About jaayquan

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Some Forum Posts:

Belize: Single African AmericanWomen:

The truth is just about everywhere in Belize is safe with the exception of perhaps some parts of Belize City from the things I have read and heard. Just returned from our first trip to Belize. We stayed in Hopkins as well as San Ignacio and we visited Placencia. We rented a car that allowed us to do this. We drove all over. And Let me tell you that we never felt any type of threat or problem at all the areas that we visited and we visited many. I think it would be wiser to simply pick the place or places That you want to visit. Also the activities in which you would like to engage. Let that process determine where you visit. There are many boutique hotels as well as resorts that you can choose from and they are all very safe as well. By the way we are African-Americans too you will find Belize very welcoming.

Belize: Expat Hangouts in San Ignacio, Placencia and Hopkins:

Our upcoming trip plans would not be complete if I don't ask where the local Expat hangouts are in the key sites on my itinerary. So the question is: where are you folks hanging out on weekdays and weekends?

Belize: How accurate are Google Maps drive times:

Hey Folks! Thank you so very much for all the good discussion so far. We really appreciate the valuable insight. Here's another question: Google maps puts the drive time between Philip S.W. Goldson Airport and Hopkins, Belize at around 2:13 minutes. How accurate is that time? I'm planning to drive back to the airport to arrive at 10 am on a Monday morning. Also how much time do we need to clear customs and board leaving Belize?

Belize: Can I get opinions on these two hotels:

Anyone know anything about Mahogany Hall Boutique Resort in San Ignacio or Almond Beach Spa and Resort in Hopkins? Any better suggestions to offer? Also for Placencia? Sorry for the barrage. Promise this is my last post. Been saving these up for asking and just got around to it. Don Johnson

Belize: Why the heck are car rentals so high???:

Folks in case you didn't know this, Belize is by far the most expensive place to rent a car that I've ever seen and I've been many places. Everywhere I've looked rates plus tax and insurance top out over $850 for 10 days. Is this everyone's experience or am I just going to the wrong places? I started with Crystal Auto Rental and have been to Hertz and other major companies as well. The other crazy thing is the number of car rental companies that will try to rip you off for bogus damage. I've read the horror stories here and elsewhere. WTH?

Belize: Best Beach Placencia or Hopkins? And where to stay?:

We are coming down for a first visit in November. I've read about the sand fleas but am committed to spending a few days on the Southern coastal area. (Are they really that bad?) Which has the better beach between Placencia and Hopkins and why? I am also interested in recommendations on a nice hotel/B&B on the beach, something moderate (between 150 - 180 per night). Any and all comments/suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated. I have enjoyed reading all the great comments from everyone here. Thank you! Don Johnson

Belize: Places to Stay on First Visit:

Brad, Thanks for the excellent advice. I know that the Resort/SPA won't be the same. This is our first visit so we are not in too much of a hurry. We are renting a car however and plan to do up to 3 hour drives most days to look around and get a feeling for the country. Will focus mostly on Northern, inland and a little southerly areas to see what they look/feel like. We are very familiar with Caribbean life having travel extensively through many of the Antilles and even living in St Thomas for a little over 3 years aon a job. I will look up the people/places you mentioned and will be sure to drop your name with everyone! I also want to thank each and everyone who contributed for all the great comments! They are much appreciated.

Nicaragua: Crime spiking there yet?:

LOL dalepues, You are kidding right???

Nicaragua: House Plans:

wow! Too bad we are just at the early stages of the process of learning where we would like to live when we move t0 Nicaragua upon retirement, my wife is a certified Architect here in the states. I suppose drawing up house plans and supervising construction may be a viable undertaking once we move there? Or are there rules against gringo architects? Here's a building she designed and led construction on that won an award from teh AIA. http://www.allenshariff.com/news-and-blogs/sorg-aia-design-award/

Nicaragua: Got a good Driver Referral?:

Hello Again Everyone, I'm looking for options on a driver/taxi for hire for my visit in February. Will need transport for 2 from MGA to La Boquita and maybe 2 or 3 1/2 day tours to some of the sites. Anyone have someone to recommend who is honest and dependable? Also what should we expect to pay for the trip from MGA to La Boquita or for 1/2 day tours? Thanks in advance!

Date Joined:

1/18/2016

Total Posts:

27

Posts/Day:

0.06