TRAVEL TO BELIZE

THINGS TO BRING - AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE!!

We will room in dormitory style housing.  Everyone will be in a room with a roommate(s).  Belize will be hot and humid, and there also will be plenty of mosquitoes.  You need to bring clothing that allows you to remain relatively cool but also protects you from the insects.  While in the forest you will likely want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a hat, and some decent shoes.   Count on everything getting wet a few times.  Remember if you bring it - - you carry it.   Here is a list of things to bring:

-    YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT

 -    SNORKEL, MASK, and SWIM FINS

-    1 (or 2) suitcase(s).  ONE IS OPTIMAL

-    One carry on bag (for personal items, toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

-    Hat

-    Sunscreen (SPF 15+)

-    One pair of comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots (sandals may be useful for showers and the beach).

-    One day pack (for binoculars, camera, wallet, notebook, etc.)  Your day pack can serve as your carry-on if you like.

-    BINOCULARS - YOU CAN'T WATCH WILDLIFE WITHOUT THESE!

-    NOTE PAD AND PENCILS - This is an academic course.  You will be required to take detailed notes.  

-    1-2 liter-sized plastic bottles for drinking water during vehicle travel and day hikes.

-    One towel  (thin old ones are best - beach towels are over-kill)

-    1 flashlight (head lamps are great; bring spare batteries and bulbs)

-    2 garbage bag liners to keep dirty clothes separate from clean, and to keep things dry when stored outside.

-    Any medications you may need (if you take medication please inform an instructor prior to departure and bring enough for 2 weeks).  There will be no place to purchase medications in Belize.

-    Bug repellant (2-3 bottles) - Deet products tend to work best, but can be absorbed by the skin.  However, it also works when applied to clothing.

-    CLOTHING (we hope to have our cloths washed one time about a week after we have been in Belize):

        1-2 pairs of shorts

        1-2 pairs of long pants (lightweight cotton or mixed polyester-cotton hiking pants are recommended)

        1-2 pairs of long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

        1-2 lightweight cotton shirts or t-shirts, underwear, and sock (a weeks worth is recommended)

        1 bathing suit (an extra swimsuit may be useful)

        lightweight raincoat or poncho (windbreaker might suffice)

OPTIONAL

-    Camera and film.  There will be no place to buy film once we leave the U.S.  If you do find it, it will be very expensive.

-    Field guides (a list will be provided for those interested)

-    $$$$$ for soft drinks, and souvenirs

-    Personalized first-aid kit

-    Leisure reading material

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Food for Thought

    This course is conducted in remote areas of a developing country.  Many of the conveniences we have and take for granted here (flushing toilets, long hot showers, and immediate medical care) are not available where we will be staying.  Moreover, we will work closely with people from different cultures than ours.  As a participant in this course you will observe people and things that are different than what you are regularly exposed to.  This should be part of the unique learning experience of the course.  You will need to be respectful of the cultural differences you encounter among your hosts.  Try not to be an "Ugly American" and judge others through closed-minded eyes, as this would be a very limited perspective.

    As occurs at sometime during all field courses, something will not go as originally planned.  This will require flexibility and a positive attitude on your part.  Similarly, we can not control the weather and we will proceed with our activities even when it is raining.  Again, a positive attitude will go along way to making the adventure enjoyable and memorable.  This course is not a vacation.  It will involve hiking, swimming, and attendance and participation in all activities and lectures.  (If you can not swim and still want to take the course, please see one of the instructors – we have had non-swimmers successfully complete the course in the past.)

    About wildlife - we will have the opportunity of a lifetime to observe unique and incredible animals, and we will see many animals you haven't seen before.  However, keep in mind there are no guarantees when it comes to viewing critters.

    Finally, should you encounter any type of problem during any part of the course come to one of the instructors for assistance.