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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right place for Belize Resources and Information.

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Future Expats Planning a Move to Belize

by tacogirl 17/05/2017
written by tacogirl 17/05/2017
Move to Belize

I was email chatting this morning with guest post author Jon. He had agreed to share his and partner Eddie’s interesting long time journey and still winding their way to becoming Expats in Belize. This next bit I just read in his last email was very fitting as I have always believed thought and synchronicity play a huge part in travel and taking giant leaps like making a decision to move abroad (and all important things in life.)

“I must share that I stopped recording the COINCIDENCES AND SIGNS in my personal journal because there were just too many, I kid you not!  We really hope this happens and we’re trying our best to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!”

Back in February, I had given Jon the following advice – Just remember if it is right everything will fall into place. I told him to “Call up some divine timing” and “synchronicity.” It was good to see that rang true as they took the next big step forward while on their most recent trip. They came on a scouting visit to verify their thorough online research and cross-check how different districts match their wish list.

Our Journey and Planning a Move to Belize

My partner Edward and I currently live in Brooklyn, NY and we are in the process of taking the necessary steps to move to San Pedro, AC in the very near future (hopefully sooner than later!).

Our Story…

What a journey it has been!! Let me start by saying that the universe really does work in mysterious ways. I believe that when one is really ‘ready for change’, life seems to unfold. There are times in life that ‘change’ can be good, bad and/or indifferent. Like the song says, ‘Everything Must Change, Nothing Stays The Same, Everyone Must Change…’ I kept saying to myself from the beginning, ‘don’t be too afraid’ fear can help guide you’. I think complacency and normalcy are our enemies. As my grandma always said, ‘Keep the fire in your belly’!

Upon arrival at the San Pedro airport on March 26, 2017, we saw the Tropic Air sign – WELCOME HOME as we stepped off the plane and I got major goosebumps. I also felt a sense of relief! There have many ‘goosebumps’ during this crazy journey along with many, many coincidences.

Let me introduce myself…my name is Jon and my partner is Eddie and we currently live in Brooklyn, NY. My partner and I have been on the most incredible journey for years but didn’t know the specifics until January 2017. I am born and bred in NY. Eddie is originally from Tanzania, East Africa — but lived in many places prior including England, Kuwait and then ended up in Brooklyn. We have been together for 22 years.

To make a long story short, we hope to move to San Pedro, AC in the very near future. Crazy as things seem, we hope the path has been set up for us. In March 2017, we were in Belize for a two-week trip to explore various areas to potentially live. It was our fourth time to Belize since 2003, and third time back to AC.

It was so important to us to drive throughout the mainland and explore the country, as well as revisit various areas of interest. On March 17, when we arrived at the Philip S. W. Goldson International airport, we retrieved our rental car and headed down south to Hopkins. Hopkins is an amazing area and we were able to explore Dangriga, as well. About an hour south of Hopkins, we revisited Placencia, where we last vacationed in 2011. Times have surely changed!! As much as we loved Hopkins and Placencia, they didn’t seem like they were the right starting point for us coming from NY. We needed to work our way if you will.

After our southern Belize time, we drove north to Corozal, to explore this uncharted territory. Corozal is a lovely, sleepy village with many retired expats from Canada & the U.S. After a lovely time in Corozal, we flew to San Pedro for the third time since 2003. Again, times have surely changed things!! Ambergris Caye has grown considerably since our last visit and continues to expand.

When we revisited Caye Caulker as well it reminded us so much of what San Pedro used to be like many years ago. No matter what, Ambergris Caye is where we hope to land. As I write this, our home in Brooklyn is in contract and we plan to come to San Pedro very soon to hopefully lock in a long-term rental. We agreed from the beginning of this journey to rent at first and get our feet wet, and hopefully buy something down the road…time will tell. We stand by the idea to rent at first for anyone considering the move along with EXPLORING BELIZE, as much as and as long as you possibly can before making a commitment.

In addition to these locales, prior trips over the years have included spending time in San Ignacio, Placencia, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and more. We are trying our best to remove the fantasy from the equation and deal with the everyday reality. It’s a gamble like anything else. There are fears, concerns, etc. but that goes without saying for any potential, major move. To summarize this story, from day one we have met and/or corresponded with so many supportive people, like Laurie who have been AMAZING AND SO HELPFUL!! From the beginning of this search…whether it be meeting expats living throughout various parts of Belize, talking to locals sharing their own personal stories or chatting with tourists visiting the country for the first time, we have been on the most incredible journey that we hope is far from over!!

Again, time will tell!! Peace to all, Jon & Eddie

A Mix of Old and New Ambergris Caye Pictures

Move to Belize

Mata Rocks Dock – Image by Jon Foy 2017

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Ambergris Caye

Shark Ray Alley – Image by Jon Foy

Hopkins Belize

Walking the beach in Hopkins – Image by Jon Foy 

Southern Belize

Beach cabins in Hopkins – Image by Jon Foy

Move to Belize

Caye Caulker – Image by Jon Foy 

Corozal Belize

Pool time at Almond Tree Resort – Image by Jon Foy 

San Pedro Town

Back in the days of sand streets – Image by Jon Foy 2003

Election Celebrations – Image by Jon Foy 2003

Related

tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Darrell Moore
Darrell Moore
13:15 18 Apr 22
Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
B W
B W
18:01 08 Feb 22
Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
Kristi Palm
Kristi Palm
20:40 12 Oct 21
We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
D Zep
D Zep
12:39 01 Oct 21
Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
Kelley Adams
Kelley Adams
20:19 21 Sep 21
We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
Pamela Nixon
Pamela Nixon
18:36 20 Sep 21
I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
Chris S
Chris S
17:12 17 Sep 21
Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
Ty Willingham
Ty Willingham
01:47 20 Aug 21
I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
Greg Cox
Greg Cox
18:58 04 Aug 21
I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones
18:41 02 Aug 21
I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
Greg R
Greg R
02:12 29 Jun 21
tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
Katherine Carlson
Katherine Carlson
18:46 02 Jun 21
As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
Kathleen Ward
Kathleen Ward
18:29 02 Jun 21
We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
ksniegoc1
ksniegoc1
17:45 02 Jun 21
It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
Myra F
Myra F
01:30 25 Mar 21
I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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