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Metro
19 hours ago
- Metro
I fell hard for 'The Jewel' — a Caribbean gem off the main tourist trail
Leaving London, the weather couldn't decide between drizzle and all-out downpour. I wasn't just after sunshine. I wanted a place where 'productivity' meant remembering to reapply sunscreen before noon. Belize was exactly that. Not the Caribbean of infinity pools and stiff cocktails, but somewhere refreshingly real. Beaches with more driftwood than Instagrammers, bartenders who double as turtle-spotting experts, and a vibe so laid-back that a major public announcement is 'The snorkel boat leaves at 9… or maybe 10.' It might be known as 'The Jewel', a nickname that reflects its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but Belize is not on the main Caribbean tourist trail just yet. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. That path is currently populated by Barbados, St Lucia and Anguilla, but the Central American country has seen an increase in tourists in recent years. In 2024, it clocked a record-breaking 562,405 overnight visitors. In January, prestigious travel association ABTA named Belize as a destination to watch for 2025, citing its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins as major drawcards for responsible adventurers. Landing on Belizean soil, I made my way to the Tropic Air Dangriga flight, which would take me on a breathtaking journey from Belize City to Dangriga in 20 minutes. Through scratched plexiglass windows, the reef emerges below like a jagged turquoise line against deeper blue, the coastline veined with mangrove channels. The 12-seat Cessna Caravan is not for the faint-hearted — it's a tiny capsule in which you can hear every word of the pilot, without a Tannoy system. A one-way ticket costs about £83. At the tiny airstrip – a concrete slab flanked by palm trees – I arrive alive, and a short drive takes me to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. This hotel is essentially a collection of beachfront suites, complete with private plunge pools and a deck just steps from the ocean. The vibe is barefoot luxury: local wood, open-plan design, and a sea breeze drifting through windows. Rooms here range from approximately £189 to £334 per night, depending on the season and room type. Hopkins village moves at the pace of bicycle traffic and the occasional golf cart. I am guided by Get to Know Belize Adventures and as we drive around in our golf buggy, I'm struck by how peaceful this place is. More surprising is pulling up to the community square and seeing police officers repainting benches for the community. 'It needs a sprucing up,' one tells me. 'So here we are.' Nearby, I find a small bakery where I try fried jack, a buttery, fluffy pastry that's a Belizean staple, served by the smiling owner, her hands dusted in flour. The Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Carib, and Arawak ancestors, are central to Hopkins' culture. Exiled from St. Vincent in the 18th century, they settled along Belize's coast, maintaining their unique language, music, and traditions. My immersion begins with cooking hudut , a traditional fish and coconut stew, in an outdoor kitchen. My guide's wife shows me how to grate fresh coconut for the rich broth, then demonstrates the art of cracking one open with a machete. We pound plantains in a giant wooden mortar as the fish simmers away with coconut milk, garlic, onions, and habanero peppers. Eating it together at a long, rough-hewn table, the hudut's creamy broth balances the earthy mashed plantains perfectly. After lunch, a drumming lesson shifts to the beach. Local musicians teach me the basic rhythms of the primero and segunda drums. At first, I struggle to find the beat, but soon the sound of the waves and the music blur together. By sunset, I'm dancing barefoot in the sand, badly but blissfully. Later, we head out for a bioluminescence tour of Anderson Lagoon, and I'm told to expect magic. A mixture of excited and cynical, we sail through a tiny cut to get to the lagoon and find ourselves surrounded by giant mangroves. It's pitch black, the guide's flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light — then he turns it off. The boat picks up speed and the wake glows. Blue streams of light surrounds us from the water. As the boat pick upspeed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow, which for a bioluminescent newbie like me is mind-blowing. After a short boat ride through narrow mangrove channels, the captain kills the engine. In the dark stillness, every movement in the water sparks blue light — tiny bursts of, yes, living magic. Swimming through it feels like gliding through liquid stars, my arms trailing glowing comet tails. Tours cost approximately £56 per person. The next day's adventure feels a bit like driving through a film set. Winding along roads lined with orange groves and passing through the dreamlike Bamboo Cathedral – a natural tunnel of towering bamboo – is an experience in itself. As if the ride isn't dreamy enough, the road to the waterfall winds along the side of the mountain, with tall trees reaching above you and creating much-needed shade. We reach Maya King Waterfall, (entry £8 per person) in the Maya Mountains of the South East Coast. The two cascading falls are at their most dramatic during rainy season, crashing down into clear pools below. I could have spent hours here, soaking up the vibe, the only sound the rushing water echoing around us. In the charming village of Placencia, the footpath winds between brightly painted shops and beach bars. The Creole beach town is proud of its spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, where it's recognised for having the narrowest main street in the world. It's actually a 4,000-foot long footpath that is just four feet wide. A stroll along the pedestrian 'street' takes you past quaint rows of local artists' stalls, eclectic shops and cheekily-named beach bars. The village has managed to retain its boho vibe, despite a recent influx of wealthy American and Canadian retirees. Film director Francis Ford Coppola