Vella's Vacation Rentals

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re staying in an unfamiliar area, many people have questions about what to bring, what to do, and more. Below we’ve answered some of the most often asked questions we’ve heard about vacationing at our properties in Belize and Kelseyville.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, you’ll need to have a current passport. If it is less than 6 months before your passport expires make sure
you renew it. If you are planning a trip for longer than 30 days you must go to the closest immigration department and get a stamp in your passport.

Should I get any special vaccinations?

No vaccinations are required when traveling to Belize. If you have any concerns, please contact you physician for advice.

What currency is used in Belize?

Currency is 2 to 1, Belize (BZ) to USD. $20 Bz = $10 USD. We do not recommended exchanging your USD currency at the airport before arriving. They charge a very high percentage fee. Belize welcomes USD — they accept it everywhere and if you’re due change, you will get back BZ currency.

Can I use my US credit card in Belize?

Yes, Belize merchants accept most major credit cards.

Should I worry about biting insects?

Belize has a multitude of mosquitos, sand flies, no seeums, biting ants, and bootless flies. If you are susceptible to getting bites, make sure you always use an insect repellent. These pests pack a powerful punch. We highly recommend that you bring a spray with deet, Benadryl, and a good anti-itch cream. Taking Claritin everyday for one month prior to your trip to Belize has shown to be a big deterrent in getting bit. We have friend who tried it and swears by it, and we do too.

If I rent a car, should I purchase their insurance?

When renting a car, they will try to sell you their insurance. Most major credit cards have an insurance protection plan that will cover you while you’re abroad. Check with your credit card company, they may have restrictions on the type of vehicle and size they will cover.

Should I book excursions before my vacation?

You can potentially get lower pricing on excursions such as cave tubing, zip lining, and snorkeling if you book them before you arrive in Belize. For excursions such as an ATM cave tours or visits to Tikal, it is definitely best to plan a head. (See our Resources page for recommendations.)

Do you recommend any local businesses?

Yes! If choosing to stay at one of our vacation homes in Placencia or San Ignacio Beliz, see our Resources page for local recommendations of restaurants, car rentals, tour companies, local airlines, shuttle service, and much more.

Is there a phone in the house?

There is not a landline phone in the house, so we encourage you to use your mobile phone while staying on our property.

Where is Kelseyville?

Kelseyville is located in Lake County California. Panoramic Paradise Landing is about a three hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Is this a fire danger area?

We have been lucky not to have experienced wildfires in this area. However, if you are staying during the summer months there is a higher potential for fires and we encourage you to use NIXLE on your start phone, text 888-777 and enter the Kelseyville zip code of 95451and you will receive all important updates for the Kelseyville area. This is not to scare you but to keep you informed!

Where can we launch our boat/Sea-doo?

Our home is a short drive to the Clear Lake State Park Boat Ramp located at 5300 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville.

Is there a dock on your property?

Our property doesn’t extend all the way to the shoreline, so there is not a dock.

What are some things to do in the area?

We are members of the Riviera Hills Country Club. You will have access for up to 4  people to use their pool. Hours of operation are Memorial Day weekend through Labor day weekend, Wednesday-Sunday 1pm-7pm. Country Club access also includes tennis courts and use of all facilities.

We offer a day around the lake wine tasting adventure — 4 to 6 hour tour for the Lake County wineries, or a 6 to 8 hour wine tour to Napa County. We drive you, worry free. If interested please inquire for cost for this service.

You can also take advantage of hiking, boating, sea-dos, paddle boarding, fishing, wine tasting, shopping, gambling, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, or just sit back and relax!