10 Reasons to Travel Sustainably

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The holidays are over, you’re stressed out and the winter blues have set in. It’s time to get away. As you start to plan your vacation, do you consider how much good your trip could do for others? Some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations are now being managed sustainably, which means that in addition to benefiting your own mental health, your next trip could also benefit the environment and local communities. Here are 10 reasons to travel sustainably:

My Top Six Reasons for Visiting Belize’s Chaa Creek

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After our vacation at Belize’s Chaa Creek earlier this year, I rave about the place all the time and have confidently steered a few friends in that direction. I say confidently because I have no doubt that no matter what their ages or interests, anyone will find something there to please and even excite them.

The Magic of Xunantunich Maya City in western Belize

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Mayan for “Stone maiden” Xunantunich is definitely one of Belize’s prettiest Maya archaeological sites, renowned for exquisite architecture, beautiful frescos and stelae, as well as its park-like atmosphere and stunning views from the top of El Castillo, the iconic pyramid temple. Xunantunich was an important ceremonial centre built around AD 600 near the end of the Maya Late Classic Period, boasting a population of some 10,000 people at its peak, and apparently continued to thrive while other Maya centres such as Tikal and Caracol were in decline. However by around 1000 AD Xunantunich was abandoned.

Belize Once Again Ranked Top Honeymoon Destination

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So when the AARP says something, a big audience is listening. And recently the AARP named Belize as one of the top ten honeymoon destinations, sharing honours with Tahiti, the Maldives, Bali and other exotic tropical locations. Yes, tropical seems to be a key element for a happy honeymoon. But of course, it takes more than a warm sunny climate to make the AARP’s top ten. This is a discriminating group looking for the very best for its members, so no wonder Belize got a nod.

Belize Butterflies on the Road: Chaa Creek visits school

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As part of our commitment at The Lodge at Chaa Creek is to work with our local communities in building awareness and educating our local people on conservation and preservation of our natural environment. And in that respect, as part of our community outreach program, today saw our “Butterfly on the Road” Program when two of our Naturalist Guides packed up their equipment and visited the Sacred Heart Primary School in San Ignacio Town.

Canada’s Globe and Mail Likes Belize’s Chaa Creek Greens

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Although they’re far to the north, the Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail sounds close to Chaa Creek in Green philosophy, so we’re happy that they gave us special mention in a feature entitled: “Did you just book a green hotel (or was it green-washed)?”The article warns travellers to be discerning when booking a “Green” hotel; as for some it’s just a marketing ploy and doesn’t show a real commitment to sustainability.

Belize Tourism Expo BETEX Reflects Eco-Tourism Growth

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This year’s Belize Tourism Expo, BETEX 2014, held May 7 to 12, highlighted the little country’s increasing range of tourism options and confirms Belize’s maturity as a world class travel destination, according the owners of the Lodge at Chaa Creek.

Lizards of Belize – What makes the Belizean Iguana Incredible!

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So the next time you come across a Belizean iguana sunning itself or diving into the water as your canoe passes we hope you’ll see more than just some lazy lizard lounging around, and appreciate that here is another example of nature’s marvellous ability to adapt and evolve. And when you consider that he or she is just one of hundreds of thousands of crucial components to Belize’s rainforest habitat, a habitat of amazing interdependence and diversity, we hope that you’ll share our sense of never ending excitement and appreciation for the sheer elegance of our natural world.

Canoeing in Belize: Summer’s Here and the Time is Right!

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And why not? With the pristine Macal River gently flowing past the front door and a fleet of well-maintained canoes at your disposal, canoeing is one of the activities at Chaa Creek that consistently delights guests of all ages. Even people who have never been in a canoe before discover just how enjoyable this age-old pastime is in Belize.

Cinco de Mayo In San Ignacio, Belize

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Cinco de Mayo holds a special place for Belizeans not only because of our close proximity to Mexico and the large Spanish speaking population, but due to the similarities between the Battle of Puebla and our own Battle of St George’s Caye – that defining moment in Belize’s history and the beginning of the long road to independence in 1981.

6 Delicious Food choices in Belize to eat like a local!

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There you go. People have their own favorites, but I don’t think there will be much argument over these 6 best foods that Belize has to offer. In the coming weeks we’ll be posting some more dishes and actual Belize cooking recipes, so that wherever you are in this world, you can enjoy the best of Belize at home. So stay tuned and happy dining!

What is the Eco Kids Summer Camp all about?

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A weeklong summer camp that teaches Belizean children to be stewards of their environment and instills memorable values that will have an impact on the way children conduct their lives, their relationship with our fragile Earth, and the sustainable development of our future.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA!

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Our friends, guests and family literally circle the globe these days, so we’re grateful for the power of the web to reach out as we attempt to pass on our wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year to as many of you as possible.

Chaa Creek Announces New Changes for 2014

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The Lodge at Chaa Creek owners, Mick and Lucy Fleming have just announced that new offerings, tours and initiatives at the popular Belizean eco resort will make 2014 “one of the best years to discover or rediscover Belize.”

Book Now for 2014 Belize Romance Specials at Chaa Creek

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We know how much these experiences mean to couples, so we remain flexible and sensitive to special requirements and wishes. All couples need to do is ask, and we’ll go out of our way to make sure that dream romantic adventure is everything they hoped for

Early Christmas joy for Cristo Rey RC School in Belize

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Christmas is near and the cheer was shared very early this year with the students of Cristo Rey RC primary school! The Herron family from Florida, USA presented a sizeable donation to the staff and students of the Belizean primary school through Chaa Creek’s Pack-a-Pound initiative.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Chaa Creek

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The staff and management of Chaa Creek wish all of you, wherever you are, a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. We know that we’ll be taking the time out to be grateful for what we have, which includes you, our many friends and guests from around the world.

Chaa Creek Surprises With Another Belize Black Friday

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A 30% discount off accommodation applies to all Chaa Creek lodging, from the thatch roof cottage rooms the resort is known for to the more luxurious suites, including private Garden Jacuzzi and the Tree Top suites, while the 10% discount applies to the Belize Adventure Inclusive, Chaa Creek Inland Expeditions and Belize Honeymoon all-inclusive Belize vacation packages.

Miss Earth Belize On a Serious Mission

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Brion Young, assistant manager of Chaa Creek’s Belize Natural History Centre said that while the Miss Earth International Pageant may appear to be an unusual way to raise environmental awareness, Miss Earth Belize’s departure for Miami on November 9 to participate in this year’s Manila Pageant can only contribute towards spreading the message of environmental sustainability. According to Belize’s Amandala newspaper, Amber Reneé Rivero is the formal Environmental Ambassador of Belize after being crowned Miss Earth Belize on August 24, 2013, and on Saturday, November 9, she departed the country for the first leg of her journey.

Why Expats Fall in Love with Belize

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Belize is the northeastern-most of all the Central American nations, making it the easiest of all to access from the U.S. You can be there in as little as two hours from Houston, or closer to three from a number of other cities in the eastern United States.Sure, expats move abroad looking for a change from their former lives and culture. But it’s still nice to be able to get back to visit friends and family without too much time or hassle. Not to mention, the shorter, less expensive flights make loved ones more likely to come visit you as well. Besides, despite its proximity, Belize offers plenty in the way of new and different experiences. However, one important factor that isn’t different from North America is the language.

Belize Honeymoon: Top 10 Reasons Infographic

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While destination honeymoons set in exotic tropical locales have been growing in popularity in recent years, new-kid-on-the-block Belize is experiencing an increase in romantic couples seeking affordable luxury in an idyllic setting, according to the Lodge at Chaa Creek’s wedding and honeymoon planner.