The best vacations are those where you try something new you’ve never done before. When you learn a new skill or master a challenge or achieve a long-held goal during a trip, it leaves you with intense memories of that trip and a sense of accomplishment that can linger forever.

That’s one reason why I chose Belize for my family vacation: I wanted my younger son, Doug (14), to learn how to dive. Doug is starting high school next month and is fascinated by marine biology, so it seemed like a good moment to get him his scuba certification.

The diving and snorkeling in Belize is world-class, thanks to the country’s position alongside the world’s second largest barrier reef. Belize also has the typical advantages afforded by a location on the Caribbean Sea, yet it’s easier to fly to, more affordable than, and less built-up than, many Caribbean islands.

Doug wasn’t the only one with a goal to achieve. The other reason I chose Belize was so I could road-test Belize trip-planning specialists. Belize has been catching on in popularity among sophisticated travelers. For the past year I’ve received a steadily increasing number of Belize trip requests. So, of course, I wanted to investigate and find a Belize travel specialist worthy of The WOW List.

Here’s a sneak peek at our adventures. Stay tuned for more on the best things to do and see in Belize, where to stay, where to eat… and how to learn to scuba dive in just three days (that’s how long it took Doug). And if you’re looking for the best Belize trip-planning specialist, here’s who I recommend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmcVcS4Bv2_/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjkWJFBhsp/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhmTseBxOF/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmmP7AmBe2_/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhNK9YBlw5/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmmAbUWBWhV/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmoJe95BNFK/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmvxsKIBshm/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmr055VhuvC/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmtg4AaB_Te/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmqj4OOh1sy/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmrPz9Ah_1Y/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmwADKvhR_K/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmj2w6HhVLE/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkDOEFh_UH/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmwaJagh35o/?taken-by=wendyperrin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmyVcO_hi4Z/?taken-by=wendyperrin