Travel idea: 7 reasons to visit Belize

Located on the eastern shores of Central America, Belize is the only English-speaking country in the area. A British colony for more than 100 years, Belize gained independence in 1981. Today, Belize is an up-and-coming tourist destination, luring travellers (from beach bunnies to thrill seekers), from all over the globe. So, what makes this destination so hot? Scuba diving might be the first thing that leaps to mind and while Belize is known for being a first-rate diving location, there are plenty of other reasons to add this gem of a place to your list of must-see locales. Here are seven reasons why you should visit Belize.

1. Beaches
Flying into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, which services Belize City, you're bound to find yourself drooling at the scenery. From the sky, you're treated to a breathtaking view of the beaches and if you listen closely, you'll hear the tranquil turquoise waters beckoning you from below. Belize has over 380 kilometres of beautiful beach coastline with an endless number of beaches for tourists to enjoy. Bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east, beaches in Belize offer a peaceful getaway unlike many of the world's more crowded shorelines. You'll find the atmosphere and the people in Belize both friendly and laid-back … perfect for a beach getaway.

2. Diving
Belize is one of the world's top diving destinations. Following Australia's Great Barrier Reef, The Belize Coral Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world. At 290 kilometres long and stretching the length of the country, The Belize Coral Reef is the largest continuous reef system in the Western Atlantic. And what treasures lie beneath? The reef is home to a vast assortment of marine life, including many rare and endangered species. The American Crocodile and West Indian Manatee both call this place home and there are some 178 plant species and 247 different marine flora as well. For the diving enthusiast, this place is a veritable goldmine. 

3. Soft adventure
Turf, not surf? There's no shortage of soft adventure options for those who like to keep their feet planted on terra firma. Well, maybe not exactly planted. The Aerial Trek Canopy Tour, or zip lining, at Jaguar Paw (about 75 minutes from the airport) is a thrill for pros and novices alike. The experts here are friendly and encouraging (particularly for first-timers) and will set you up with all your gear: helmet, body harness, pulley and gloves. After a safety briefing and introductory instructions, you'll be set to soar through the jungle's treetops not unlike Tarzan himself. Leaping from one platform to the next (there are eight in total) is exhilarating and with expert leadership from the guides, you may find yourself wanting to do it again! The Aerial Trek Canopy Tour costs $55 per person. For more information, visit www.jaguarpaw.com. 

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