Ha... i just noticed this post and had to respond.
I have been to belieze several times. I have rented an Suv on all occasions and driven throughout the countryside. I, aside from the locals whom try and get your attention rather agressively outside(and i mean right outside)the port doors, have only encountered friendly, nice people no matter where i happened to stop. be it a gas station, roadside restaurant, or attraction the people are friendly and polite. With the exception of belize city, the rest of the country i have visited is rather calm and beautiful. in most any environment it is key to remember to be polite, don't speak down to the people, treat them as you would want someone to treat you, and most of the time everything will be fine. As with travel in any unfamiliar place you need to be aware of your surroundings and people. stay alert, don't expect something bad to happen(as it will keep you from having a good time), but be prepared in the event something does. Yes most of the caribbean ports of call are in poor countries, and crime on tourists can and do happen. This should not keep you from having a good time exploring a new culture and country.
By the way... for anyone who would like to know, the Hertz rental car office is located to the right of the tourist shops. just go out the rightmost set of doors(i notice that there are less people outside that door harassing tourists) walk to the right to the end of the bus pick up lane. there is a street there(can't remember the name). up that street about 200-300 feet, on the left is the hertz rental office. It doesn't look like much, and they don't have many options to choose from(as most of their fleet is at the belize airport), and you may have to be shuttled to the airport office to get the vehicle(i had to do this once). Now i know what you're saying... you're a grown man, in his fourty's... to which i say true, but i have done this with my 65 yr old mother as well. believe me... the people at the tourism center doors are agressive, but safe. if you are firm, but polite... they lose interest in you especially after they see you aren't going to give them any of your money. Keep this in mind, they are simply trying to make a living. They do not want to jeopardize being allowed on the property, or worse... being arrested and put in jail.
