Belize, a former British Honduras colony, is an autonomous country in Central America. It is the only country in the continent that does not have a coast on the Pacific Ocean. Instead, its shores run along the Caribbean Sea. It boasts of the Belize Barrier Reef, two hundred miles long and second only to the Great Barrier Reef when it comes to being the longest reef in the world. This is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reefs, which extends from Cancun to Guatemala. The reef is accessible from Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s northernmost islands. Over at Caye Caulker, another Belize island, budget travelers may find plenty of good options for accommodations, food places, bars and adventures. It is popular as a snorkeling and hiking site. Its Forest Reserve extends to up to one hundred acres of the area, and is home to a variety of bird species and mangrove forests. Caye Caulker’s Shark and Ray Alley is very good for snorkeling and spotting southern stingrays and nurse sharks. The infamous Blue Hole is likewise an amazing dive site, teeming with sharks and a variety of other fish.

American, Canadian, and EU travelers to Belize only need a valid passport to get into the country. Those on cruises don’t even need passports. Visitors from other nations need the usual valid passport and visa. Belize City is reputed to be one of the most dangerous cities in the country. However, it is still safe for travelers as long as they practice precautions and keep to the tourist zones.