Particularly when the frigid wrath of winter gusts across North America, few places lure like the Caribbean. Beaches with champagne-hued sand, infinitely clear water layered in deep greens and blues and tiki huts in a tropical breeze; those cliche images of a Caribbean vacation are accurate to a tee, and pretty much define relaxed resort living. But there are some things you should know about traveling in this region, as the Caribbean is home to some danger zones. And while most tourists will never face a threat during their vacations, dangers still exist in the prettiest of places.
Here are some islands where tourists should take extra care:
Jamaica –From its towering waterfalls, rushing rivers and the honeymoon-and-cruise ship havens Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most stunning islands. More than one million tourists visit here every year, most without incident. All-inclusive resorts operate as gated communities of sorts, and you’re unlikely to encounter any danger within their confines. Cruise ships offer organized tours that are quite legitimate and safe. But the country as a whole has one of the highest murder rates in the world (uncomfortably close to that of Colombia), and venturing off the beaten path anywhere in Jamaica should be approached with a serious measure of caution. Tourists should either cruise in or opt to fly into Montego Bay’s airport instead of Kingston. The danger of murders and robberies is a threat around West Kingston, and there have been reports of increased violence and gunshots on the Mountain View road, along the route to the Norman Manley International Airport. If you rent a car to tour the country, consult with locals on road conditions, as landslides may have erased sections of main roads. Never stop for any reason on lonely stretches of road.
Antigua –Several high-profile murders in recent years, including the violent January 2010 stabbing of a cruise ship passenger near popular Pigeon’s Point Beach, are indicative of a rising crime problem on this beautiful island, which has long been popular with the yachting set. Antigua’s population is 80,000, but the island’s per capita murder rate is roughly triple that of New York. Illegal drug activity is a major problem and has been tied to increased reports of violent crime. Most often, it’s a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lessen your odds of encountering a threat by avoiding walking outside at night (take a taxi to your destination if you head off resort property, and ask the driver to return to pick you up at a specific time). If you arrive in Antigua by cruise ship, be sure to book land-based activities only with verified operators. Independent travelers should seek advice from reputable hotels when planning excursions.
Bahamas – Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas are a string of diverse islands home to everything from placid villages that are likely as safe as your own neighborhood to dangers zones best off avoiding entirely. A recent surge in violent crime in Nassau, the Bahamian capital and its largest city, means tourists are best off avoiding New Providence Island altogether (if your cruise ship stops here, inquire with the concierge for the most up-to-date safety information). Petty crime is a problem throughout the country. As a general rule, the Out Islands tend to be the safest havens for both resort tourists and intrepid travelers looking to venture off the beaten path by staying in small guest houses and dive resorts.
Trinadad and Tobago –These neighboring islands off the coast of Venezuela comprise one nation and offer a rich visitor experience-although not without threat. There have been increased reports regarding violent crimes and murder in Tobago. Visitors flying into Trinidad’s Piarco Airport should be particularly vigilant, as armed robbers have been known to follow newly arrived passengers to remote areas of the airport parking lots or even to accost them on the road to the city of Port of Spain. Tourists should avoid walking around downtown Port of Spain at night, and should not stop at scenic overlooks after dark.
Dominican Republic – The country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti has long been popular with European tourists, and increased flights from North America of late have lead to a surge in tourism from our part of the world. Petty crime is a problem throughout the island, but the thing worth worrying about here is Dengue Fever–a mosquito borne disease that is endemic to the Dominican Republic. Malaria, although a lesser issue, is sometimes seen, too (after Haiti, the DR is the riskiest place in the Caribbean for mosquito borne diseases). Tourists staying at the beach resorts in the country’s eastern La Altagracia province should be extra vigilant by applying insect repellants with DEET and wearing skin-covering clothes, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Visitors who venture into the countryside for adventure activities are particularly prone to come into contact with disease-carrying mosquitoes.
By all means, don’t let any of these or other warnings keep you from your dream vacation. Some vigiliance, preparation and basic common sense are most of what you need to avoid adding any risk to your much needed vacation. If you sit back…relax….and be smart, you can enjoy the ride as much a puppy with his head out the window of your highway drive in the car.
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