If you're looking for a dream holiday destination but are afraid to get lost, chances are you don't want the hassle of a constant tour guide, the need for the Google earth application on your mobile phone, or the extra money you'd need to shell out to your hotel for planned activities. Instead you might want to buy a plane ticket to Belize after you pick up a copy of Kate Joynes-Burgess' explorer guide, Belize: A Great Destination. The guide removes the hassle from travel, and doesn't hesitate to include the little things that can help make travelling as cool as a tropical breeze. It doesn't just tell you where to go, how to get there and what to do; it gives additional background information and fun little anecdotes about the Caribbean country. The fully illustrated guide tells of Belize's unique history as home of pyramids built by Mayans, and stories and tradition deeply rooted in culture. It details the best places to stay for the desired price range and the recreational and entertainment value of each area.
It exposes readers to the Belize's diverse culture, festivals and festivities, customs and beliefs, and the various modes of transportation. Said to be a major one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, Belize offers an expansive list of eco-tourism sites and activities. According to the book, whether underground, over ground, upstream and out to sea, Belize has what it takes to keep the active traveller entertained. If you do feel the need for guided tours, contact information for those are available. So too are car rentals, travel agents and hotel information. The book is conversational, interesting, and gives insider views so that visitors can not only go to the tourist destinations, but also mingle with locals and experience the reality of living in Belize. It is essentially for travellers who want to know about Belize's history, culture and art. As much as the book is insightful, it is also extremely useful and filled with practical information.
It's almost as though the reader gets two books for the price of one, one about the culture, and an additional guide for the average traveller. The illustrations give the reader an idea of the country's cultural diversity, beautiful landscape, rich history and architectural developments, which range from traditional to edgy and modern. The side notes provided give insider information to travellers, such as why certain places in Belize have bizarre names like Cowhead Creek or Gallon Jug and why names repeat themselves often in the country so the traveller sees four San Antonios and three Santa Elenas. The 364 page book is a helpful guide, and is complete with footnotes and a comprehensive index that makes it easy if you're in urgent need of a hospital, or need to place a lost and found advertisement at the local newspaper. So, the adventurous soul who chooses Belize as their future destination, will find this explorer's guide a Godsend.