Caribbean Vacations: Safety Tips For Tourists
July 15, 2010 by Caribbean Vacation and Island Tips
Filed under About Caribbean
Caribbean Vacations: Safety Tips For Tourists
Are you are gearing up for a trip to the Caribbean? Whether you are traveling to Jamaica, the Bahamas, or another popular destination in the area, you are and should be excited. Safety is probably one of the last things on your mind, but it is something you should still consider. The Caribbean is a very safe place to travel to. In fact, that is a reason why it is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. With that said, all tourists, regardless of where they travel to, should practice safety and caution.
So, how can you ensure you have a good and safe Caribbean vacation? Follow a few of the travel tips below.
Choose your overnight accommodations wisely. In this popular vacation area, you have many staying options. These include Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, vacation resorts, and all-inclusive resorts. Traditional hotels are nice and usually very cheap, but most times you simply just get a roof over your head. With all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, you get more. These resorts are designed so that you never have to leave. They are loaded with fun activities, multiple bars and restaurants, fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, and so forth. Most of your staying options are safe, but all-inclusive resorts are the safest and best way to go.
Research area attractions and activities beforehand. Although all-inclusive resorts are designed so that you never have to leave, that is part of the fun. Do you want to get out and sightsee? If so, do a small amount of research ahead of time. Many travel websites allow tourists to rate and review popular attractions. Not only can you ensure you visit a water park or hiking trail that is safe, but also it enables you to spend your money wisely. Do not waste time visiting an attraction where other tourists rated it a waste of time or money. To find these online travel websites that allow rating and reviews, perform a standard internet search with a phrase like this “Negril Jamaica attractions.”
Opt for guided tours. The number one reason for tourists leaving all-inclusive resorts is to sightsee. In fact, keep your Caribbean resort and inclusions in mind. Do not waste money to rent snorkeling gear when your hotel already included these rentals in with the cost of your stay. However, sightseeing is another story. If you want to spend the day sightseeing, opt for a guided tour. Remember, you can research these tours online to find the best quality tour for the lowest price and to make a reservation. Tour guides are not only familiar with the land and the history behind it, but they are the safest way to travel.
Do not look like a tourist. This will be hard, as you want to take pictures and videos of your vacation. When sightseeing, do so in moderation. It is best to wear regular clothes. Yes, that shirt that says “I traveled to Jamaica,” is cute, but save it to wear once you arrive back home. Although popular Caribbean vacation destinations are safe, tourists are at risk for theft. Try to blend in, travel with a group, and leave all valuables in your in-room safe.
Speaking of valuables, leave them at home. It is not uncommon for some tourists to pack their life in a suitcase or two. Yes, you want to be able to check your email, so you may bring your laptop computer. You have a long flight, so you may bring an iPod or a portable DVD player. These items are okay, but keep their costs in mind. Would you be able to afford a replacement? If not, consider leaving them at home. Otherwise, keep these valuables in your carry-on luggage and use your in-room safe. Not all Caribbean hotels and resorts offer in-room safes. If yours does not, speak with management to determine a safe alternative.
Finally, use your best judgment. As previously stated numerous times, Caribbean vacations are safe to take. Regardless of where you vacation, what type of hotel or resort you stay at, and whether you sightsee or not, you should have an enjoyable time. Just don’t put yourself in questionable situations, such as traveling alone at night and carrying all your money in cash.
Planning a safe Caribbean vacation begins with choosing the right place to stay. Your best option is to stay at luxury, yet affordable all-inclusive resorts. Visit Breezes.com today to book your travel plans.
Planning a Caribbean Vacation: Frequently Asked Questions
September 25, 2009 by Caribbean Vacation and Island Tips
Filed under About Caribbean
Question: What part of the Caribbean should I visit?
Answer: If this is your first time traveling to the Caribbean, you will be pleased with your travel options. Three popular choices among first time travelers, like yourself, include the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Each of these locations come highly rated and recommended. As for what you should choose, go with your first choice. That will get you the tropical vacation of your dreams!
Question: Is the Caribbean safe to visit?
Answer: Yes! When researching Caribbean vacations and safety, you will find many stories and warnings online, especially pertaining to the island of Jamaica. The Caribbean, as well as the island of Jamaica is safe to visit. With that said, you need to be cautious. Safety is always important when traveling, whether you leave the country or not. Do not carry expensive valuables with you; stay in areas designed for tourists, always let someone know where you are, and so forth. Follow these tips and you will have a fun and safe trip.
Question: What are my overnight accommodation options?
Answer: When it comes to the Caribbean, you also have many staying options. There are traditional hotels, vacation rentals, vacation resorts, and all-inclusive resorts. You should take a number of factors into consideration when making your decision. Once again, consider your personal preferences, location, onsite services and facilities, as well as costs.
Question: Where should I stay on my vacation?
Answer: As previously stated, you should consider costs, likes and dislikes, and location. You should have Caribbean hotels, vacation resorts, vacation rentals, and inclusive resorts to choose from. Still, know that all-inclusive resorts come highly rated and recommended. In fact, they are one of the reasons why the Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations!
Question: Should I book my vacation as an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation?
Answer. Yes! As previously stated, all-inclusive Caribbean resorts come highly rated and recommended. This is because they have many benefits. The greatest being the time and money saved. A stay at an all-inclusive resort includes the cost of room, qualifying airport transfers, tips, food, drinks, and some forms of onsite entertainment. Essentially, one travel arrangement preplans and prepays for a good percentage of your trip. By making use of resort inclusions and then comparing their costs individually, most travelers are surprised to see they saved a considerable amount of money by opting for an all-inclusive travel package.
Question: Should I make my airline reservations separately?
Answer: When booking an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation, you will have the option to include airfare. In most cases, this is optional. Before opting for or deciding against, compare prices. Is it cheaper to book your airline reservations through the travel package or separately? Opt for the cheapest option.
Question: Do I need a passport?
Answer: Yes, if you are traveling from the United States. A passport is required to travel to and from the Caribbean by air from the United States. If you do not have a valid passport, order yours, but give yourself time. It can take up to two months for your new passport to arrive.
Question: Do I need to exchange currency before leaving?
Answer: It is not required, but it depends on your personal preferences and the currency in question. If you have access to a currency exchange center, start out small. This may allow you to tip helpers at the airport. However, it is not required. In fact, the Caribbean is home to many currency exchange centers, some of which are located on the grounds of well-known resorts. Many stores and restaurants also accept international credit and bankcards.
Question: What should I pack for my trip?
Answer: You should start packing for your trip at least two to three days in advance. This is for clothing. When doing so, check the weather and pack accordingly. Before that time, start preparing your needed documents. As previously stated, a valid passport is required. Next, have another form of identification, such as a driver’s license. Pack your health insurance documents and get all needed prescriptions filled ahead of time.
Thanks to Dominiq Gallagher for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:
