As more Americans seek out winter sun, what better place to vacation than the always reliable Bahamas?
…or is it?
According to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, crime surges are commonplace this time of year. So much so a new security alert was just issued.
While the U.S. State Department caused quite a stir issuing a new travel advisory to kick off 2024, the U.S. Embassy is ending the same year by saying, “hold my beer”.
Typically, The Bahamas is widely viewed as one of the safest Caribbean getaways, but no place is flawless despite its pristine beauty and ample luxe resorts.
Ugh, Not Again! The Bahamas Can’t Wait For 2024 To End
Crime can be a fickle topic.
Nowadays it’s hard to open YouTube without seeing travel bloggers venturing into the ‘most dangerous’ of places.
But guess what – there’s always a second video, meaning they made it out unscathed and on to the next one.
Whether The Bahamas will undergo a crime wave this winter or not, this new alert is their second blemish this calendar year on what’s normally a squeaky clean record.
So, let’s turn the clock before we turn it forward again in a few weeks.
What started The Bahamas’ year of bad press was a spate of unprecedented homicides in the capital, Nassau.
You don’t think of The Bahamas as being riddled with gang violence, so this was quite shocking news.
Long story short, the advisory was never updated. Tourists have been enjoying this stunning nation ever since.
However, things got spicy for a bit when Bahamian officials claimed that the unordinary incidents didn’t reflect the island as a whole.
This was followed by multiple American tourists claiming to be drugged and assaulted. To the Bahamas’ credit, the perpetrators were swiftly arrested.
So, as many tourists will spend their holidays in the Bahamas, what should they do?
Are Tourists In Danger This Winter?
While it’s reasonable to suggest most vacationers visit The Bahamas all willy-nilly, those who know of The Bahamas concerning violence may have second thoughts about visiting, and rightfully so.
The U.S. Embassy has listed many suggestions for a safe vacation here.
It boils down to going about your vacation as you would anywhere by remaining cautious of your surroundings, who you associate with, and where you visit.
Even a destination with incredible safety numbers can wind up in dangerous situations.
While The Bahamas became spicy in their response to the initial advisories, the U.S. Embassy does bring up a valid claim this time around.
Local Bahamian police have also issued a warning to locals to be more vigilant in recent years, which certainly doesn’t help their case.
Of course, it’s not the best look for your police force to be federally indicted for smuggling either.
The Embassy’s point is there is no certainty of crime escalating, but history says it’s likely during the holiday season, and importantly the new alert is to provide awareness and not stoke fear.
In all likelihood, if you go about your vacation responsibly at one of the Bahamas many lavish stays and phenomenal beaches, you will have the time of your life and make it back home safe and sound.
For what it’s worth, The Bahamas broke tourism records last year, welcoming nearly 10 million visitors.
More important safety tips provided by the U.S. Embassy:
- Use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas
- Stay alert for signs of intrusion, such as open gates, unrecognized vehicles, forced entry, or broken windows
- Avoid flashing wealth, such as showing high amounts of cash or jewelry in public
- Walk in groups when possible, especially after sundown
Where To Avoid In Nassau
Like most cities, there are places to avoid to remain safe. But sometimes, our wanderlust itch is too tempting to scratch.
Nassau is a vibrant city, home to the world-renowned Paradise Island and a multitude of fun excursions.
Many tourists stay at the resort, but it’s always nice to venture into the city to find some unexpected delights.
Nassau is no different, but there are definite no-go zones.
Prior advisories highlighted Over-The-Hill, an area south of Shirley Street to avoid. Also, South of Nassau is off the traditional tourist path, where infrastructure is lacking in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
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