoy the freedom it gives them and the numerous health benefits you can gain, including:

• Increasing body strength, the upper body will greatly benefit from kayaking. Shoulders, back, and arms will soon become more developed.
• The health of your heart will also be increased as the rate of exercise will increase the red blood cells in your body.
• Some foods including beef, fish, and cheese are high in fat and produce Vitamin D but are not a substitute for getting natural sunlight which also produces the vitamins we need to sustain healthy bones, helps to boost our immune system, and can even help with our brain functions.

There are many other benefits from being a casual or avid kayaker including the social aspect that the sport brings.

Increasing Your Happiness by Kayaking

Spending time outdoors is proven to help with keeping our mental health and our overall levels of happiness higher. With all the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and exercise it naturally makes us feel better. Chemicals when kayaking and exercising are released throughout the body including dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine. These natural chemicals which the body produces can help with depression and a feeling of wellbeing.

It is possible to also purchase a kayak with a clear bottom letting you enjoy the beauty of the fish and the body of water you are on. Very relaxing for the mind and giving you an insight into your environment.

Improving Friendships and Family Connections 

Kayaking is a great way to help improve family and friendship relations, being out on the water has a special way of helping people to bond especially during these troubling times that we face. It is important to maintain these relationships and being a fairly easy sport or hobby to practice kayaking is great in helping with this.

Whilst we need to practice social distancing, being out on the open water is a great way to still socialize with other people whilst maintaining a safe distance. Try joining a local club and experience the joys you will get from kayaking and help to keep yourself healthy and still being able to interact with other like minded people.

How to Choose the Right Type of Kayak When Buying

There are many considerations when choosing the right kayak for you or your family. First is the body of water on which you want to use the kayak on, sea or ocean kayaks are different to fresh water vessels. There are two main types to consider, both with equal attributes to take into account.

• Sit-on-top kayaks are generally the more popular of the choices you have. They are child friendly and are very stable affording ease of embarking and disembarking. Although generally larger which may require a kayak lift to help you with launching they can be used in both salt water environments and fresh water. Many people enjoy fishing with them due to the room and space they afford.
• The second alternative is the sit-inside version which you can seal and are mostly used by experienced kayak enthusiasts and for sporting purposes. Once sealed in if you have turned the kayak it takes some practice to turn back over, before you set out trying out techniques for righting yourself is important.

Both are great options depending on your needs and budget. Before purchasing you could ask the advice of a local club to help you choose the type and even brand best suited to you.

Tips for Maintaining Your Kayak

It is very important as with any vessel to maintain your kayak and keep it in safe working condition. Kayaks are often an expensive investment for many of us and the same rules apply as with anything expensive, taking care of is important. Here are some tips to help you maintain your kayak and ensure the safety of yourself and family:

1. Before taking out the kayak make sure that the inside is clean and free from any animals that may have thought they have found a nice new home. Spiders and rodents could be a major distraction once you get out on the water.
2. After being on the water, especially salt water it is very important to clean the kayak both inside and outside using a mild soap or detergent to help combat any sand, mud or salt accumulating.
3. Keeping the kayak out of the sun. This may sound ironic as the main point is to be in the outdoors but sun damage when storing can have a detrimental effect on the boat.
4. Make sure to use appropriate transport. And if necessary use a kayak launcher to help reduce the damage to the bottom of your craft, avoid starting from a rough or uneven surface.

Good maintenance is essential for your enjoyment and takes very little time once you are back at home or the boat yard. Buying a kayak is an investment and should be regarded as such.

Summary

Whilst water sports are not for everybody it is well worth before buying a kayak to ask around with your friends or colleagues if anyone has a kayak of either description and that you may join them the next time they are venturing out. Apart from the health aspects, the sheer beauty of the nature you can enjoy is worth it. 

Almost all areas where there is water there will be a local kayaking club and will give you advice on the best ways to enjoy the sport, whether it is just for pleasure or for a more adventurous activity it is something that most people enjoy so long as it is done in a safe fashion. Next time you’re on holiday aslo you have the opportunity to explore more and see things your friends may have not.