HURRICANE IRENE
If you are traveling from the East Coast for the warm tropics of Belize or Central America, here is an up-date on Hurricane Irene.  Please keep in touch with your airline,  United, U.S. Air, Delta, Continental & Jet Blue all have travel advisory and travel waivers for travel Aug. 25 – 28, 2011 from various cities along the east coast to the Caribbean, see the airlines web site for complete details.  While Hurricane Irene continues lashing the Bahamas this morning, officials along Central Florida’s beaches are taking precautions as stormy conditions slowly develop. Reports show the cyclone could strengthen into aCategory 4 hurricane by the time it reaches the Central Florida coast at 2 a.m. Friday. Once it passes the Central Florida region, Irene is forecast to weaken slightly and either brush or hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Saturday as a major hurricane. From there it would veer near New York on Sunday and arrive in Massachusetts on Monday.

As Earth Day approaches one area of the world that continues to be a fragile environmentally beautiful destination is the Barrier Reef of Belize.  Considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in Central America and home too many species such as the spiny lobster, sturgeon, conch, rays, whale sharks and 500 species of fish, it’s a divers and sports fisherman’s paradise.

The Belize Barrier Reef is nearly 700 miles long ranging from Mexico to Honduras, a play ground for divers.  The three coral atolls, including the Great Blue Hole make Belize one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. With such high visibility extending to 200 feet, divers of all ages and abilities find many new areas to explore.  Visitors to Belize are attracted to the rich diversity of the reef,  UNESCO awarded World Heritage Status to the Belize  Barrier Reef.  Divers come to Belize to explore the spur and groove coral formations and sheer walls along the length of the reef.  Popular dive sites include the atolls, the world-famous Blue Hole, Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan marine Reserve, South Water Caye marine Reserve and the seasonal whale shark encounter at Gladden Spit.   Snorkelers can also enjoy the clear turquoise waters floating atop of the warm water.  Knowledgeable local guides are available to help arrange dive and snorkeling excursions.  One of the most popular day trips is swimming with the rays and sharks in waist deep water.  Swimming with these gentle rays and nurse sharks is an experience you will never forget.  Other water sports such as sport fishing, sea kayaking and sailing are offered in certain areas of the country.  Opt for a stay in a small town, a remote beach, or even a private island.  If you just want to relax, there is no better plane than a hammock or lounge chair and let the warm Caribbean Breezes surround you.  Should you decide to plan a journey, we’ve have some interesting vacation suggestions. 

Get There:  Go with Belize TravelPOINTS, founded 14-years ago helping travelers with travel arrangements into Belize.  They can help you combine a jungle lodge journey with a diving / snorkeling experience.  Journey into Belize’s rainforest for a few days, kayaking or exploring a cave, a side trip to Guatemala, a visit to the Mayan ruins at Tikal, and, finally a three-day stay on an island in the reef with plenty of diving or snorkeling.

The Hotel Ka’ana Resort and Spa is a boutique luxury hotel located in the Cayo district of Belize.  Hotel Ka’ana Resort is a short drive from the small town of San Ignacio and is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Maya Mountains.  True to it’s Mayan name Ka’ana, meaning “heavenly place” this delightful boutique resort, set in tropical gardens, offers exceptional accommodation in charming cottage with fine dining, superb service.  Conveniently located near all major touring attractions is one of a hand full of choices for luxury discerning travelers.  Adventure and non-adventure seekers will have numerous options from a day tour to Tikal in Guatemala to cave jungle trips.  The hotel is a great way to relax after a full day exploring Belize to enjoy a drink at their bar and a fine culinary Belizean gourmet dinner, you won’t be disappointed. 

After making the decision to visit Belize, where do you start to begin planning a vacation that is fun, exciting and has some of the luxury hotel options to experience.  Why rely on the “do-it-yourself” approach of the internet when you can plan your adventure or vacation with a seasoned travel expert that has been working with proven reputable suppliers for the past 13-years. Belize TravelPOINTS has a list of proven reliable resorts and hotels, tour providers and suppliers that can customize the Belize vacation to your desire.  Whether its couples or families, we can help you make the most of your vacation in Belize with jungle adventures to beach get-away.   Let us help you take the guess work out of planning your vacation.  Our service is to provide knowledge, advice and value to a vacation as important as yours.  Please call me us at (800) 626-3483 or email us at info@belizetravelpoints.com  or visit our web site at www.belizetravelpoints.com and together we can work on your arrangements for a perfect vacation.