Belize

Belize was one stop on a bigger Central America trip, and it ended up being the one I still talk about the most. It’s a small country, you could fit it inside a few decent-sized US states, but it packs in the Barrier Reef, jungle, Maya ruins, and one seriously legendary cave, all without ever feeling rushed to get between them.

English is the official language here, which throws you a little after hopping around Spanish-speaking neighbours, but it makes Belize an easy country to slot into a wider trip. It’s also small enough that you don’t need weeks to get a proper feel for it. I split my time between the laid-back Caribbean side and the jungle interior, and that contrast alone tells you most of what Belize is about.