EF Ultimate Break Belize Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins: Packing, Tips, & Free Time Guide
Before I get into it, I wanna add a quick hello!
My name is Alex! I've been traveling with EF Ultimate Break for several years now and have done a ton of their trips. I've heard nearly every question in the book about traveling with EF, and if I don't know the answer, I'll gladly find it for you!
I've been to over half of the US states and 20+ countries and counting. I love planning my own trips when I'm not traveling with EF, so I have lots of other resources here that you're more than welcome to pick through.
I'm a backpack die hard, coffee and craft beer lover, adventure seeker, and just here to see as much of this big beautiful world that I can!
Belize is tied for my favorite trip EVER, but it's also the most relaxed and go-with-the-flow one that I've done. This'll be my smallest trip guide, but this is because I strongly encourage you to just go check out shops and restaurants that stick out to you! Belizean people are the kindest I've ever met, and I hope you all have this same experience there!
Packing Essentials:
• Carry on or checked luggage? In short -- this is really up to you and your personal travel style. I'm a carry-on backpack only girlie, but I know not everyone loves that life! You know yourself best!
If you do check a bag, I would suggest taking precautions/keep these things in mind:
• Keep at least 1-2 changes of clothes in your carry on bag in case of your checked luggage getting lost. I will say that on 4/6 of my group trips abroad, there was always at least one person who lost their luggage and had to wait 1-3 days for it to arrive.
• Always keep medications and essentials in your carry on.
• Be aware that you may have to lug your suitcase up flights upon flights of stairs, a ton of sand, and who knows what else. Nothing wrong with this, just something to keep in mind.
• Adapter? My recommendation always is to use a universal adapter! This way, you can use and reuse in many places across many different countries without worry. I have one recommended that is a tried and true for me on my Amazon Essentials list, linked below!
• Outerwear? one very light waterproof jacket (if any jacket at all), emphasis on waterproof (not water resistant - I learned from experience that this is not the same jacket rating). Taking a jacket would be for the purpose of staying dry here, rather than staying warm. So, make sure it's light and packable! Columbia is a really good brand for waterproof jackets, and I have my favorites listed in my Amazon storefront below.
• Do I need hiking boots? In my opinion, no. In fact, this is the one and only trip that I would actually recommend bringing a really reliable pair of sandals, and nothing else for footwear. Chacos are my lifetime choice of sandals. They're durable and good across a variety of landscapes. There’s a huge Chacos VS Tevas ongoing debate in the travel and outdoor communities, but it can be summed up, for the most part, by this: Chacos are more expensive, more durable, and have a high arch. Tevas are more affordable, may not last as long but are lighter-weight, and they’re flat footed. Buy according to YOUR foot’s comfort, not what’s “in.” Most importantly — try any sandal on and make sure they’re broken in before wearing them on a long trip! In Belize, we constantly went from sand to ocean to mud to water, etc. I would have personally been miserable in boots, or even in sneakers for that matter.
• Things for a tropical trip? Multiple swimsuits, waterproof phone case, underwater camera (if you have one already - if not, I wouldn't say it's a "necessity"), lightweight clothing. If you carry a camera with you, you will likely want a waterproof backpack cover/bag cover, a plastic cover for your camera itself just in case, a dry bag for goods, and a waterproof jacket in case you get caught in any rain without your bag. A small dry bag may be good for any traveler to bring as well, especially for boat days and excursions.
• Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent and reef safe sunscreen!
• General packing? For a 10 day trip, you're most likely going to want 7-9 base outfits, though you could always pack more. As a general carry on tip, I like to pack clothes that are often interchangeable as tops/bottoms. This way, you're able to mix it up if you need to re-wear anything. Another option and way of packing I like and find helpful is to pack specific for each day and plan ahead. You know you want to wear your Gymshark outfit on day x, so that outfit is already planned for you. You know you want to be comfy on the plane perhaps, so that day is done. Etc, etc, day by day.
To list it all out, I would recommend bringing (minimum) 7-9 outfits (pants/tops combo or dresses/rompers), 3+ swimsuits (seriously! If this sounds like a lot, it is. And this is because you're likely in the water nearly everyday), 1 plastic bag or dry bag to store swimsuits during travel days, 9+ underwear and socks, toiletries, prescriptions, chargers and adapter, 1 jacket maximum, and a trusty reusable water bottle. Of those outfits, most travelers like to wear something nicer for the Welcome Mixer and the Farewell Dinner. "Nice" in this case is totally up to you! Truly, whatever you're comfortable in will be just fine. If this means a full gown, so be it. If this means jeans and a nice top, that's absolutely okay too! I will say that Belize tended to be a bit more on the casual side, at least for my group.
