By my standards (certainly not everyone’s) I spent a ridiculous amount of money in Belize. A basic place to sleep, simple meals (many cooked in the hotel) and maybe one beer set me back about 30-35 dollars a day. Part of the problem is that everything (even stuff in supermarkets) has to be shipped to the island from the mainland and is thus really expensive.
Still, though, Caye Caulker is a wonderful place and probably shouldn’t be missed on a trip through Central America. People traveling on a budget can probably splurge for a couple days of island life.
That said, I bet most “budget” packpackers spent tons more money than I did. I wouldn’t be surprised if most were spending at least 50 dollars a day. Here’s what you can do to reduce costs:
Don’t stay right on the beach. Everything is literally a one minute walk from the beach – do you really need to be RIGHT on it? On the beach, the best 10 US dollars will get you is a bedbug-ridden dorm bed. Off the beach in the wonderful Sandy Lane Hotel, 10 US dollars a night (well, 20 for two people) will get you a private cabin with your own washroom, fridge, complete kitchen and TV. And there’s a place to barbeque! Staying here saves money because of good cooking facilities. The same kind of cabin would be double the price on the beach.
Don’t drink that much! Jeez… a beer in bar costs about 4 US$, a cocktail about 7 US$. Do you really need to get wasted while you are here? If you want to drink, go to one of the liquor stores off the beach and buy some beer or coconut rum. Much cheaper (about 1.50 US$ for a bottle of beer or 10US$ for a big bottle of rum.)
Cook! My brother and I bought a box of cornflakes and milk for breakfast, and barbequed fresh fish for dinner.
When eating out, don’t eat right on the beach. It’s pretty easy to get a big delicious lunch for 5 US$ (cheap for Caye Caulker) if you eat off the beach at a place like Sea Garden Cafe (hope I have that name right.)
Anyways, I think Belize and Caye Caulker would make a great first stop in Central America for those new to the region. It’s super easy to travel there, and coming from North America or Europe the prices will seem cheap! Then you can move further south and be pleasantly surprised as the prices get better.
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