Spend the Holidays in Belize!

North Americans are expected to soon turn their attention to holiday shopping with intensity, say analysts for the National Retail Federation. Part of the reason has to do with recent economic news. "Overall, the economy has been operating with solid footing, and the consumer economy and the retail industry certainly continue to benefit from that," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

In addition to having more money to spend on gifts, the calendar is shortened this year. There are six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a surprising trend has emerged: Shoppers don’t just want to shop. They seek holiday “experiences” that include spending more on seasonal décor, and, according to Deloitte Consulting principal Brian McCarthy, consumers say they are planning to allocate more money to travel. If you intend to follow this trend, the destination you pick is especially important because you don’t want to spend a good portion of your savings on long flights and language apps, which is why Belize is ideal.

Can you do both? Of course, you can, if you intend to spend your year-end getaway at Belizean Dreams Resort in the quaint town of Hopkins. While the property is fully booked for Christmas this year, there is availability around Thanksgiving, and you still have plenty of time to sort out arrangements if you start the process right now.

Expect to trade winter weather for sun, snow boots for a swimsuit, and once you choose between two-package options, you can use the resort’s “5 Step Plan Your Stay” guide to book. You probably already know that packages are the best way to vacation these days because they consolidate individual costs of accommodations, meals, onsite activities, and more, but at Belizean Dreams Resort, there are still deals to be had that make a getaway even more affordable.

…pick travel dates you prefer between now and December 20th, and if there’s availability, receive $100 per night discount on either Belizean Dreams package (this discount is already applied on the booking page). Read restrictions associated with this special and if you can meet them, count yourself among the lucky few.

If you’ve snagged that deal, think about the number of extras you can add to your itinerary during your Belizean Dreams stay, including visiting the resort's spa, frolicking in the surf, adding a tour and spending time browsing Hopkins Village and perhaps even doing your Christmas shopping during your affordable stay. 

Importantly, give yourself this opportunity to breathe deeply while you occupy a poolside lounge to compose your Christmas gift list, finish reading the book you’ve put off for too long, or just veg out knowing this escape is likely to re-invigorate you. This year hasn’t been the best, which is why ending it on a high note may be all you need to face 2025 with enthusiasm and hope!