Because this trip is 10 days long, I'd personally recommend packing for that full amount of time, so that there's no worry of the hassle of doing laundry. 10-11 days is right about at the max I'd pack for in full. If you're short on space in your bag, I'd suggest packing for 6-7 days worth and be sure to do laundry around your halfway point. Once you receive your list of accommodations from EFUB at 30 days prior to departure, you'll be able to check out your accommodation's website and see which ones offer laundry services. If you decide to do laundry, I recommend taking detergent sheets with you. I have a pack listed on my Amazon essentials at the end of this guide.
Free Time Suggestions:
San Pedro:
• Optional Add-on Excursion: San Pedro Food Tour
This itinerary has changed quite a bit since I went on this tour in 2017, so bear with me here. We had a lot more time in San Pedro, and it was my FAVORITE place. For this reason, I would honestly skip the food tour and explore as much of the island as you can. My entire group broke off into smaller groups and rented golf carts - the main way of getting around the island! This was the absolute funnest day, and that's saying a lot because this is my overall favorite EFUB trip as it is.
We drove around and found so many cool local spots. Honestly, I can't tell you most of the names because it was truly a "stop because we see a shop" sort of thing. I CAN tell you we had amazing ice cream, stopped at a roadside grill/food stand, found a good dinner spot where we had tables right on the sand and some of the best fish, found a big park area, and miraculously did not crash or fall off anything!
So to reiterate, the food tour was not offered on my dates. I have also heard via other travelers that they didn't find it totally worth it for the price. I can't agree or disagree with that point, but I do say skip it for the sake of exploration in this one case (and I'm usually one to book EVERY excursion)!
• The Beach Bar & Grill (formerly Amber Beach Bar): This was our hotel's bar! It was one of my favorite stays, and was a great hang out! If you're looking for a beachside stop, I'd definitely recommend stopping!
• Secret Beach: The name speaks for itself, right? It's unbelizeable!
• Visit the Blue Hole: This one may be a stretch on your time, so be sure to discuss your options with your Tour Director beforehand. You have many options to see the Blue Hole, either from above via aviation, or right in it via snorkeling and scuba tours.
REMINDER: Do NOT touch marine life - including corals. In addition, wear reef safe sunscreen for the duration of your trip.
Southern Coast:
• What is the Southern Coast exactly? This part of the trip has also changed quite a bit, but a good friend of mine recently went on the updated tour and gave me all of the details. While my tour was a bit more north towards Hopkins, the current version stays closer to Placencia, Belize. This is where the larger majority of your free time will be!
• Umaya Resort is a common hotel that EFUB has recently been using, however, accommodations are always subject to change (Ultimate Plus trips also vary).
• Optional Add-on Excursion: Snorkel at Turneffe Atoll
If you're loving the marine life, join in on a second snorkeling excursion! If you'd rather explore by land, you'll have a fully free day to do as you please.
• Belikin Beer: If you haven't already had a few too many, be sure to try at least one! The local beer of Belize, it's a staple!
• Book a catamaran for the day!
• Relax at the spa: your hotel will most likely have a great spa, but others are available on the peninsula as well!
Belize City:
• Is it SAFE? Belize City is known to be... not that safe. I will say that I never once felt unsafe or even unwelcome at any point in my trip with EFUB, including during our overnight in Belize City. Our Tour Director (Efrain, or EZ as he went by with us) did an amazing job of reassuring us as well as directing us to places that would allow us to make the safest choices. In our time in BC, he was with us 95% of the time, even taking us to a reputable tattoo shop. We did have dinner on our own (still in a large group), but it was very close to our hotel, and we did not stray from what Efrain suggested to us.
I will note that there was a military/police presence in BC. This is fairly common in many countries across the world, so this is not to say it as a negative or positive aspect: it just is. I'm personally noting it so that you're aware and not surprised upon arrival.
Okay, ONTO THE FUN:
• Stingin' Scorpio Tattoo Family: The aforementioned tattoo shop. It is family owned, the father is the main tattooer, and his daughter was his apprentice when I visited. I would assume that she has now had a lot more experience and has become a full time artist!
• Get your photo at the colorful Belize sign! You should walk by this with your entire group more than once, but in case you don't, be sure to check it out!
One Final Note:
I don't have a lot of info and tagged places on this guide, and this is because of the nature of this trip. I highly highlyyyy recommend you embrace the way of island life and taking things as they come. Stop on the side of the road at the broken building serving tacos. Buy the homemade slushy in a plastic bag from the beach vendor walking around. Just do it. Roll with the punches.
If you're an over planner like me, I know this is soooo hard to do. I get it, trust me. But just let go and WING IT, my friends. Belize will treat you well and with love. I truly hope that this trip can impact you as much as it did for me. Stay tuned for my guide when I inevitably return to Belize.
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Here you can find all of my packing and travel essentials! I personally use almost all of these, and those that I don't use myself have been recommended to me by a variety of seasoned travelers.
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