Tourexpi
There’s a version of Belize that most travellers never see simply because they’ve been told to wait. Wait for the so-called “dry season.” Wait for peak travel windows. But if you wait, you might miss something special: Belize stripped of its crowds, softened by afternoon rain showers, and even more alive with festivals and cultural events.
After all, there’s a reason why Alaska Airlines continues flying during what Belize calls its “green season” — because if you’re willing to put up with the occasional rain shower, you’ll get to experience facets of the jewel in the crown of Central America in a whole new light.
I’ve been visiting Belize several times a year for a decade. I’ve written two guidebooks to the small country, penned countless travel articles; in that time, I have travelled to Belize through just about every route and medium possible — including an overnight bus from Guatemala City.
But flying to Belize from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines is far and away my favourite route, which is why I chose this option for my most recent off-season visit. The more direct approach from California helped, but the seamless experiences I got through my Atmos Gold status sealed the deal: the relaxing lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, an upgraded seat and easy onboarding using the Alaska Hawaiian mobile app. Plus, it was nice to spread out as I enjoyed a chicken and noodle dish that tasted as if I had been dining in a restaurant. By the time we touched down, I felt genuinely rested.
Flying Alaska Airlines with Atmos Rewards status is the ideal way to kick off any vacation, but especially a destination where the unique confluence of Caribbean and Central American culture invites visitors to “go slow.”
It’s true that Belize’s off-season (roughly May through November) is technically the rainy season; it is also warmer on average. But here’s the thing — Belize is a subtropical country, which means the weather is gloriously unpredictable, regardless of the time of year. Storms roll in and move on. Rain comes in bursts, as does the sun.
What you gain in exchange for a little weather uncertainty is significant. Rates at hotels and resorts drop considerably, and the most popular spots, which can feel overrun in January, offer more breathing room.
Certain experiences only exist in the off-season. For example, I’ve planned trips around summer-ripened mangos alone. In July, the Belize Lobster Fest has become a countrywide phenomenon as lobster is finally allowed to be caught and eaten. In September, Belize puts on huge celebrations for its independence, the Battle of St. George’s Caye, and Carnival.
Belize stands out as a destination for its world-class diving and Caribbean experiences, lush jungles brimming with wildlife and ancient Maya ruins, and the many cultures that call the country of 430,000 home. Because Belize is small, travellers can make the most of what’s on offer even when time is limited.
For this trip, I booked my entire package via Atmos Rewards and Alaska Vacations: I rented a car at the airport with Avis to drive down the new Coastal Highway and stayed at the beachfront Itz’Ana Resort on the Placencia peninsula. The ease of flying to Belize with Alaska persisted off the plane: I’ve never spent less time in a car rental office.
(Editor’s note: Atmos Rewards members can earn points on qualifying Alaska Vacations bookings and unlock exclusive savings and travel perks. Book now to start earning more on your next trip.)
Picture Credit: 2026 Alaska Airlines, Inc
The most interesting news
Read the News

Spain strengthens position as Europe’s leading high-value tourism market
Spain generated €115.1 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, outperforming the European average for spending per traveller as global tourism expenditure surpassed US$2 trillion
Read the News

Colombia tops Global Big Day bird count once again
Colombia recorded more than 1,560 bird species during the 2026 Global Big Day, reinforcing its position as the world’s most bird-diverse country
Read the News

Yas Island to become home of Sphere Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will invest USD 1.7 billion in the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a new immersive entertainment venue planned for Yas Island with completion targeted for 2029
Read the News

Delta expands fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across global fleet
More than 1,200 Delta aircraft now offer free Delta Sync Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members, combining high-speed connectivity with personalized entertainment and digital travel experiences
Read the News

Spain launches €15 million support package for sustainable tourism businesses
Hotels, restaurants, campsites and other tourism businesses in Spain will benefit from a new €15 million funding programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and circular economy measures
Read the News

Eurowings introduces sneakers as standard crew footwear
Eurowings cabin crews can now wear branded white sneakers as part of their uniform every day, expanding the airline’s popular “Sneaker Flydays” concept across all operations
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
