6.17.2026
Traveling teaches you quickly that what works at home doesn’t always work abroad – especially when you trust your GPS a little too much. During our first trip to Belize in 2018, my husband and I learned this the hard way, turning what should’ve been a simple drive to our jungle resort into a full‑blown Indiana Jones–style misadventure.
When we landed in Belize for the first time in 2018, we figured getting to our jungle hotel in San Ignacio would be easy. Two hours into the drive, everything was smooth—until we hit one chaotic intersection packed with buses, people, and unclear road markings. Our GPS insisted we’d missed a turn. We ignored it, assuming it would reroute us like it always does in the U.S.
It did… just not in the way we expected or needed.
The new route pulled us farther from town and deeper into the countryside. The scenery was beautiful, but as daylight faded, our confidence in the GPS did as well. Eventually, the instructions led us down a long dirt driveway that grew narrower and rougher the farther we went. By the time we reached a small parking lot in the dark, our nerves were shot.
The GPS cheerfully announced we’d arrived! Looking at the resort sign, we realized we definitely had not!
Inside the office, the staff explained that our resort was right across the river, but a 45 to 60-minute drive away. After 12 hours of travel, the thought of getting back in the car and facing that confusing intersection again felt like it was too much. We asked if they had a room available for the night. And, of course, they didn’t.
Sensing our desperation, the staff offered a spectacular alternative: they could canoe us across the river to our hotel.
Although all the bad thoughts flashed through my mind about how we would be chopped up and left for dead, exhaustion won. With flashlights and our luggage in hand, we trekked through the dark to the riverbank and climbed into the canoes. As the employees shined their lights across the water, I imagined piranhas waiting for us to tip over. Less than 10 minutes later, we arrived at the other side of the river. Canoes, luggage, nerves and all! We hiked up the hill to the dining area of our resort and strolled in like arriving in dramatic style was our usual travel vibe. Even better, the next morning, our rental car was waiting for us. The same staff who rescued us drove it to our hotel. Needless to say, we sent the management at their hotel a glowing recommendation about their exemplary customer service skills.
That night taught us a few lessons we’ll never forget:
- GPS abroad isn’t always your friend
- Kindness exists in every country
- Sometimes the wrong turn leads to the best stories
Our GPS mishap resulted in a once‑in‑a‑lifetime river crossing we never would’ve chosen but will always remember!
Have you ever had a travel experience like this? Share your story below!
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