I didn’t write about it while we were gone because apparently the new big thing is stealing from people who announce via the internet that they are leaving their homes unattended, but my wife and I just got back from a little vacation to Belize, using Delta miles and some of my remaining Best Western Points from this contest where I introduced you to Corey, my old water cooler. If you’re pregnant, about to be pregnant, working on being pregnant (whee!) or thinking about how much your life is gonna change when those little kids come, here’s everything you’ll need to decide if a Belize Babymoon is right for you.
What is it like in Belize?
The amazing thing about this Best Western was that it was TOTALLY OURS! It is on a little island separated by a half mile of water from San Pedro, and the entire hotel was totally empty except for us, which at first felt like the Shining, but eventually felt like we were super rich and owned our own little island! (paid for with best western points.)
The purpose of this trip is what you call a “babymoon.” After the vomitty first trimester, and before the giganticy 3rd trimester, you take a little trip while you’ve got time to relax. So we did. People kept asking us if we were going “fishing” or “snorkeling” or “quotation marks-ing” but we didn’t do nothing. Belize is an incredible place with beautiful weather and awesome nature, where you can also focus entirely on sleeping, eating growing your mustache and making love – you know, vacation shit.
While I was there I read a delightful book called “The Idle Parent: Why Laid-Back Parents Raise Happier and Healthier Kids,” which is a little self-serving on the way to being a parent and sitting on vacation, but it was very good. Highly recommend it.
UPDATE: I now have a 12 and 10 year old, and still think about this book at least 3-4 times a year.
Things I learned about Belize on our Babymoon
Here are some things I learned about Belize:
1) The national food seems to be whatever fish you bought from a dude that day, grilled with rice & beans and cole slaw. And it was so good, I’m going to force my child to eat basically that 4-5 days a week.
2) It is very hot there sometimes.
3) The people speak a mix of Creole, Spanish and English, so at all times you feel like you are just missing what’s so funny.
4) Lizards.
5) Pretty water.
Is it safe to go to Belize?
We felt completely safe when we were on our Belize Babymoon the whole time, but we never spent any time in a very densely packed city like Belize City.
Here’s the more technical answer:
Belize is a beautiful country with many attractions, but it also has some safety issues that you should be aware of before you go. According to the U.S. Department of State1, U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to Belize City, especially the Southside area, due to gang violence and gun crime. The UK Foreign Office2 also advises caution in this area and recommends following local advice on security. Others suggest that Belize is generally safe for travelers who are smart and vigilant, but they also warn of risks such as petty theft, scams, sexual assaults, and home invasions (Joel’s note – the same list of things exists for basically every country on Earth.) You should always keep your valuables secure, avoid walking alone at night, and be careful when using public transportation or taxis. If you follow these tips and stay alert, you can enjoy your trip to Belize safely.
Belize Travel Advisory (state.gov)
Belize travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For questions about additional health risks, see below:
Is there a risk of Zika when traveling on a Belize Babymoon?
Yes, Belize is an area with a risk of Zika. There are smart precautions you can take but according to the CDC:
Zika is a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and cause birth defects such as microcephaly. Zika is a serious health concern for pregnant women and their partners. According to the CDC1, Belize is a Zika risk area, and travelers should avoid nonessential travel to this country. The CDC also advises travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or window screens. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before traveling to Belize or any other Zika risk area.
What precautions can you take to protect against Zika on your Central American Babymoon?
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Follow the product instructions and reapply as needed. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated items. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes. Do not use permethrin on skin.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or window screens. Use a bed net if you are sleeping outside or in a room that is not well screened.
- Avoid areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed. Remove any containers that can hold water around your home, school, or work site.
- Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms correctly every time or abstaining from sex. Zika can remain in semen for months after infection and can be passed to your partner during sex.
These recommendations are provided for information only and do not take the place of a doctors advice. Consult with your doctor before any decisions related to travel while pregnant.
What’s the best time of year to take your Belize Babymoon?
Belize has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, some seasons may be more suitable for a babymoon than others. The dry season, from November to April, is generally considered the best time to visit Belize, as it has less rain, fewer mosquitoes, and lower prices. The wet season, from May to October, is more humid and rainy, but it also has fewer tourists and more wildlife sightings. The peak of the hurricane season is from August to October, so you may want to avoid this period if possible. Ultimately, the best time of year to take your Belize babymoon depends on your personal preferences and budget. You should also consult your doctor before making any travel plans and follow their advice on vaccinations, medications, and precautions.
For more information on the best times to book travel, and the best times to find a good deal on a flight, check out Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) from a guy named Scott from Yellow Springs, Ohio. This site is absolutely brilliant, I’ve been a member for 2+ years, and it’s probably saved me about $2000-$3000 a year in flight costs.
What is a babymoon?
A babymoon is a term that refers to a trip or vacation taken by a couple or an expecting parent before the birth of their child. It is similar to a honeymoon, but it happens before the baby arrives instead of after the wedding. The purpose of a babymoon is to relax, reconnect, and celebrate the upcoming arrival of the new family member. A babymoon can be as long or as short as you want, and it can be anywhere you feel comfortable and happy. Some people prefer to stay close to home, while others like to travel to exotic destinations. A babymoon is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Where is Belize?
Belize is a country on the north-eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Belize covers an area of about 22,966 square kilometers (8,867 square miles), making it the second-smallest country in Central America after El Salvador. Belize has a population of about 419,000 people, making it the least-populous country in Central America. The capital city is Belmopan, located in the center of the country. The largest city is Belize City, located on the coast. Belize is known for its diverse culture, rich history, natural beauty, and wildlife. It is home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, as well as many ancient Maya sites.