Petty crime is a fact of life in the Caribbean (as it is in the rest of the world), but sometimes visitors let down their guard when the sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and most people you meet are warm and friendly. These articles can help you enjoy your Caribbean trip while still taking sensible precautions against becoming a victim of theft or violent crime.
Safety and security are always a concern when you travel, and a Caribbean vacation is no exception. It's a fine line between relaxing and letting your guard down, so while it's fine to chill out and have a good time on your island adventure, there are a few sensible precautions you should take before leaving home and once you arrive at your destination.
Violence is far more prevalent in some Caribbean nations than others, although even in the most troubled countries, violent crime rarely touches tourists. On the other hand, experts note, visitors are often more likely than locals to be victims of property crimes, and often are specifically targeted in locations known to be frequented by tourists.
Your odds of becoming a crime statistic while on your Caribbean trip are vanishingly slim, but it certainly doesn't hurt to go in with your eyes open, as well as your mind!
The U.S. State Department country profiles include warnings on crime and violence risks for visitors. Here's the crime advice for the Caribbean, by country.
According to the latest statistics, Jamaica has the fifth-highest homicide rate in the world, with 49 murders per year per 100,000 people, trailing only Iraq (89 per 100,000), Venezuela (65 per 100,000), El Salvador (55.3 per 100,000), and Honduras (49.9 per 100,000). According to the latest available data (from 2006), the murder rate in the United States was 5.7 per 100,000 population.
Planning your Caribbean vacation may take most of your focus, but there's a few steps you need to take before you don that tropical shirt and head out the door. AAA offers some excellent advice on making your home safe and secure -- and your travels worry-free -- before you go:
