Dallas, Tex.: For next year, I'd like to plan a trip to Belize for about 5 days and combine it with a 2 or 3 day visit to Tikal in Guatemala. Is it best to fly from Belize City to Tikal? Or would it be better to travel overland; if so, suggestions on how to best plan an itinerary to include both destinations. Also, any suggestions for tour operators that could assist with the trip. Thanks.

AnneLise Sorensen: If you're pressed for time, then fly to Tikal; regular flights depart from Belize City to the airport in nearby Flores. However, if you have more flexibility in your schedule, then opt for the overland trip, which takes you along the Western Highway from Belize City into Northern Guatemala. It's fairly smooth (except at the bumpy border roads) and offers the chance to see more of both countries along the way. You've made a good decision to stay in Tikal for at least two to three days. I'd suggest that you base yourself in lovely little Flores, with its cobblestoned streets, twin-domed church, and wide range of accommodation. Minibuses, including those run by San Juan Travel (tel. 7926-0042, 2a Calle, in Flores), depart throughout the day to Tikal; the trip generally takes a little over an hour. Additionally, all hotels and travel agents can arrange this trip for you.

Are you up for getting up early—and I mean really early? If so, go for a sunrise trip to Tikal (departure is around 3:30am), when you can observe the mist-shrouded temples coming into focus against the tangled jungle as the sun rises in the sky.

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Washington, D.C.: My daughter is considering celebrating her 30th birthday, which is in September, in Belize. Due to her lack of vacation time, we are considering the Christmas holiday time in 2008. Would that be a good time? Is there safe New Year's Eve celebrations? Are the prices reasonable at that time of year. What activities can you recommend for young professional women on the island?

AnneLise Sorensen: Hello—and happy 30th to your daughter! Late-December is an excellent time to visit Belize, as the country is just emerging from the rainy season, so it's lush and green, but the skies are clear and sunny. Note, however, that this is high season, so it's the priciest time to visit. As for New Year's Eve—Belize celebrates it with enthusiasm, fireworks, and free-flowing cocktails, particularly in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. If you'd like fewer crowds, try casual Caye Caulker. That's what I did last year, and it was a refreshing way to ring in the New Year: A group of traveler friends and I headed to the breezy split, at the north end of the caye. We knew that elsewhere in the world, the midnight countdown was being chanted by thousands, but here our only companions were the bright moon, the rhythmic whoosh of the waves, and a couple of chilled Belikin beers. As for activities for your daughter: Belize is a boon for outdoor sports, from snorkeling and diving to trekking and tubing. And, she should definitely fit in a climb up a Maya temple; I recommend Lamanai in northern Belize. Have a wonderful trip.

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San Juan, P.R.: Hello. We are visiting Belize on a cruise later this year, provided that it survives Hurricane Dean. What is the most interesting thing for our family to see if we only have half a day there? We have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old that are both gifted and very curious to learn so more stimulating or exotic activities are probably more appropriate. Thanks and regards, Ron.

AnneLise Sorensen: Ron, Belize is still under hurricane watch because of Hurricane Dean—but we're all hoping for the best. As for maximizing your half-day visit: You'd likely need longer than that to explore the cayes or nearby Maya sites, so I'd suggest a visit to the Belize Zoo (daily 8.30am-5pm; Bz$16 adult, Bz$8 for children; tel. 501/220-8004, belizezoo.org), about 28 miles from Belize City, which should suitably captivate your gifted young ones.

Considered to be the finest zoo in the Americas south of the US, it's organized around the theme of "a walk through Belize," with a trail that takes you into the pine ridge, the rainforest, lagoons, and river forest. The most famous resident is April, a now venerable Baird's tapir (known locally as a "mountain cow") well known to the schoolchildren of Belize, who visit in their hundreds on her birthday (in April) to feed her a huge vegetable birthday cake. Plus, all the Belizean cats are represented, including jaguars and the rarer melanistic (black) jaguar. You'll also spy colorful scarlet macaws, and other birds including toucans and jabiru storks. The feathered star of the show, however, is Panamá, a magnificent male harpy eagle (originally from Panamá). When you're on the viewing platform outside his spacious enclosure he'll look at you with his steely eyes—and you can be grateful you're out of reach of his enormous talons. All in all, the Belize Zoo is both entertaining and educational for the younger set—enjoy your visit!

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Brooklyn, N.Y.: My boyfriend and I are going to Belize in December. We're planning on visiting several Maya sites and also doing lots of outdoor activities. I'd also like to spend a few days at a spa/resort. Do you know of any?