July 28, 2003 -- Nestled in the northeastern tip of Central America, Belize is sometimes overlooked as a vacation destination. With Mexico to its north and the always-popular Caribbean to the east, this small coastal nation is often passed over in favor of its neighbors. But this young country (it only became independent in 1981) has more than its fair share of history and attractions, from Mayan ruins and tropical rain forests, to beautiful beaches (sporting some of the best snorkeling and diving there is) and diverse and bustling cities. And if that wasn't enough for you, several providers are offering some outstanding packages to Belize during the summer months and beyond.
First up is Capricorn Leisure Corp, which specializes in Central American travel. Among the 11 tours offered to Belize, the 7-day/6-night "Condos by The Sea" package stands out as one of the best at $701 through November 15. For that quoted price you get roundtrip airfare from Belize to Miami on American Airlines, roundtrip air transfer to Ambergris Caye, and 6 nights accommodation in a one bedroom Condo at the Exotic Caye. Additional departure gates are also available including Dallas for $762, New York for $813, Chicago starting at $914, LAX and SFO for $979 and Seattle and Portland for $1,013.
All prices are per person based on double occupancy for travel Tuesday through Thursday. The package listed is an additional $55 for travel now through the end of August. Daily departures are generally available, but you have to add $25 each way for travel on other days of the week. Taxes, applicable service charges, security charges and any fuel or other surcharges are additional. Diving and snorkeling packages are also available and make sure to ask for Triple and Quad occupancy prices for an even better deal. For more details and booking, head to www.capricorn.net or phone at 800/426-6544.
If you only have a few days to spare, you can still see Belize with the "Belize - Unspoiled & Undiscovered" package from General Tours, starting at $519 now through December, 2003. For $519, you get roundtrip airfare from Miami to Belize City, the service of General Tours expedition hosts, transfers between hotels in each district, two nights accommodation at the Princess Hotel with all hotel taxes and service charges, and GeneralAssist -- a toll-free 24 hour-a-day emergency on-tour assistance service. Additional gateways are also available at additional cost and are provided by American Airlines.
From there you can also take tours to such locations as the Xunantunich Ruins and Belize Zoo, and also snorkel the Barrier Reef. The package also allows you to expand your trip to additional locations in Belize including 3 days/2 nights in Ambergris Caye starting at $275, which includes accommodations and airfare from Belize City.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include land arrangements and airfare on midweek departures. Add $25 per person each way for travel Friday-Sunday. A charge of $90 per person for Security, U.S. Departure Tax, Customs and Federal Inspection fees is not included. Foreign departure taxes are not included. More information and reservations are available at www.generaltours.com or on the horn at 800/221-2216; fax 603/357-4548.
If you want to explore much of the country, make sure to catch "The Belizean Express" provided by Tara Tours for $1,240, a Central and South American provider that we've featured time and again in this Newsletter. On this 8-day/7-night package you visit Belize City, the Mayan sites of Altun-Ha and Xunantunich, and Ambergris Caye. For $1,240, you get round trip airfare on American airlines from Miami (other cities also available for an add-on), 7 nights' accommodation with room taxes and services charges included at the 4 Star Biltmore in Belize and Sunbreeze on Ambergris Caye. Also included in the price are all ground transportation from Belize City to Xuantunixh and Altun Ha, roundtrip air tickets between Belize to Ambergris Caye, transfers on arrival and departure, and English speaking tour guides.
All rates are per person based on double occupancy. Departure taxes totaling $91, meals, passport and insurance fees are not included. You'll have to add $100 per person for departures through August 15, 2003 and again from January 1 to March 31, 2004. From December 12 to December 31, 2003 add $250 to all rates. For more info, surf on over to www.taratours.com or phone them at 800/327-0080.
Finally, if you want to get off the land and into the water, be sure to check out Caradonna's current dive specials. Starting from $699 (per person, double occupancy) for departures out of Miami, you get seven nights in the Aqua Marina Suites on Ambergris Caye plus five full days of scuba diving. Hotel taxes and air transfer between Belize City and Ambergis Caye are included. Non-divers pay only $516 when accompanied by a diver. The single supplement is a whopping $295. For more information, go to www.caradonna.com or call 888/599-8400.
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