even opened a hotel here, the eco-friendly Turtle Inn. It's hard not to fall for the pace: no rush, no pressure, just friendly locals, lilting music, and the salty scent of the sea. My favourite perch is Tutti Frutti ice cream parlour, which serves delicious flavours like sour sop, a creamy local fruit beloved across the Caribbean that's usually made into a refreshing drink. After indulging in Placencia, a short Tropic Air hop (£75 one-way) takes me to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is giving Wes Anderson: pastel-coloured wooden buildings, narrow sandy streets, and golf carts buzzing around as the main form of transport. In fact, my 'taxi' from the mini-airport to Ramon's Village Resort is a golf buggy (golf cart rentals cost about £7 per hour), although you could easily walk it if you wanted. Ramon's Village feels like stepping back in time, in the best way. Thatched-roof cabanas, lush tropical gardens, hammocks swinging in the breeze. Everything here is designed to help you unplug. Room rates vary by season and type, ranging from £135 to £360. Reggae music floats from bars and beach shacks all over town, a nod to Belize's cultural ties to Jamaica (both were once British colonies). It shows up in the food too: comforting dishes like stew chicken, rice and kidney beans, fried jacks (similar to Jamaican fried dumplings), and sweet plantain accompany almost every meal. Familiar, yet quintessentially Belizean. That evening, I join the Belize Food Tour, which turns out to be one of the best ways to experience San Pedro's spirit. Walking between stops with a chatty group of fellow travellers and locals, we try everything from fresh conch ceviche to grilled lobster, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and rich coconut pies. Along the way, we get snippets of history, gossip, and restaurant secrets—it's less like a formal tour and more like wandering town with new friends who know all the best bites. Approximately £57 per person. The next morning, it's time for the ultimate snorkelling trip to Hol Chan marine reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Also known as 'Little Channel', it has impossibly clear waters and coral gardens teeming with life. Swimming alongside rays and nurse sharks is thrilling for some, but full disclosure, it's not for me. While hanging on to the side of the boat, I do manage to capture a semblance of magic as I duck my head in. A kaleidoscope of fish glide past me; if you're into that sort of thing, this place is a veritable underwater theme park. Before leaving Belize, there's one final bucket-list moment: a scenic flyover of the iconic Great Blue Hole. More Trending From the air, the vast circular sinkhole looks surreal: deep, endless blue surrounded by the lighter turquoise of the reef. You might even spot dolphins or manatees swimming below if you're lucky. It's humbling and breathtaking all at once. Scenic flights cost £200 per person, or, if you prefer to get up close and personal, sea tours typically cost around £100, including snorkel gear and guide. It sounds trite, but each new day in Belize brings new adventure and fresh perspective. It's the kind of place that reminds you to slow down… and eat everything. I've fallen for Belize and the love feels reciprocated. What more could you want? There are no direct flights from the UK to Belize. Travelling in the first week of June, the cheapest option is flying with United Airlines from London Heathrow, with stops in New York and Houston. Return fares start from £651, and the journey takes just over 24 hours. British Airways also flies from London Heathrow, with one stop in Miami. Prices start from £837 for the same week. Do I need a visa? UK passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Belize. You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. MORE: I swapped my sun holiday for a train trip to Europe's rainiest city — with highs of 8°C MORE: I searched for grizzly bears in a Canadian region tourists often miss MORE: I thought British holidays were boring, but this underrated island changed my mind
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. 2 The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street. 2
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
£100,000 OF JET2HOLIDAYS VOUCHERS TO BE WON
Win one of a hundred £1,000 Jet2holidays vouchers this summer! HOLI-YAY £100,000 OF JET2HOLIDAYS VOUCHERS TO BE WON Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GET away this summer thanks to Jet2holidays. We have a whopping £100,000 worth of holiday vouchers up for grabs, with 100 lucky Sun readers each winning a £1,000Jet2holidays voucher for this summer! You can spend your £1,000 voucher however you like across Jet2holidays bumper map of hotspots and hidden gems. 2 Family fun in the sun with Jet2holidays We are talking classic favourites like Majorca, Turkey and Tenerife, or how about somewhere in Montenegro or Greece? Plus, they have lots of tempting new destinations to choose from, including the Costa de la Luz, Pula and the Istrian Coast. Jet2holidays is the UK's number one tour operator, providing package holidays you can trust to more than 65 sun-soaked destinations across Europe and beyond. With decades of expertise, flexible stays for all boards and budgets, and fab flight times, they are with you every step of the way. 2 Choose from hundreds of destinations with their wide range of holidays All Jet2holidays include return flights, 2 to 5-star accommodation, return transfers~, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, wrapped up into an ABTA and ATOL-protected package. So they're always giving you more. And the best part? You can secure your stay and spread the cost with PayPal Pay in three interest-free payments^. There are millions of Free Child Place holidays‡ available too. Nothing beats a Jet2holiday! HOW TO ENTER? Download the Sun Savers app or sign up to Go to the Offers section and click Start Collecting on the Jet2holidays page. Pick up The Sun newspaper and collect FIVE out 13 Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily in the newspaper from Saturday, May 31 until Thursday, June 12. Enter or scan your five Sun Savers codes on the app or website by midnight on Friday, June 20. Or sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 and enter without the need to collect Sun Savers codes. 