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Crystal River, Fla.: What is there of historical value to check out in Belize?

AnneLise Sorensen: Two words: Maya sites. From 1500 BC to 1000 AD, the Maya dominated Central America, and they left behind magnificent relics. Belize boasts a wealth of these spectacular Maya ruins and temples, including Lamanai in the north and Caracol in the southwest, many of which rise grandly from the jungle.

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Milledgeville, Ga.: My husband and I stopped in Belize City while on a cruise. We want to return and see more. Are the roads safe to travel? Can you rent motorcycle and ride around? If not, what is the best way to see more of Belize?

AnneLise Sorensen: That's wonderful to hear that Belize City piqued your interest to see more of the country. Often, you see, the opposite occurs: With its dilapidated air and congested streets, Belize City doesn't offer the warmest welcome upon arrival. Scratch the surface, however, and you'll discover a thriving, culturally rich city. The same can be said for the rest of this pint-sized country. As for embarking on your explorations: The good news is that the roads are generally quite safe. The bad news is that drivers are less so. Belize has a rather poor driving record, so take all the proper precautions when behind the wheel: avoid driving at night, and during strong rainstorms or other adverse conditions. You can certainly rent a motorcycle, but buzzing along on two wheels would be better for shorter journeys, like a morning cruise along the coast. For longer rambles, go for a sturdy car or pick-up truck.

I traversed Belize in a four-wheel-drive pick-up along the Western Highway, en route to the Maya site of Tikal, in Guatemala. It was a fairly smooth ride, barring the occasional crater-like pothole and, rather sadly, lots of skeletal dogs skulking along the roadside. It wasn't, however, until I crossed into northern Guatemala's bumpy, uneven border roads that I realized just how decently maintained Belize's roads are. While Belize has only four paved highways (including the Hummingbird Highway that snakes down to the southwest), they're well kept-up, and fan out into the far reaches of the country. A word of caution: Beware speedbumps, particularly at bus stops or upon entering a town or village. They're easy to miss, and driving over them at full speed can lead to a very sore head (and tush).

Where to rent? The largest and best-run rental car agency is the long-time, local Crystal Car (Mile 4 3/45, Northern Highway, toll-free in Belize 800/777-7777, crystal-belize.com). Crystal has the largest rental fleet in the country, and is the only outfit that allows you to take vehicles over the Guatemalan border. Owner Jay Crofton, based in his antique-filled courtyard on the Northern Highway, always gives a good deal on rentals and prides himself on service.

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Winter Park, Fla.: Having travelled all over for business, I find that I also prefer travelling alone for pleasure. Is Belize a good place for a woman to travel alone? How about renting a car and travelling from the airport south? I just turned 60 (the first of the boomers who think retire is another word for "yahoo!"), am physically active, and like doing new things.

AnneLise Sorensen: Hello—and I'll second that by saying Yahoo! to you for solo traveling. Yes, Belize can be a wonderful place to travel alone, as there's a strong sense of community, and most locals are amiable and welcoming. Just keep in mind that Belizean men can occasionally exhibit a machismo attitude and be boldly persistent, particularly in Belize City and tourist areas. But, replying with a curt answer and swiftly moving on will usually convey your lack of interest without being insulting. As for getting around, renting a car is a good idea, especially if you'd like to travel at your own pace. Enjoy your adventure!

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