Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned traveler, you might be used to checking the U.S. Department of State for updates regarding the security situation in a number of countries:
It’s strange times we’re living in, after all, with all these geopolitical conflicts, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting some reassurance.
For Americans, this means checking their destination’s status on the State Department’s official website: if it’s Level 1 or 2, they’re good to go, though some caution is advise for the latter, if it’s Level 3, they should maybe reconsider traveling, and at Level 4…
Well, that’s the likes of Russia, North Korea and Iran for you.
This week, the entity updated its list, reissuing travel advice for 5 destinations, including 3 popular Caribbean getaways some Americans might have on their radar this winter, and we have good news for you:
Updates have been mostly positive. Let’s start with the Caribbean.
3 Caribbean Islands Placed At Level 1
Featuring at Level 1, the most desirable status any country can aim for, we now have Bermuda, a British island territory famous for its pink sands, picturesque capital Hamilton, featuring pastel-colored buildings and red telephone boxes, and luxury resorts.
According to the State Department, Americans visiting Bermuda this season should exercise ‘normal’ precautions, as levels of crime on the island aren’t significant, and the vast majority of vacationers have a hassle-free stay.
After Bermuda, U.S. authorities included an offbeat, yet incredibly-beautiful Grenada in their Level 1 advisory: an archipelago-nation comprising a mountainous main island and several satellite islets, it boasts a rich British-colonial heritage, with historic plantations and 18th-century forts galore.
Grenada is also highly sought-after for its unruffled golden sand beaches, that are nowhere as crowded as in other resort islands, and the fact safety risks are minimal makes it particularly appealing to U.S. guests.
That being said, the islands of Carriaocu and Petite Martinique are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, as noted in the advisory, and some services may yet to be re-established.
Last but not least, there’s Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, yet another independent collective of islands distinguished by yacht-lined harbors, dramatic volcanic landscapes, especially in St. Vincent, the largest landmass, and paradisiacal isles that host private villas.
Be it lounging on a deserted Princess Margaret Beach, where the sands are powdered-sugar white, or sailing along a reef-fringed Bequia Island, this safe, mostly crime-free island is perfect for unwinding, with overnight stays in beachfront hotels starting at $220.
Similarly to Grenada, however, you should know the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Islands, and Union Island are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl.
One Of The Safest Destinations In The World Is Now At Level 2
Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark only 56,865 people call home, with low, to negligible crime, so you’d naturally expect it to be part of the Level 1 crowd.
That’s no longer the case, but not for the reason you may be thinking.
Greenland continues to be a low-risk adventure when personal integrity is concerned, but on the downside, its extreme weather conditions and limited emergency services may pose a problem to American visitors in need.
As the State Department reiterates, consular assistance in Greenland is extremely limited, and as the weather can be harsh, most notably in winter, and resources are scarce away from larger settlements like Nuuk, visitors should proceed with ‘increased’ caution.
In other words, as fun as those can be, don’t go snowmobiling or dog-sledding by yourself, as it can take search and rescue efforts several days to reach the site of an accident.
South Africa Remains At Level 2 Despite Rising Crime
To end this story on a good note, advice has been reissued for South Africa, a bucket list country for millions of travelers, and we’re glad to report it is officially considered moderately-risky to visit.
Though a lot has been said in the media about South Africa in recent years, following the significant spike in inter-communal violence and incessant power outages, Washington officials have refrained from issuing their feared Level 3, or even Level 4 alert.
It continues at Level 2, as per the November 7 review.
That’s not to say Americans should let their guard down when traveling in Africa’s southernmost state, with crime, civil unrest, and even kidnapping remaining major concerns––still, incidents involving foreigners do not occur at alarming rates so as to warrant more serious warnings.
The advisory reads that ‘violent crime is common and includes armed robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging’, as well as ‘smash-and-grab attacks’ on private vehicles, so you should be vigilant at all times when traveling through urban areas.
Here are some safety tips for South Africa:
- Keep your valuables in a hotel safe, if you’re traveling with jewelry and/or luxury watches
- Do not use your phone in public (newer iPhones and other expensive models are most-targeted)
- Avoid joining demonstration and protesting crowds as these have the potential to turn violent
- Do not go to suburban areas unaccompanied
- Beware of existing racial tensions within certain communities
- If traveling inside South Africa, plan your route in advance and stick to the main highway (shortcuts are not advised as these may be controlled by militia)
- Roll up windows and lock doors when driving
- Avoid walking alone at night in poorly-lit, deserted areas
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