I am going to speak in very general terms about Belize, so you have an overall grasp of the country. You are then welcome to email me with specific questions.

The country is basically surf and turf. The "surf" being the dive islands or cayes as they are called. Ambergris Caye is by far and away the largest and offers to most activities and hotels. There is no one outstanding property on this island. Several are good; clients have told me none are outstanding. (See our Single Parent Family Friendly Specials section to see if we know of any hotels in Belize with special rates for single parents.)

The "turf" is the land mass on Central America. Many visitors to Belize combine the two, staying a few days on "land"and then a few days on one of the cayes. There are several popular areas in the "turf" part. The mountains or highlands offer a cooler climate, with hiking, horseback riding, swimming under waterfalls in secluded pools, etc. The kids and I did all those cool things. I recommend highly the Hidden Valley Inn. There are other excellent inns as well, plus a number of jungle lodges. Another growing area of Belize, further down the coast is Placencia,which is mainly water sports oriented but it is not a far drive for inland sightseeing.

• The Mayan temples about, one hour in from the shore, are outstanding and can be climbed via stairs for a fantastic view.

• The Belize Zoo is an absolute MUST-SEE. It is small, takes 2 hours or less to visit but it is funkiest and most interesting zoo you will ever visit in your life. I speak from experience, having visited zoos all over the world.

• I would spend as little time as possible in Belize City or none at all. It is not a safe place at night and the countryside offers much, much more.

Then of course you can always take an optional excursion to Tikal, Guatemala the "New York City" of the Mayan world, a truly magical place. We spent 3 days there but there are one and two day excursions. I have published a story about Tikal on several Web sites and magazines. Click here to read it.

The Belizean mosquitoes are horrendous in the summer so pack lots of bug spray.

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WRITER'S BIO
Brenda Elwell is the author of The Single Parent Travel Handbook and managing editor of The Single Parent Travel Network, a Web site and free monthly newsletter chock full of Single Parent Travel Specials. A veteran of over thirty years in the travel industry, she has traveled independently to more than 60 countries, half of them with her two kids in tow. Brenda may be reached via e-mail at brenda@singleparenttravel.net.

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