Adventures in Belize: Traveling with kids

Traveling with young children can often be a daunting task, but my recent journey to Belize with my three kids—ages 1, 3, and 4—turned out to be a memorable adventure filled with learning and unexpected kindness.

The Journey Begins

Our voyage started a week ago from Vancouver. While many travelers choose direct flights from Calgary or Toronto, we opted for a more adventurous route with an overnight layover in Dallas. We began our journey at 5 PM, filled with excitement and plenty of snacks to keep the little ones occupied.

Our first flight was smooth, but arriving in Dallas late at night with three kids in tow was another story. We had to claim our luggage, which felt like a mini-ordeal. However, we were met with incredible generosity from strangers at the airport who stopped to lend a helping hand. From guiding us to the baggage claim to helping with our larger suitcases, the kindness of travelers made all the difference.

A Night in Dallas

After navigating the airport chaos, we finally made it to our hotel in Dallas. The staff was incredibly accommodating, and one kind gentleman even helped us shuttle our bags to the airport the following morning. We settled in for a brief night’s rest, ready to tackle the next leg of our journey.

The next day, we hopped back on the shuttle to the airport and boarded our second flight to Belize. At 3.5 hours long, it was evident that there’s a magic number when it comes to flights with kids—around four hours. Beyond that, the energy levels start to wane, and things can get a bit rowdy, much like our car rides back home of the same duration. Still, we managed to keep spirits high with games and the occasional movie.

Embracing Belizean Culture

Once we landed in Belize, the adventure truly began. The vibrant culture welcomed us with open arms. From the moment we stepped out of the airport, it was clear that Belize is a family-oriented place. Locals were eager to share stories, offer tips, and show us the best spots for family fun.

We plan on staying here for 2 to 3 months, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in this beautiful country before moving on to our next destination. While relocating with kids is undoubtedly the hardest part of our travel adventure, the effort feels worthwhile as we explore and connect with our surroundings.

We’ve spent our days exploring the beautiful beaches, trying the delicious Belizean cuisine, and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Interactive experiences like visiting the Mayan ruins and engaging with locals brought us closer together as a family and provided invaluable lessons for our kids.

The Takeaway

Traveling with young children is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. This journey to Belize has taught us more than just about a new culture; it has shown us the importance of community and kindness. Each friendly face we encountered along the way reminded us that while family takes center stage, the world is filled with others willing to lend a hand.

As we continue our adventure here, we are grateful for the experiences and connections we are making. Traveling with kids might come with its fair share of chaos, but it also opens up a world of joy, learning, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to many more family adventures ahead!