18+ UK residents only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Multiple code collect 31/05/25-13/06/25. Digital Newspaper and Sun Club subscribers enter by 20/06/25. Online access required. Entry closes 23:59pm on 20/06/25. ~Unless otherwise stated. *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. ^See for full details. T&Cs apply, see or Sun Club: Introductory offer £1.99 per month for the first 12 months, then £4.99 thereafter; or £12 in advance for first 12 months, then £49.99 per year unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For full Sun Club T&Cs, visit ‡One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see here for further details.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
£100,000 OF JET2HOLIDAYS VOUCHERS TO BE WON
GET away this summer thanks to Jet2holidays. W e have a whopping £100,000 worth of holiday vouchers up for grabs, with 100 lucky Sun readers each winning a £1,000 Jet2holidays voucher for this summer! You can spend your £1,000 voucher however you like across Jet2holidays bumper map of hotspots and hidden gems. Advertisement 2 Family fun in the sun with Jet2holidays We are talking classic favourites like Majorca, Turkey and Tenerife, or how about somewhere in Montenegro or Greece? Plus, they have lots of tempting new destinations to choose from, including the Costa de la Luz, Pula and the Istrian Coast. Jet2holidays is the UK's number one tour operator, providing package holidays you can trust to more than 65 sun-soaked destinations across Europe and beyond. With decades of expertise, flexible stays for all boards and budgets, and fab flight times, they are with you every step of the way. Advertisement 2 Choose from hundreds of destinations with their wide range of holidays All Jet2holidays include return flights, 2 to 5-star accommodation, return transfers~, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, wrapped up into an ABTA and ATOL-protected package. So they're always giving you more. And the best part? You can secure your stay and spread the cost with PayPal Pay in three interest-free payments^. There are millions of Free Child Place holidays‡ available too. Nothing beats a Jet2holiday ! HOW TO ENTER? Advertisement Download the Sun Savers app or sign up to Go to the Offers section and click Start Collecting on the Jet2holidays page. Pick up The Sun newspaper and collect FIVE out 13 Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily in the newspaper from Saturday, May 31 until Thursday, June 12. Enter or scan your five Sun Savers codes on the app or website by midnight on Friday, June 20. Most read in Beach holidays Or sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 and enter without the need to collect Sun Savers codes. 18+ UK residents only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Multiple code collect 31/05/25-13/06/25. Digital Newspaper and Sun Club subscribers enter by 20/06/25. Online access required. Entry closes 23:59pm on 20/06/25. ~Unless otherwise stated. *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. ^See for full details. T&Cs apply, see or Sun Club: Introductory offer £1.99 per month for the first 12 months, then £4.99 thereafter; or £12 in advance for first 12 months, then £49.99 per year unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For full Sun Club T&Cs, visit ‡O ne free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see for further details. Advertisement
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
£100,000 OF JET2HOLIDAYS VOUCHERS TO BE WON
GET away this summer thanks to Jet2holidays. W e have a whopping £100,000 worth of holiday vouchers up for grabs, with 100 lucky Sun readers each winning a £1,000 Jet2holidays voucher for this summer! You can spend your £1,000 voucher however you like across Jet2holidays bumper map of hotspots and hidden gems. 2 We are talking classic favourites like Majorca, Turkey and Tenerife, or how about somewhere in Montenegro or Greece? Plus, they have lots of tempting new destinations to choose from, including the Costa de la Luz, Pula and the Istrian Coast. Jet2holidays is the UK's number one tour operator, providing package holidays you can trust to more than 65 sun-soaked destinations across Europe and beyond. With decades of expertise, flexible stays for all boards and budgets, and fab flight times, they are with you every step of the way. 2 All Jet2holidays include return flights, 2 to 5-star accommodation, return transfers~, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, wrapped up into an ABTA and ATOL-protected package. So they're always giving you more. And the best part? You can secure your stay and spread the cost with PayPal Pay in three interest-free payments^. There are millions of Free Child Place holidays‡ available too. Nothing beats a Jet2holiday! HOW TO ENTER? Download the Sun Savers app or sign up to Go to the Offers section and click Start Collecting on the Jet2holidays page. Pick up The Sun newspaper and collect FIVE out 13 Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily in the newspaper from Saturday, May 31 until Thursday, June 12. Enter or scan your five Sun Savers codes on the app or website by midnight on Friday, June 20. Or sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 and enter without the need to collect Sun Savers codes. 18+ UK residents only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Multiple code collect 31/05/25-13/06/25. Digital Newspaper and Sun Club subscribers enter by 20/06/25. Online access required. Entry closes 23:59pm on 20/06/25. ~Unless otherwise stated. *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. ^See for full details. T&Cs apply, see or Sun Club: Introductory offer £1.99 per month for the first 12 months, then £4.99 thereafter; or £12 in advance for first 12 months, then £49.99 per year unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For full Sun Club T&Cs, visit
