While several popular sun destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico have elevated safety concerns, many Caribbean destinations are not under Canadian government advisories, including a few bucket-list island nations.
The Canadian government currently advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in several coveted vacation spots, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Canada also warns against non-essential travel to parts of Mexico and advises travellers about the risks of visiting the rest of the country.
That still leaves many terrific vacation destinations worth considering for your next sunny getaway.
That said, travellers visiting countries that don't have the upgraded advisory should still be aware of some risks. While these places may be safer overall, every destination has important safety considerations.
Have a look at some popular options for Caribbean destinations for Metro Vancouver travellers plus several important safety tips.
Aruba
Located in the southern Caribbean, Aruba wows visitors with hypnotically turquoise waters, stunning shores with powdery-soft sand beaches, and a hot, tropical climate. Since it is only 15 km off the coast of Venezuela, it is possible to see the country on clear days.
A quick scroll through photos from the tropical gem shows palm tree-lined shores, glamorous high-rise buildings, and even elegant, coral-pink flamingos wading into its crystal clear waters. It's one of four countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which includes Curaçao and St. Maarten.
Visitors should take note of a few safety considerations for travel to Aruba. Petty crime occurs in Aruba, increasing during public holidays and celebrations, such as Carnival from January to March. Women may also be harassed walking alone after dark in isolated areas.
Wildlife may also be dangerous if viewed up close.
The Canadian government advises tourists to follow safety tips:
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Never leave valuables such as jewellery, cell phones, electronics, wallets or bags unattended on the beach or in your vehicle
- Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark
- Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe
- Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife and don't exit a vehicle unless instructed by a tour operator.
Curaçao
Curaçao is another stunning Caribbean country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Known for wide-spread coral reefs, the tropical gem offers numerous places to snorkel and dive for people of all ages and skill levels. Popular sites include the Airplane Wreck and a vibrant "sponge forest" near a secluded and intimate beach. There's even a popular spot known as "Eel Valley" that once teemed with the long sea creatures. Divers can still see some of them but there are numerous other marine inhabitants to discover in the unique spot.
The Canadian government gives the green light to visit the sun-soaked island but warns that petty theft, such as purse snatching and pick-pocketing, occurs in tourist areas. The same travel safety advice given for travellers to Aruba applies to Curaçao. Violent crimes also occur but rates are low.
Barbados
Barbados overwhelms the senses from all angles. While it is a fairly small country -- you can drive across the island in under an hour --- the landscape varies drastically, offering the mighty swells of the Atlantic on one side and the calming Caribbean on the other.
Crop Over is the most important festival in Barbados, dating back to the 1780s when it would mark the end of the sugar cane harvesting season for enslaved workers and later the free labourers. The festival was terminated in the 1940s after the sugar industry began to decline but was resurrected in 1974.
A Bajan party will likely involve food and rum -- its iconic Mount Gay distillery was founded in 1703 -- but it always involves music. Socca, calypso, dancehall, and reggae music fill the air on hot, humid nights at every party and event across the island.
Canada advises travellers to take normal security precautions in the country but advises that petty crime increases during peak tourist season between November and April.
Tourists should follow some safety tips during their stay:
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach
- Always lock and secure your accommodation doors and windows
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
Unfortunately, some incidents of armed robbery, sexual assault, gang-related shootings and murder have increased in recent years. Travellers should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark, showing signs of affluence, and visiting isolated areas.
Women may also face harassment and sexual assault. They should avoid leaving drinks unattended and be wary of strangers. 2SLGBTQI+ persons may also face discrimination and harassment. Canada has comprehensive advice for women and 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.
Saint Lucia
Easily recognizable by its majestic tapered mountain mountains, known as Pitons, Saint Lucia oozes natural beauty, covered in lush, tropical rainforest and home to breathtaking beaches with sparkling, turquoise waters.
Visitors to Saint Lucia can enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities such as zip-lining, riding ATVs through the countryside, and several water sports, such as parasailing and surfing.
Water-based activities are some of the island's biggest draws, boasting some of the world's best snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Canada advises travellers to take normal security precautions on the Caribbean island, noting that petty crime occurs, particularly in popular tourist areas. Unfortunately, incidents of violent crime, including murders, sexual assaults, and robberies, have increased over the past year.
Travellers are advised to:
- Be aware of their surroundings at all times
- Avoid walking alone after dark
- Avoid isolated areas
- Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
- Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
- Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe ''
Women may face verbal harassment and abuse, as well as sexual assault. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face additional safety risks when visiting the destination. Public displays of affection are not considered socially acceptable.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory that includes 40 different islands and cays. People live on only eight of them, with each offering a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
While kicking back and getting a sun tan on a beautiful beach might be at the top of your to-do list, there are countless places to explore and activities to enjoy.
People who love to fish can enjoy several opportunities in South Caicos, which is where most of the lobster and conch comes from. They can go on fishing tours or visit the Cockburn harbour and the natural phenomenon of the boiling hole, according to the tourism board.
While the resorts are safe, petty crime can occur outside of them, such as purse or bag snatching. In popular tourist areas, muggings and armed assaults also occur. There are higher crime rates in Providenciales.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
- Never leave valuables such as money, credit cards and personal electronics unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Be cautious when using ATMs, especially after dusk.
- Avoid secluded, isolated areas, such as roads, parks and beaches, after dark.
Only use licensed taxis and decide what the fare for the trip will be before you depart.
A few more safety tips for travellers
Visit a travel medical clinic before you book a ticket. The healthcare professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya in tropical destinations.
People also frequent waters at beach towns and resorts on holiday. Travellers should ensure aquatic equipment is in good condition before engaging in an activity and that life jackets are available.
Coastal waters can also be dangerous and, in some cases, some beaches are too dangerous for swimming. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards, according to the Canadian government.
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