Q – 11.9.25 – We will be planning a honeymoon to the Caribbean in the next three months, and we have a rather specific question we hope you can answer without fear of backlash. Obviously, we will be choosing a five-star resort or as close as we can get to it. My bride and I love to walk, shop, and explore. We keep hearing stories that in the Caribbean that can, in certain places, be dangerous. Despite the quality of the hotels, can you name the islands that you would deem “unsafe” for folks like us – adventurous types who would not want to remain “on-campus” at one of the island’s inclusive resorts. We are 26 and 29 – if that matters. Really appreciated and we will understand if you prefer not to name “names”.
A – These are the islands we would definitely avoid at the present time:
- Haiti – No brainer – healthcare is collapsing and there is a high rate of civil unrest and attempted kidnappings of foreigners. If you are planning on packing an AK-47 in your honeymoon luggage – you might have a chance.
- Trinidad and Tobago – Same as above – but somewhat less severe. There is a current “reconsider travel” alert from our State Department.
- Jamaica – Violent crime is an issue ion many neighborhoods. Jamaica is also under “Reconsider” advisory although the Jamaica Tourist Association will offer a counterargument.
- Dominican Republic – This is the one most visitors miss because the Dominican Republic has numerous inclusive resorts and low airfares. But look behind the ads and you will note any number of statistics that make us add it to our list.
- Turks & Caicos – Requires a “heads up” for travelers from the US although less serious than the preceding islands.
- St. Thomas – The Mega-Cruise Ships call here daily so the assumption is that the island is safe. But night demands caution and assault and kidnapping are not unknown. There are absolutely neighborhoods that rank among some of the most in the Caribbean.
We realize that some of our readers and guests will point out that cruise lines regularly call at most of these ports. Yes – but they get out of town by sundown!
We all wish you a truly memorable, walkable, and entirely safe honeymoon.
