Tiny
Belize is big on family vacation ideas
By Catherine George
 The
Central American country of Belize isn't quite so well known
as neighbouring countries like Costa Rica or Mexico and other
more popular sun destinations bordering on the Caribbean.
And, that's too bad, because Belize makes for a wonderful
and affordable family vacation destination. Located south
of Mexico's Mayan Riviera, Belize is an English-speaking country
(formerly British Honduras), with numerous, albeit little-known,
Maya ruins, endless white sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling,
blue lagoons for diving and kayaking and rainforests teeming
with exotic plants, birds and wildlife.
Among
tour operators that long ago recognized the potential of Belize
is Vancouver-based Island Expeditions. It's been offering
adventure trips to the country for more than 17 years, from
hiking the interior rainforest of the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar
Reserve to snorkelling and kayaking the reefs on the Caribbean.
It also offers tours to the hidden caves and untold numbers
of Maya sites, many still hidden beneath the forest. Family
adventure programs this winter range from one week to 12 days
and are offered weekly between Dec. 1 and April 26. Costs
range between $1,596 and $2,599 per person, double. For full
details and brochures, call 1-800-667-1630 or go to www.islandexpeditions.com.
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