In the first part of this post you can read about my early career decisions and my process along the way. If you want to jump directly to: "My top 5 adventurous travel suggestions for your gap year or career break for potential wildlife biologists and wildlife technicians." - Skip to the section below if … Continue reading My top 5 gap year travels and experiences in wildlife biology and thoughts on career paths
Central America
My Journey with Tropical Birds: Banding at T.R.E.E.S
So is six weeks enough to gain confidence in banding exotic, mystery birds and teeny, wiggling warblers from North America, you may ask? In this post you can read my experience at the bird banding station in Belize in September-October 2018.
ARCAS Guatemala wildlife volunteer
Passionate about wildlife? Eager to learn and use Spanish in a working environment? Look no further! I visited ARCAS Guatemala in lake Petén for a week in October 2018 while I was in the country. This is my own personal experience. Please read the background for more details about the site and how to combat … Continue reading ARCAS Guatemala wildlife volunteer
Discover the Hidden Gem: Caracol Maya Ruins in Belize
The ancient Maya ruins in Caracol was probably the most spectacular place I visited during my stay in Belize. From atop the Mayan temples you can scout far and wide from one of the largest Mayan cities in the World. Caracol is a bit of a drive from San Ignacio, but worth the wait as … Continue reading Discover the Hidden Gem: Caracol Maya Ruins in Belize
A Day in Cockscomb Basin: Hike, Wildlife, and River Tubing
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize offers pristine rainforest experiences, renowned for its wildlife, including jaguars and various bird species. Visitors can hike the Tiger Fern Trail and enjoy beautiful waterfalls. After hiking, river tubing provides relaxation amidst nature. Accessible by public bus, the sanctuary features affordable entrance fees, making it a memorable one-day adventure or an overnight stay for a deeper exploration.
Belize: Hostels and hammocks in Hopkins
During an internship in bird banding at Toucan Ridge, I visited Hopkins in September 2018. The Funky Dodo hostel provided budget-friendly accommodation. Despite pollution on the public beach, a trip to Jaguar Reef offered a cleaner alternative. Hopkins offers a quiet and authentic atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed vacation or weekend getaway.
Belize: Beach trip to Placencia (on a budget!)
Backpacking in Belize can be expensive, but budget-friendly tips for staying in Placencia include using public transport, booking hostels, and exploring activities such as snorkeling and local seafood restaurants.
White sand beaches on Caye Caulker in Belize and snorkeling on the coral reefs
I share my experiences from two visits to Caye Caulker, Belize, highlighting budget-friendly accommodation options, a 'secret' beach, and a snorkeling trip. Advice is given on hostel selection based on preferences and location. Additionally, the post offers insights into visiting white sandy beaches and snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.
El Remate: The Gateway to Tikal and Scenic Nature Trails
El Remate is a perfect, down to earth, town to visit before venturing deeper into Guatemala. I used El Remate as a stepping-stone before visiting Tikal and Flores. I came from San Ignacio in Belize and did the border crossing in the morning, before coming to El Remate. It is a small, quiet and beautiful … Continue reading El Remate: The Gateway to Tikal and Scenic Nature Trails
Lakeside relaxation in beautiful Flores, Guatemala
Discover Flores, a captivating town in Guatemala boasting colorful streets, stunning lake views, and excellent cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local markets, embark on a boat trip on Lake Petén, and explore the ancient ruins of Tikal. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty, culture, and history that Flores has to offer. Why you should … Continue reading Lakeside relaxation in beautiful Flores, Guatemala
Explore Tikal: Camping, Temples, and Wildlife Encounters
Tikal National Park, located in northern Guatemala, is a captivating destination with its stunning rainforest, diverse wildlife, and well-preserved historical ruins. Getting there requires a bus journey, with an entrance fee at the gate. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins and spot wildlife, whilst also enjoying mesmerizing sunsets from atop temples. Amenities include eateries and camping facilities. Preparation is key to fully enjoy this outdoor experience.
How to cross the border from Belize to Guatemala
Border crossings can be extremely intimidating to carry out. Language barriers, men with weapons, or you may even encounter corruption. This can happen anywhere in the World, but be aware that people in powerful positions make take advantage of you, especially if you are young and if you look wealthy. (2023 update) In this post … Continue reading How to cross the border from Belize to Guatemala
Planning your Belize journey: Hostels, itineraries and transport
In September 2018, I spent seven weeks in Belize, a diverse country with beaches, Mayan temples, and rainforests. I explored cities and sites like Belmopan, Cockscomb Basin, and San Ignacio. English is widely spoken, making travel easy. ATMs are secure, and the currency is tied to the USD. While slightly more expensive, budget-friendly travel is possible. Public transport is reliable, and it's recommended to plan itineraries according to the duration of your stay.
Traveling Female Ornithologist 