Where can I get information on traveling to Belize or Mexico and not get sucked into the "tourist" trap?

We would like to see things like the pyramids and the rain forest. I have looked at the planned vacations and that is just not us. We need the freedom to change our minds and reschedule and not have to do the extra stuff like group dinners.

Before I book anywhere I go to tripadvisors. You find out the places that are worth seeing from regular people who have been there and also the places to stay away from. I do this for hotels, activities everything...Its a great tool

Check out this article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A27298-2004Mar26¬Found=true

This is the place I stayed on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

http://book.banyanbay.com/index.php

The place was great with one of the best beaches in Belize. The price was right and the weather was perfect. On the island you can plan as much or as little as you want. You can plan everything there. You do not have to do all of your planning in advance.

I hope this helps.

get a good travel book. I use lonely planet it is good worth the money don't worrie no mater what you do or how many years you have been traveling you will sooner or later get taken it happens to every one that's part of the game. Using a good travel book you can plan what you want to do as well as use organized outings.