Travel has the effect of getting you outside of yourself and there is something especially grand and unexplainable about nature, and how it refreshes your body and soul the closer you get to it. One easy way to get close to nature is through outdoor camping. Fortunately, now even individuals who don’t want to sacrifice certain comforts can do it. The question is, can you be convinced to take on glamping for your next vacation?

Andrew Zimmern: Chef, Writer, Traveler and TV Host of Bizarre Foods and Bizarre Worlds on The Travel Channel recently tweeted out that he loves Belize.

Take a look at these Hot Belize Deals made possible by Chaa Creek Expeditions:
Take Advantage of these Special Offers!

Lonely Planet Photographer Todd Lawson has spent over 20 years photographing and celebrating the diversity between Sport, Travel and Nature. After recently returning to the Central American nation of Belize, he gave the 3 reasons he visited Belize.

The Belize Tourism Board is proud to announce its newest venture: FACEBOOK BELIZE. This November, in an effort to augment posting and comments on our Belize Vacation Facebook page, the BTB has been working harder than ever to find ways of engaging travelers to share their experiences at all points of their vacation. Travelers, who are heading home from a Belize vacation experience, now have the opportunity to post their experiences from a total of three internet stations that are located in the departure area of the Philip Goldson International Airport at Gates 1, 3 and 4. As is customary, most travelers are subjected to a layover time in the departure lounge and it is our hope that our visitors can utilize these stations to comment on their vacation in Belize prior to their departure.

What comes to mind when you think of Belize? For most, this country evokes images of turquoise waters, mist-shrouded mountains, lush tropical rainforests, Mayan ruins, and vibrant colors everywhere.

The Maya Organic Farm at Chaa Creek has been selected by Bootsnall.com as a green way to experience Belize. Bootsnall.com is an independent travel company based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and since 1998 their purpose has been to cultivate an organic community that encourages independent travel.

I’m going to Belize in 2 weeks! I have been invited by the Belize Tourist Board on a “FAM” trip. This is travel industry lingo for “familiarization”. I, along with a bunch of other travel industry professionals, are going on a somewhat insane itinerary: we will visit 27 hotels in 5 days! I wouldn’t call that fun, but many of these are places I have heard of for years but never gotten to, and I am looking forward to seeing them. We will be staying in San Ignacio, Mountain Pine Ridge, Placencia, Hopkins, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. I’ll be posting more about the trip when I get there.

As all parents can attest to; traveling with children requires planning and forethought. Snacks for the road, clothes for every possible weather, potty needs, and how to fit everything into one backpack are just the tip of the iceberg. In today’s world one of the most important considerations for travel is how can we teach our children to be responsible world citizens. Our children learn through imitation: what we do, they do. So how do we as parents get involved and make a difference in our world? Choosing to travel not as a tourist but as an eco-touristis a good first step to take.

These are my personal top ten things to do in Belize. Of course there’s much more – beautiful canoe trips down Belize’s rivers, jungle horseback and mountain bike excursions, sailboat charters, jaguar reserves – you can even affordably rent your own island.

Considering the details of this contest it seems as if winning this prize would make for the most absolute perfect first time visit to Belize. To have the chance to stay in a beautiful resort, be treated to wonderful meals, canoe the Macal River, visit Maya Temple, caves, barrier reef, the Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm & Rainforest Medicinal Trail would truly become a once in a lifetime experience. The photos of the accommodations at Chaa Creek actually took my breath away! They look as if they’re something from a dream. I can’t believe a place like this actually exists. I’ve also never been in the jungle before! I could just imagine how incredibly fascinating it would be to walk through such a pristine ecosystem and hear and see all of the species of animals and birds. It must feel as if you’re in a movie. Must feel larger than life and surreal!

My days are filled with learning about the fall and disappearance of the Maya, a great civilization that had magnificent knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and calendries. Fascinating, that we are allowed to scroll through the ruins.
Nothing brings me more happiness and peace than blue,clear water–not too populated, warm tropical weather and breath taking beaches. I am in my element when I am snorkeling. In Belize their are atolls and beautiful coral reefs.

I want to finally… at 48 years old see the Rainforest!! We are both very active and love life and want to enjoy every minute of the time that we have together…¦ And there is no doubt that BELIZE & CHAA CREEK is the place!!

Belize is our choice for Holiday Vacation 2010. We just purchased our plane tickets. Now starts the first round of vacation enjoyment – deciding which of the many amazingly beautiful and fascinating places we should visit! All three of us agree that Cockscomb Basin, the Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary, ATM Cave, Xunantunich, and Lamanai by boat are must-see places. Relaxing on a caye or sandy beach, some strenuous hiking, bird and leafcutter ant watching, entering Xibalba. … so many sights to see in the brief time we’ll spend in a place of diverse cultures, natural wonders and ancient ruins. We can explore caves, chocolate plantations, hot sauce factories, Garifuna and Mayan villages. We could learn to play drums, look for manatees, chill in the shade.

Belize has everything for a perfect vacation. It is a warm place where we can find Nature reserves and a magnificent barrier reef. As I am fond of outdoor activities I find the countryside more attractive than the city and I am eager to go in this amazing country with beautiful surroundings. I also plan to relax in the spa during this stay and eat healthy organic food. I would also like my family to join me if I win to make them aware of what is meant by paradise.

Our adventure began almost four years ago now when we went on our first date. He disguised it as a Christmas present, “in case it didn’t go well.” We have been dating ever since, and are getting an apartment together next month. This past June, he completely surprised me while on a trip to Philadelphia, PA when he pulled out the engagement ring he had been hiding in his room at home for about a month. We are currently planning a fall wedding, October 8, 2011.

CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE
By Symphony travel
During our October trip to Belize we saw the ancient ruins of Xunantunich, enjoyed the Belize Zoo, went on a River Cave Tubing Expedition, ventured out on a Night Jungle Safari, and even rappelled down a 300ft cave, called The Black Hole Drop. We had an incredible trip but also realize that we barely scratched the surface of the available activities in The Cayo District of Belize.

The Cayo District is the largest district in the country and is located …

Here’s what insiders know about visiting beautiful Belize:

Belize is the Best! I’ve been to my share of Caribbean destinations: the Windward Islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada; the Leeward Islands of Anguilla, St. Barth’s, St. Martin & Antigua; as well as the Cayman Islands. I’d have to say Belize is my favorite Caribbean destination, edging out my former favorite, Grenada. Both Grenada and Belize have some of the same high scores on my Caribbeo Meter: lots of varied terrain, nice beaches, interesting culture, friendly people and lack of high-rise hotels and mass tourism. Both countries let you experience everything from the beach to rainforests to traditional cutlures.

Why Belize you ask? Here are the criteria we used that helped us arrive at Belize:

* Had to be less than 8 hours of flight time each way from the SF Bay Area
* Wanted excellent beach with reasonably priced accommodations
* Great nature experience
* A little bit of history and adventure mixed in (Mayan ruins)